How to Prepare for Army Officer Selection Board

How to Prepare for Army Officer Selection Board
In this video I answer all of your questions regarding AOSB Briefing and Main Board. I went through the process 5 years ago, attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and commissioned into the Infantry - The Royal Anglian Regiment.
At times, it can be confusing and difficult to get the answers to your questions, or at least know how to prepare for the selection process. My aim is to give you the knowledge so that you can tailor your preparation and give you the best chance of succeeding.
As I say in the video, I am not part of AOSB, the recruitment process or Westbury. I am simply a guy that has been through the process (and I guess I did okay!)
If you have questions put them in the comments below and I'll get back to you.
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[@djrxp]

Thanks for everyone who asked a question! Hope the video helps👌 follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/djrxp/​ for daily content on my life in the Infantry, fitness videos and more tips. Thanks!

[@paulkrav2681]

Can commonwealth countries join British army officers ??

[@skylarkeighley2369]

Does this apply to Australia to your knowledge?

[@joshuaearnshaw588]

Has to be the first proper AOSB video on KZbin. Great content and super helpful for preparation.

[@djrxp]

Cheers Josh 👌

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@KINGWILLIAM212]

very helpful and informative, thanks for this. I like that your video is keen to stress on how Briefing and mainboard should be seen as collaborative effort with the other candidates.

[@anthonyandersen2958]

Awesome mate cracking advice. Happy Days. Keep em coming.

[@kellangurley9418]

Love this video, as a regular soldier i was thinking of commissioning but lack the confidence

[@damos4465]

Just stumbled across this during a lockdown procrastination session. This is some good gen mate. If anyone is considering joining the New Zealand Army as an Officer, all the info offered up in this video is relevant. It sounds as if the OSB's are very similar, which isn't surprising given that the NZ Army is essentially modelled on the British Army. We didn't have a purpose built confidence course, but we did get beasted by the PTI's for an hour of Battle PT (right after breakfast one morning). I guess they were looking for the same thing - How you perform and lead under physical stress. Everything else described here was the same. The one thing that really stood out was that the syndicates with the highest pass rates, were the syndicates that worked well together (didn't Jack out on each other). Also, the guys who tried to act like they were General Patton on the board, generally didn't make it. Just be yourself.

[@darrenmichie4939]

Thanks for these vids ,really helpful for us parents (parent)who encourage our sons and daughters who serve .we back them to the hilt for the Army ,but really do not know much what goes on ,my son serves in 4 Scots ,he is just back from the Ukraine ,why is it they never tell us what's going on in the Army ,all we get is shoulders shrugged .kids eh .Tank you once again.from a proud father .

[@hhhhELLYEAhhhh]

Cheers man, got my briefing at the end of May straight after leaving Uni, excited for the journey !

[@JustinSane50]

How did it go?!

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@robinGkem]

What a legend - thanks for this!

[@djrxp]

No worries mate 👌

[@sausag3onthefloor]

The Planex at Main Board was 100x harder than any I'd practiced, it went terribly but I still passed. Take from that what you will. 😂

[@GJ-ol5ev]

Hi, where were you able to find practice planex's?

[@PoultnavSOPs]

Where do you find practises, any tips you can give me

[@tomatorce2785]

@Rob if you google asob planning ex, there is a post on arsse I think with approx 15 examples.

[@apachetamizha]

Defence Aspirants those who think becoming officer in the armed forces is easy definitely not. It takes immense practice and never give up attitude to sustain and get commissioned. Hats off to officers

[@deucebigalomalegiggolo1823]

I've been finding weighted hill sprints are doing me a treat! Proper stretching is required however. Your knees will feel like bambi on ice till they get strong enough!

[@charmz1271]

How'd you do them?

[@zoeshaclarke8315]

Please give more steps/info/tips! What sort of shoes do you wear, time you do it for weight you started carrying etc??

[@deucebigalomalegiggolo1823]

This is what I was after! Waiting on medical then I start in January. I remain confident and Im sure my persistence and resilience will bring me through, nothing is beyond me!

[@djrxp]

Great mindset dude. Best of luck

[@deucebigalomalegiggolo1823]

djrxp Cheers bud! Great info here.

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@davidfroese8411]

Good luck to all potential officers!!! Went through all this 19 years ago. The most intimidating obstacle at Westbury I can remember was diving through a small window.

[@ianjames9574]

Funnily enough I was talking about that very recently!

[@davehopkin9502]

Yep I remember that, I just went for it on the basis you failed if you didnt and they wouldnt want to kill off those that did!

[@ewanedwards2721]

Great Video that was super helpful. Thanks

[@djrxp]

No dramas mate 👌

[@jamesbudding2379]

Great video, really helpful and informative

[@djrxp]

Cheers mate!

[@deucebigalomalegiggolo1823]

I remember seeing you in the army's AOB video. If I was a betting man I would have said you were going to make it.

[@djrxp]

Haha! I’m glad you had the confidence in me 😂 all in all a great experience for sure

[@simonread6671]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@daisycrowton5898]

Hey great video helps a lot but for the scholarship you only have the beep test obstacle course two interviews ( academic and military ) a plan ex and command tasks

[@PowderMoney1303]

Takes me back. I did mine 30 years ago. Still remember it well and some of the characters on it

[@him050]

8:19, you're right in a way. You're not expected to complete the tasks, if you were then it would take away the point of the exercise. They want you to fail because they want to see how you react to it. Will you try something else? Will you just keep trying the same thing? Will you stop for two minutes to have a complete rethink? Will you ask people for their ideas?

[@edstapeley6329]

Really helpful video cheers Dan

[@djrxp]

No dramas Ed. Glad it helps

[@nojja803]

My tip for plan ex - remember also the simple details. I cracked out a very sound plan with good maths. However was asked to present an inital overview of the setting/ situation - and consequently forgot the name of the country we were supposed to be in 😂 got in despite this. I'd recommend if the situation arises utilising good natured humour, showing your confidence and personality

[@stokesy887]

Got my Briefing tomorrow, can’t wait!

[@charlaymildred366]

How was it mate?

[@milanghale719]

How was it?

[@MyHandsForWar]

Great video, my briefing is soon. Could you maybe do a video on tips for briefing?

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@cammandogunner4011]

Graduating from uni this year - hoping to get selected for the October rotation.

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@neonnetworkedm]

Got mine on the 22nd May. Very nervous but equally excited, really appreciate this video. Cheers!

[@joesmith461]

How’d you get on mate?

[@neonnetworkedm]

@@joesmith461 Just got the call - CAT 1. Beyond happy!

[@joesmith461]

@@neonnetworkedm well done mate! Anything that caught you off guard at all?

[@neonnetworkedm]

@@joesmith461 For me personally it was the maths aptitude test. I had underprepared. I think i had built up other things such as the group discussions to be much worse than they were in my head and had neglected practising the aptitude tests.

[@joesmith461]

@@neonnetworkedm you mind if I send you a email mate just wanted to ask you a couple questions?

[@someguy-cv9jd]

Thanks very useful.

[@djrxp]

👌

[@aidenmortimer4031]

I don't suppose you have the title of the numeracy book you bought do you mate? Best wishes pal!

[@TheALPHALLOYD]

What would you say was the upper age limit for applying for army officer? I've read that the official upper age is 28 years and 11 months, however I've also read a few comments online that imply anything older than 24 won't be considered. Is this the case and what was the age range like for you whilst you went through training? Thanks

[@djrxp]

Those comments are absolute nonsense. Some of the best guys in my platoon at RMAS were 25/26/27. Don’t pay attention to the age. If you’re fit and good enough then that’s fine

[@jacktorrens7096]

Hero, really helpful and some advice I haven't heard from anyone else!

[@djrxp]

Awesome mate, happy to help 👌

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@Autumnblueskies1]

Thanks for making this really useful video- I’ve got main board in 2 weeks, and this was very helpful!

[@ArchieM2405]

Good luck!

[@Autumnblueskies1]

@@ArchieM2405 thanks!

[@PoultnavSOPs]

How did it go? Any last minute tip offs you can give me. How long did it take you to get your date? Cheers mate appreciate any help.

[@Autumnblueskies1]

@@PoultnavSOPs Hi mate, sorry for the slow reply. It went really well thanks, I passed selection and am starting sandhurst in only a few days! Main board was good- it is challenging, and there is a lot going on in a short space of time- having said that, the DS and the Selection Staff are fair, and you definitely get the feeling they want you to be there. You meet great people there- the other candidates will be just like you, motivated, friendly, and keen to crack on and get things done- you form a great bond in only a few days. My main tips would be - work as a team in everything, and really try and look out for other candidates- the DS notice these things. Also, have a good crack at everything- , for example, even if you can't get over the wall on the obstacle course, make sure you show enthusiasm and willing in trying- it goes a long way. What else....- ahh yes- don't let the plan ex freak you out - its supposed to be challenging, and they are looking to see how you react under pressure- so if you make a mistake , try not to let it phase you. For example- when I did the plan ex, I thought I had covered all the objectives, and it was only when I was being cross examined did I realise that I had miscalculated how far a jeep had to go (it was part of the whole scenario). The Captain examining pointed this out to me, and I accepted the mistake, and he just moved on, and said (with a very slight smile) ""according to YOUR calculations, did the plan work" - I said yes, he said "fine" , and let me go:) Good luck mate, you'll be fine!

[@tomelner]

The main message.... Don't be a dick. Love it. I've met a few Captain Army types and they wind everyone up the wrong way.

[@DJRAJEE]

Thanks a lot

[@djrxp]

No worries man! Happy to see you still following and watching the vids 👌

[@mrnugget7530]

Hello love your videos mate 👍 is 18 too young for an officer?

[@sappersteve1443]

British Army Head Dress regulations Amendment 04/21. Cap Badge should be worn somewhere on the side of the head (preferably over the left eye?). Remainder of the Beret material to be worn in the style of 'Andy Capp' or a pancake?

[@jaccon6106]

Mines in September, cheers for the info

[@djrxp]

Awesome mate. No dramas 👍

[@pujac290]

Mine is in September too mate. Goodluck

[@jaccon6106]

@@pujac290 might see you there pal

[@pujac290]

@@jaccon6106 I am joining as a nursing officer. What about you? Mate

[@jaccon6106]

@@pujac290 infantry hopefully Mercian

[@chiedozieonyeneho]

Can a private of regular soldier of british army under commonwealth apply for commission officer and how?

[@adupako1057]

Please how is done. Many youth in Africa need to enter the military and use them for only construction buildings joint with the engineers. Our leaders need better structures and I think the military can play major roles in that. Our people and leaders are corrupt and is affecting our country seriously

[@j.l.s6574]

what knots do they ask you to tie?

[@TravelwithDaySack]

Sir, any information /advice on commonwealth serving soldiers ( with UK masters degree) wanting to commission?

[@Nathan.150]

Apply and work on fitness

[@harrybedford9649]

Do you have any idea how many people go into the briefing and then how many people actually make it through the AOSB into Sandhurst? % wise or figures. Cheers for the great vid 👍🏻

[@obsd3379]

There is no set number of places they need to fill. It could be 100% or it could be 0%. Just need to hit the standard.

[@harrybedford9649]

@@obsd3379 ok cheers that makes sense 👍🏻

[@philbeattie3940]

What about the Rm Corps Officer cse pls and POC , 🙏😉

[@Cjuo]

Blanking out the names…but then reading them all out! 😂

[@antlafm4077]

If you were to commission from being a regular do you know if the duration of training is the same as if you have had 0 military experience?

[@maipes]

Do you mean from being a reservist? - all officer cadets going for regular commission go through the same 44 weeks regardless of past military experience.

[@antlafm4077]

@@maipes from being a regular full time, not a reservist. Thanks

[@maipes]

@@antlafm4077 ah right, yes, same process - I think you have to do the PODP course first? But at RMAS you’ll be put with all the ‘civvies’ for the 44 week course - but you’ll all be at the same standard soon enough!

[@subhan5257]

Is selection process same all over the world?

[@hptwnreppin]

Is there anyone willing to go in depth and share more information about the the AOSB/MB interviews?

[@maipes]

happy for you to pm me and I can give some tips - I did the covid adapted MB last year

[@hptwnreppin]

@@maipes That’s so kind thank you, KZbin seems to have disabled that feature! My email is [e-mail]

[@charleswain6124]

My main worry is age. Going from teaching and I'm currently 27, but turn 28 in November (got the ball rolling already and my 2k is 10 mins, 8:50 on the treadmill but improving rapidly). Would I struggle with consideration from Infantry regiments at Sandhurst?

[@adamhashi9673]

Which ever way it went, I hope you're doing well

[@charleswain6124]

@@adamhashi9673 passed the medical, mate. 2k down to below 9 mins, briefing in May. Going solidly.

[@adamhashi9673]

@@charleswain6124 oh that’s brilliant, keep up the good work. Smash the briefing in may, and then you’ll be on a roll

[@charleswain6124]

@@adamhashi9673 yeah, just prepping hard for that. Plenty of time due to Capita (insert "r" as appropriate). Speed= distance/time, mental aptitude etc. The physical stuff I've already got down. But cheers mate, looking forward to it and the medical confirmed that I was doing the right thing!

[@zarimusic94]

@@charleswain6124 how are things? Did you get to where you wanted ? 😊

[@sonnydymer8874]

I have my assessment on Tuesday do u have any last minute tips I am going for royal Irish reg

[@djrxp]

Soldier or Officer? Either way, be positive, be enthusiastic, be a team player and know why you want to join

[@sonnydymer8874]

@@djrxp yeah I’m joining as a soldier afc Harrogate

[@shaunomoregbee1161]

What type of knots do they get you to do?

[@djrxp]

I am definitely not the person to ask 😂

[@abhdd4352]

Anyone got any advice 16 years old Going to Lichfield Tommorow for an assessment.Job choice Paras

[@romaiobrown-senior8602]

Don’t have any advice, but best of luck in the process!!

[@montyrussell2783]

Good luck mate

[@abhdd4352]

@@montyrussell2783 Thank you,up at 5 Ready,very well prepared for all the Physical Stuff just the interview I’m slightly nervous about

[@djrxp]

Good luck dude

[@lukehewitt8660]

If you fail AOSB can you go down to regular solider?

[@Daveluvutube]

Yes

[@charlesnzeh960]

Is it advisable to enlist as an officer especially infantry or just apply as an officer later

[@djrxp]

Not quite sure I understand the question?

[@charlesnzeh960]

@@djrxp can I enlist as a regular soldier and then apply to be an officer later?

[@sausag3onthefloor]

@@charlesnzeh960 Apply as an officer. There's no guarantee you'll be recommended as a soldier and it's a long, frustrating process.

[@adityagrover3049]

Can you please tell the Upper Age Limit for Serving Regular Soldiers to apply for AOSB to become Officers?

[@Mynameisnotbilbo]

You must be at the commissioning course by 29 years 11 months. Some branches require officers start a bit younger (I.e air corps pilot).

[@him050]

@@Mynameisnotbilbo That wasn't the question. They asked what the upper age limit for commissioning through the ranks (Late Entry Commissioning) was. The limit is 44, but often waivers are granted.

[@deucebigalomalegiggolo1823]

Foam rollers!

[@JC-kz3ut]

Do they still make you jump through that ridiculous window, or am I showing my age?

[@maipes]

No windows... until you get to RMAS 😏

[@thunderstorm904]

I have a question that Why do you want to join Army ? Answer plz

[@lahtal1]

Interview? I'm ready for training I have my officer beret that I bought from Chelsea Army Surplus that looks more like a crap hat after I spent last night moulding it. I have my MTP trousers that are too tight and strangle my ringpeace with no trouser twists and a big shiny officer sword for gently spanķing the brandy before opening in the officers mess. I have also been practicing turning to the left when I'm ment to turn the right and turning to the right when I'm ment to turn to the left. I have already packed 12 packets of Hobnob's. Looking forward to receiving the Queens Jubilee Medal for passing Sandhurst just like Prince William and the Ginger Prince that lives in America. I'm looking forward to being posted with my Jubilee bling and my lovely boys 😍💦🍪 #Rupert #Hobbledehoy

[@snowflakemelter1172]

That's the most mental beret I've ever seen, we would have been put in jail for that in the 90's. You must have boiled it for a week then put it in liquid nitrogen to get that shape.

[@djrxp]

This is without doubt the highlight of my career. I've peaked - thank you

[@paulritchie5868]

Bit different to be a guards officer…your granddad,and your dad probably served in the same regiment that you want to join,you go to horse guards and have a lunch with the major general,show him your bank balance,mention that daddy is keen on you doing your bit and your in,unless your a total tosser..in with his case you join the city…

[@coops9871]

I have kids that I need to put in boarding school.....how can I claim at least 48k to sort this please?

[@maipes]

😂

[@channelfogg6629]

'Without further adew'? I don't believe this guy is an officer.

[@djrxp]

Yeah I’m a fraud. Well spotted

[@Tokyodisco1]

dan i need advice can i zoom you? i am keen to join as a officer reserve and need advice