Thanks chaps.

I have completed the MSFT to level 11+ many times so I was gutted to do so badly. Although it sounds like an excuse, the only reason is that I raped myself on the sit-ups (elbows RIGHT in against the torso!) trying to squeeze the last few out, hence thighs/torso were quite strained - didn't complete run. Aerobic fitness is fine, although will be sure to improve further. I think the key for RCB is to make the sit-ups so easy you can't feel them; which I will.

For the record I got a CAT 1 at the brief and was told to improve my fitness - may have had something to do with it.

On the other issues we were told specifically not to broadcast what goes on at RCB - I had to work hard sh*tting myself for 3 days so you can too!!

Unfit,

How many times on the sit-ups and press-ups did you here the group leader go?

"Don't count that one..... Don't count that one!" hahaha

SB

p.s. Wombatclaw... sent you a PM!

I have always found sit-ups pretty easier. Do they somehow make them mega-difficult or something? Do you have a time limit?

Nah... they're pretty standard. But sometimes you may not go down far enough on the press-ups or your back doesn't touch the mat on the sit-ups or your hands come off you chest when your hooped! Hence, "don't count that one!"

You have 2 mins to do a minimum of 44 press-ups and 2 mins to do a minimum of 50 sit-ups.

SB

They may have changed it by now, but when I was at RMAS they did the sit-ups to a bleep test:

BLEEP - Up
BLEEP - Down

Fcuking murder. It didn't matter if you were still going - if you missed the bleep you were stopped by the DS. Thank Heaven the rest of the Army doesn't do it like that!

IF

Fitness and RCB can seem daunting but needn't because it isn't really a hard test. My observation is that a lot of people fail because they've been training on their own in isolation, and they become somewhat panicky when put on the spot by someone they don't know; they also often haven't stretched themselves enough whilst training to make the improvements that they should. Get a training partner who is, preferably, someone who knows their way round a gym and is fitter than you are, and train with them, trying to get up to their level rather than dragging them down to yours.

RCB and Pre-RCB are not things to be feared. All it actually does is interview you for a job (although admittedly there is a bit more time and running with jumps than most interviews).

The old cliches are the best.......

Be yourself and don't lie (can't bullsh*t the most highly trained bullsh*tters in the world. We get to spend a year at a public school where CCF got grossly out of hand learning this skill and then spend the rest of our time in the wider army polishing it!).

Read at least 3 (2 quality and The Sun)newspapers every day for month prior. I say read The Sun because every Army Officer (and if you say you don't we know you are fibbing) reads it.

Finally, have a few beers in the bar every night. Not lots, just a few to be sociable.....you never stop being assessed but it doesn't hurt to show that you can do a day's work, have a few beers after and then get up the next day and be fit enough for another day's work.

Just my tuppence worth, I just got back from a Raleigh International expedition and it was a massively beneficial experience in terms of prep for RCB/Sandhurst...potential officers look it up.

Guys,

Have got my RCB in a few days time and have just realised that i havent written an essay in bloody ages!! Does anybody know how long it is supposed to be? Any Ideas on topic title as well.

Thanks

Firebladefred

FireB,

In my day before the turn of the millenium..................

RCB essays as I recall are set by the board. There is nothing to trip you up. There are loads to choose from so go with someting that you actually know something about.

How long? How long is a piece of string? It is timed so write as much or as little as you feel necessary. Brevity being the soul of lingeire is always a winner but (pardoning the pun) don't make it too brief! On the other hand, don't waffle. Just make your point and move on. Hope it helps, good luck.