[3] In July 1942, the regiment moved to Puckapunyal with the rest of the 6th Armoured Brigade.

At the Armoured Fighting Vehicles School the regiment conducted Officer and Senior NCO leadership and tactics course, prior to conducting specialised training in driving and maintenance, gunnery and wireless for each squadron.

The regiment trained on M3 Grant medium tanks and M3 Stuart light tanks, with support elements equipped with a range of carriers, trucks and weapons.

[3] The unit achieved AIF status, with at least 65% of its members volunteering for overseas service.

[2] However, by December 1942 the strategic threat to Australia had lessened as the Japanese advance had been halted following the battles of the Coral Sea and Guadalcanal, and the Kokoda Track campaign.