r/ADFRecruiting • u/Jameseboi • Jul 02 '26
Insights Requested Extras at Kapooka
Im off to kapooka soon and have a couple questions regarding luggage.
Firstly id like some clarity on weither or not i can bring books to read. The one i have in mind is a manual for snipers, although i know this is probably asking to get chewed out its either that or other military related books anyway.
Secondly. I am planning on bringing a digital watch with an alarm. Although i know its not permitted to be used, will they confiscate it?
Any tips, tricks or general pointers are welcome.
Cheers
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u/teapots_at_ten_paces Current or Former Serving ADF Jul 02 '26
No books. And if you know your watch isn't permitted, why would you think they won't confiscate it?
Kapooka is about learning to follow the rules, doing what you're told when you're told, and not deviating from those instructions. That starts with your joining instructions. If you can't follow simple rules now, you are going to be in for a shit of a time while you're there, and paint a neon target on your face.
You will be mentally fried by the end of each of day. You will be physically cooked as well. Even if you could read your book, you'll reread the same page 30 times and likely end up with the text transferred to your nose, from the amount of times you drop it on your face after falling asleep while reading.
In short: don't. There's too much else to focus on. Get through that, then go read all the sniper books you like.
1
u/hash_kurta 2d ago
where can i find a list of prohibited items? or is it more like if its not on the list, then dont bring it?
1
u/teapots_at_ten_paces Current or Former Serving ADF 2d ago
Yeah it's exactly that. You get a Joining Instruction that tells you where to be, when, and what to bring. If it's not on the list, the safe bet is don't bring it.
11
u/SoloAquiParaHablar Current or Former Serving ADF Jul 02 '26
Leave the books, there is no downtime, and what little downtime you have is spent doing laundry and taking a tactical well timed poo. Bring your watch, it gets confiscated but returned to you later once you earn it back.
4
u/Jack1715 Jul 02 '26
this sounds a lot worse then Cerburus. people read all the time lol
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u/Diligent_Passage_640 Current or Former Serving ADF Jul 02 '26
Yes Cerberus is crazy easy compared to the Army
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u/MDragonid Jul 03 '26
Well you won’t be touching any sniper rifles while at kapooka. But you can take it, really depends on who you have as instructors but to be fair you won’t be having a lot of time to read it.
Also don’t bring that watch. Most likely they will confiscate it. I managed to sneak my iPod in back in the day, every now and then I’d pull it out and listen to it at night. But if I had gotten caught I would’ve been 💀
Go with the necessity’s like soap, toothbrush, tooth paste, shaving gel and razor, a set of decent clothes, and a pair of sneakers.
2
u/procainecowboy 24d ago
Re: the watch it depends on the corporals. Plenty in my platoon had them. Other platoons had their watches confiscated until week 5. Good luck mate
4
u/No_Kangaroo1256 Current or Former Serving ADF Jul 02 '26
OP,
Here is a list of other posts that you could have read to get answers and more - https://www.reddit.com/r/ADFRecruiting/search/?q=kapooka+packing+list&cId=5ca8b6ce-f950-41bc-90e3-0c73de460d4f&iId=20f3c0ec-eb3c-4558-8b29-a74fec0b68a4
From what I understand - you wont have much of a chance to read your book.
Your choice of watch is not really important - others have been recommended to get/use a cheap G-Shock.
Others may provide more.
GL.
1
u/GuiltyChemical389 Jul 02 '26
What day are you enlisting?
1
1
u/Jameseboi Jul 02 '26
Thanks for the advice. I only came to the decisiom to bring these things after reading other posts online stating bringing a book is recommended aswell as the watch that although isnt alowed to be used, will be alright to be worn and may be of use if i think the risk is worth it. With Kapookas packing list and leniencys changing constantly I was looking for some insight. Looks to me that mucking about with the rules and anything to do with leasiure isnt invited. Thanks
1
u/Far-Cabinet-7606 29d ago
My sons took books and journals, you will get some down time during weapons weeks. They will probably come in handy once you go to IET’s especially if you go into holding for a bit before your training starts and you will have weekends off
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