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Briefing

Your first visit to Westbury is the 24 hour briefing. Here you'll learn how to prepare yourself for your next visit, as well as being assessed through physical and practical exercises.


The tests are designed to help you, and help us to understand what you need to work on before you reach the Main Board.


This video will give you a taster of what it's like to attend the briefing.

Main Board

When your Candidate Support Manager thinks you're ready, you'll be invited back to Westbury for a 3 1/2 day assessment.

Main Board

Day 1:

  • Physical tests
  • Introductory talk - tips on how to make the most of your trip
  • Written tests - an essay and tests on general knowledge, current affairs and military knowledge
  • Psychometric tests - a measure of your cognitive and personality profile

Day 2:

  • Interview - you'll be asked about your experiences and interests, and why you are applying to be an Army officer
  • Outdoor tasks- these are group exercises in practical problem solving that you practiced at Briefing
  • Tutorial- a revision period in preparation for the planning exercise

Day 3:

  • Planning exercise - a test of conceptual problem solving delivered through a written solution and a group discussion
  • Command task - Outdoor activities where you'll take turns to lead the group
  • Obstacle course - Take on as many obstacles as you can within a time limit
  • Lecture - Give a 5 minute talk and take answers from the group
  • Evening - Team dinner. You're already forming friendships that will last a lifetime

Day 4:

  • Final race - on the last day you take part in the final exercise - an outdoor team competition between all the different groups.
What happens next? The Board Officers meet to assess each candidate. You'll find out whether you've passed once you've left.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Assessment will examine your ability to develop through training at Sandhurst. Ever 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
  • Use the Army Fit app to check your fitness - and make sure you can easily meet the fitness standards required
  • Be aware of current affairs, especially any about society or defence
  • Be yourself, and enjoy the experience

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. Try our free 100% Army Fit app, specially designed to help build your fitness. Available for iOS and Android.

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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