Vision Statement

The OTU Association exists to provide  a vehicle for the ongoing  connection,  and networking and support for all those associated with OTU.  The Association is dedicated to the commemoration and remembrance of the Scheyville experience and the contribution made to Australia by all those involved.   The association seeks to provide fellowship for its members.  The association encourages and supports the development of leadership in young Australians.

"let's keep the blokes together"

Chairman's Welcome

From 31 March 2009 the OTU Association (Victorian Chapter) assumed responsibility as the OTU Association (National Committee) from the ACT Chapter. I was elected National Chairman at the Committee's October AGM.

Most of us remember our "Scheyville Experience" with great affection. In a positive way it changed our lives and our attitudes forever.

The Association was established in the 1980's to ensure the continuation of the memories and to allow Scheyvillians to celebrate their unique experience together. As well, it sought to put something back into the community. The fostering of youth leadership was, and still is, regarded as the most appropriate avenue for this purpose.

Our main aims over the next year are to update and consolidate our membership database; update and maintain the website; encourage and support Chapter and Class activities and continue to encourage and support youth development opportunities in each Chapter. It is pleasing that our Quarterly publication "The Scheyvillian" has already resumed circulation.

We also intend to determine a clear way ahead for the Association (we are not getting any younger) and will use the National Council to work this through. Input from members would be greatly appreciated. All members are encouraged to use this web site to keep abreast of what's happening in the Association and to update you personal details as they change.

To access the 'members only' section of the web site, you need to log on. To do that you go to the Member Log In box and entering your   Regimental Number and Surname.

If you are planning a Class reunion, or Chapter activity, please send the details through to National Secretary, Roger Nation at this email address. He will post it on the website.

The website is only as good as the information it contains. Please use it often, update it as necessary, and spread the word of its existence to fellow Scheyvillians.

Nil bastardum carborundum

Frank Miller (4/67)

National Chairman

THE SCHEYVILLE EXPERIENCE

The Officer Training Unit at Scheyville NSW existed for only a brief eight years, yet the impact on those who experienced it has lingered for more than four decades.

Raised on 1 April 1965, near the town of Windsor, outside Sydney NSW, the unit’s purpose was to train young officers to serve in the Australian Army during their two years compulsory national service.

During the National Service Scheme  of 1965-73 some 800,000 young Australians were registered for call up, with 64,000 (8%) selected by ballot based on their 20th birthday date and called up for two years service. Of these 64,000 national servicemen 2700 (4%) were selected for a 21 week make or break course at OTU Scheyville and only 1871 finally graduated as Second Lieutenants around their 21st birthday. Statistically they are a unique group of men.

The experience at Scheyville had in most cases a major impact on their lives. For many it was one of the most intense experiences they would encounter. For others it changed their lives forever. Some served on in with distinction in the regular Australian Army, with many reaching the rank of Brigadier and many earned gallantry awards in Vietnam and Malaysia. Others went on to make a substantial contribution to Australian society through careers in politics, business, law, public service, education, sport,  the arts and sciences and on the land.

This unique group of men won the hard earned respect of the army and OTU Scheyville has gone down in the annals of military history as one of the Army’s great successes.

For  those that went through the OTU Scheyville, be they staff or graduates, that shared experience has created a bond that has lasted for decades. Throughout the world Scheyvillians keep in contact with each other through the OTU Association, regular reunions and get togethers and they maintain friendships and a camaraderie born of the Scheyville Experience.

As the decades roll on life appears not to weary them and news is always filtering through of the strong spirit of adventure and confidence that is the hallmark of those that passed through OTU Scheyville.