Army Indigenous Development Program & Regional Force Surveillance Unit Education and Development Course

The Royal Military College of Australia (RMC-A) is seeking a Supplier to work with the staff of the Regional Force Surveillance Group (RFSG) to deliver two specialised programs that are aimed at increasing the representation of indigenous Australians in Army. “Indigenous”, in this context, refers to persons of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent. Candidates for these programs are selected through a competitive identification and screening process demonstrating a strong sense of values, commitment and a desire to serve. This recruiting process targets candidates who do not possess the requisite education levels for 'general entry' into Army or the Regional Force Surveillance Unit, or at least the confidence in demonstrating them.

Army Indigenous Development Program

The Army Indigenous Development Program (AIDP) is a pathway program designed to provide an opportunity for Indigenous Australians to undertake a career within Army where they do not currently meet general enlistment standards for full-time or part-time service. The program will bridge education and health standards as well as reinforce the individual resilience necessary to commence the Army Recruit Course (ARC). As a result the program is to be delivered in an appropriate military environment in order to engender the requisite skills, knowledge and attitudes that will allow a successful transition to a military career.

Regional Force Surveillance Unit – Education and Development Course

The Regional Force Surveillance Unit – Education and Development Course (REDC) is a program sponsored by the Army which targets part-time members of the three RFSUs – The North West Mobile Force, The 51^st Far North Queensland Regiment, and The Pilbara Regiment. It aims to improve the language, literacy and numeracy skills of candidates who might otherwise face challenges in successfully completing either induction training, or other promotion and career advancement courses.

The Supplier will be contracted to deliver the programs in a manner which provides sensitivity to Indigenous requirements, and also acknowledges development of the military ethos in the candidates. Over the duration of the programs it is expected that the candidates will have improved self-esteem, develop greater resilience and robust coping mechanisms to meet the challenges they will experience in military life. They will start to develop the qualities expected of soldiers noting Army's core values of Courage, Initiative, Respect and Teamwork.

The Supplier must be able to demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity to the indigenous culture.