HMAS LEEUWIN was opened as a Junior Recruit Training Establishment (JRTE) on 13th July, 1960, and is located on the Swan River near Fremantle, in the state of Western Australia.

In January, 1963, the role of the JRTE was expanded by the introduction of an Officer Candidate Scheme which was developed to allow selected Junior Recruits from HMAS LEEUWIN, Recruits from HMAS CERBERUS, Apprentices from HMAS NIRIMBA, and in special cases, sailors from the Fleet to undergo a course of academic instruction of 18 months duration, commencing in July of each year leading to the W.A. Leaving Certificate and Matriculation Examination.  Successful completion of this course qualified Officer Candidates for selection as Cadet Midshipmen and entry to the Royal Australian Naval College, from which they graduated as General List Officers.

Recruiting & Selection of Candidates

Junior Recruits (JRs) were selected from young men aged 15.5 to 16.5 years of age, who apply from all over Australia.  Normally those selected are in their 3rd or 4th year of High School.

A final selection was made in the Navy Office, Canberra, from all candidates considered suitable and young men were advised 3 weeks before entry if successful.  About one in 3 applicants were selected, and each year between 750 - 800 applicants entered.

Intakes

There were four intakes each year, as follows:

Outline Of The Course

The length of course was for one year, which was divided into two terms of twenty two weeks with four weeks between terms.  The training program was based on a thirty hour (45 periods) instructional week, not counting time spent on extra study and outdoor activities.

                              First Aid
                              General Naval Indoctrination
                              Seamanship
                              Junior N.B.C.D. (Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence)         
                              Parade Training
                              Religious Instruction (Including Character Guidance Course towards end of JR Course).
                              Land Fighting
                              Physical Training
                              Part of Ship Duties (This included, ship visits, kit musters, and general domestic tasks).

Accommodation

All JRs were accommodated in six modern brick and tile buildings, divided into two berth cubicles.  Each block was self contained, with showers, bathrooms, laundry, ironing and drying-room facilities.  The cubicles had ample locker or built-in wardrobe space and writing tables were provided.

Messing

All meals were served from a modern galley on the cafeteria style.

Clothing

Each JR on entry was issued with all necessary items of clothing.  Free replacement of kit, subject to the rules regarding fair wear and tear, was allowed to all JRs.  The cost of repairs to footwear issued to JRs was borne by the Navy.

Leave

Six seeks seasonal leave was granted during the year.

Short Leave
Short leave was granted to JRs not required for duty at the weekends as follows:
 

*  No short leave was granted during the first month at HMAS LEEUWIN.

Overnight Short Leave
Overnight weekend leave was granted only to those JRs who had their parents permission in writing to stay with their sponsors, or to JRs to stay with their parents who lived locally.

Sponsorship Aim
To seek the kind and generous support of local people to welcome a JR into their homes, and to provide overnight accommodation on the occasions when a JR is given leave during his 12 months at the JRTE, HMAS LEEUWIN.

When sponsorship of a JR to his sponsor was processed the mutual interest of both were considered, eg religion, family activities, and the parents wishes.  No JR was allowed sponsorship without parental consent.

Pay/Pocket Money

The balance was paid into the JR's Bank Book and was given to the JR on his leaving the establishment.

Optional Discharge

All JRs were given the option of leaving the Service at the end of the 1st term.