It also undertook short periods of continuous service to provide training to conscripts called up under the Universal Training Scheme. Nevertheless, due to the provisions of the Defence Act, it was precluded from being sent overseas to fight and remained in Australia. Following Japan's entry into the war, the battalion was mobilised and undertook defensive duties in New South Wales and Queensland during 1942 and early 1943.
The battalion carried out brief periods of continuous duty to train new recruits under the Universal Training Scheme, but was unable to be sent abroad due to the Defence Act. Following Japan's entry into World War II, the unit was mobilized and took on defensive responsibilities in New South Wales and Queensland during 1942 and early 1943.