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Briefing

Your first visit to Westbury will be AOSB Briefing. Here, you’ll be taught how to prepare for your next visit, the Main Board, and assessed during physical and practical exercises.

The AOSB Briefing is your stage for the day: so be sure to arrive well rested and well prepared. However, don’t be worried by the tests; they’re designed to help us understand your development needs before you attend the Main Board.

DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR BRIEFING?

The programme is designed in such a way that you do not need to prepare apart from doing a little bit of research so that you understand what will be expected of you when commissioned, and to ensure that you have a reasonable level of fitness. The event gives you an insight of the activities undertaken at selection and allows the assessors to provide you with feedback on your likelihood of being selected for training at Sandhurst.


Programme

  • Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
  • Physical tests
  • Introductions and Group Discussion
  • Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
  • Tutorials - conduct of outdoor assessments and planning exercise brief

Main Board

The next step will be your invitation to attend the Main Board, which is a residential assessment. You’ll need to arrive physically and mentally fit as the tests will be demanding. For this reason, you may be advised to wait between Briefing and Main Board so you come prepared to perform at your best.

If your performance at Briefing indicates you’re ready for the Main Board you could be allocated a place – but the important thing is to make sure you’re ready.

Preparing for main board

You will have been taught aspects and techniques required to complete the selection board at Briefing.

There is no requirement to conduct any training prior to attendance, other than to ensure that you have conducted physical training with a view to meeting the fitness standards required.

Day 1:

  • Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
  • Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
  • Written test – write a short essay on current affairs.
  • Tutorial - a revision period in preparation for the planning exercise

Day 2:

  • Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion 
  • Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving that you saw at Briefing
  • Lecture - Give a 5 minute talk and take questions from the group
  • Interview - you'll be asked about your experiences and interests, and why you are applying to be an Army officer

day 3:

  • Multi Stage Fitness test - the test will stop at level 8.7 regardless of age or gender
  • Command task - Outdoor activities where you'll take turns to lead the group
  • Individual Task course - Take on as many tasks as you can within a time limit


What happens next?

The Board Officers meet to assess each candidate. You'll find out whether you've passed once you've left.

PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED OFFICERS (PQO)

People who want to serve in the Army as officers, using specialist skills and qualifications and should be between 21 and 54 years of age (varies by role)

preparation for assessment

There is no requirement to conduct any training prior to attendance, other than to ensure that you have conducted physical training with a view to meeting the fitness standards required. PQO’s do not attend AOSB briefing.

DAY 1:

  • Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
  • Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
  • Written test – write a short essay on current affairs.
  • Tutorial - a period in preparation for the planning exercise and outdoor tasks

DAY 2:

  • Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion
  • Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving
  • Lecture - Give a 5 minute talk and take answers from the group
  • Interview - you'll be asked about your experiences and interests, and why you are applying to be an Army officer

Day 3:

  • Multi Stage Fitness test - the test will stop at level 8.7 regardless of age or gender
  • Command task - Outdoor activities where you'll take turns to lead the group
  • Individual Tasks course - Take on as many tasks as you can within a time limit (not a requirement for padres)

SCHOLARSHIP BOARD

The Army Officer Scholarship Scheme offers financial support to future Army Officers studying for A-Levels, Scottish Highers or equivalent qualifications. You should be between 16 and 18 years of age, for more information on the scheme
SCHOLARSHIPS

PREPARATION FOR ASSESSMENT

The assessment activities for the scholarship board are designed so that you do not require any rehearsal or pre-board training. However, you can prepare yourself by ensuring you are both physically fit and mentally alert.

DAY 1:

  • Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
  • Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile
  • Written tests - a short essay on a topical subject
  • Tutorial - a period in preparation for the outdoor tasks and planning exercise
  • Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving
  • Interview - you'll be asked about you, your interests and your suitability for the Army as a Scholar

DAY 2:

  • Multistage Fitness test - the test will stop at level 8.7 regardless of age or gender
  • Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion
  • Command tasks - Outdoor activities where you'll take turns to lead the group
  • Individual tasks course - Take on as many tasks as you can within a time limit

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Assessment will examine your ability to develop through training at Sandhurst. Every aspect will be assessed and no single activity will lead to non-selection.
  • Research and understand which part of the Army you want to serve in
  • Be aware of current affairs, especially any about society or defence
  • Be yourself, and enjoy the experience

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT AOSB

At AOSB we fully respect our candidates’ individual rights to be treated without discrimination particularly on grounds of sex, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, disability, gender reassignment or marriage or civil partnership. We actively uphold all the Army core values, including Respect for Others.

We strongly believe that it is important to recognise the benefits of attracting a wide and diverse pool of talent, and the value of bringing an understanding of different cultures into all our tasks.

Sickle Cell Trait testing

We are now required to test candidates for Sickle Cell Trait. Arrangements will be made for you to have an approved blood test if one is needed after you arrive at the Assessment Centre. If you have Sickle Cell Trait it does not stop you from joining the Army, however, it does mean that you will need to build up your level of fitness to avoid being at risk of collapse from over exertion. You can find out more about Sickle Cell Trait, who is at risk and more about the testing in our information leaflet.
Sickle Cell Leaflet

NEXT STEPS

Officer in the Army Medical Services

GETTING ARMY FIT

Your fitness will be tested while you're at Westbury. You'll need to complete a beep test, a mid thigh pull and a seated ball throw. You can find details of these on the fitness test page.

Officer in the Army Medical Services

ABOUT OFFICER TRAINING

The commissioning course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst lasts for 44 weeks. 

FIND A LOCAL ARMY CAREER CENTRE START YOUR APPLICATION TODAY
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