ADF | Exercise Hardcorps 2024

The latest cohort to pass through Long Tan Platoon at the School of Infantry underwent Exercise Hardcorps, the culminating activity marking the end of their training at the School. After three and a half months of intensive training, this exercise is meticulously designed to test the soldiers’ mental and physical readiness, assessing the skills they have developed throughout their course.

The exercise commenced at midnight, with the soldiers organized into sections. Throughout the night and into the early morning, they undertook a variety of challenging stands. These stands were strategically designed to evaluate their proficiency in key areas such as tactical maneuvers, marksmanship, endurance, navigation, and teamwork. Each section was closely assessed and observed by instructors to ensure that the soldiers met the rigorous standards required of a qualified infantry soldier.

The culmination of Exercise Hardcorps is a significant milestone for these soldiers. Upon successfully completing the exercise, they were presented with the Skippy badge, a prestigious symbol of their qualification to join the Infantry Corps. This badge not only signifies their readiness to serve but also represents their perseverance, dedication, and the high level of training they have undergone. The presentation of the Skippy badge marks the beginning of their careers as professional infantry soldiers, ready to face the demands and challenges of their new roles.