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 engaged in brief periods of continuous operation to train new recruits under the Universal Training Scheme, but was restricted from overseas deployment due to the Defence Act. Following Japan's involvement in World War II, the unit was mobilized and performed defensive duties in New South Wales and Queensland during 1942 and early 1943.