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RCB
From ARRSEpedia
'Appen that when I were a lad, preparation for RCB consisted of reading The Daily Telegraph for a week or two, going for a couple of runs and getting a decent haircut; then turning up at Westbury and going with the flow. That's all changed now, and an astonishing 76.8% of all traffic on Arrse consists of anxious RCB candidates enquiring about how much they need to bribe the DS, and will they accept bearer bonds or only cash deposits in numbered Swiss accounts. My how times have changed!
Actually, the old way is the best. RCB is really a test of who you are and what your potential could be, and the DS are likely to see through the over-prepared candidate fairly quickly. If you can think clearly, act decisively and lead intelligently, this will shine through over the course of RCB and you will have earned your ticket to RMAS.
[edit] Regular Commisions Board
Now called the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB), this comes in two key parts, both held at Leighton House in Westbury.
- RCB Brief
- RCB Main Board
[edit] The Briefing
This stage takes place early in the week. It lasts around 24hours. During this time applicants will
- Attempt the MSFT ([Multi-Stage Fitness Test]), this replaces the 500m run.
- Conduct leaderless command tasks
- Undergo interviews
- Take an Aptitude or psychometric test
- Be introduced to a Planning Exercise
- Attempt an Individual Obstacle course
- Take part in group discussions
At the end of this short assessment the candidate will be awarded a category.
- Cat 1 - Proceeed to Main board when ready
- Cat 2-6 - Proceed to Main board after 6 months deferment to improve on...
- Cat 2-12 - Proceed to Main board after 12 months deferment (also Cat 2-18 and Cat 2-24 available) to improve on...
- Cat 3 - We aren't sure you are suitable to attend main board. This needs discussion with your sponsor
- Cat 4 - Serious reservations about suitability to attend Main Board
Which brings us to the...
[edit] Main Board
Having passed the breifing stage the applicant moves to the three day event that is the Main board. Arriving on a Tuesday morning the candidates become mere numbers and colours, designated by the bibs they are given.
Candidates will undergo most of the same tests that they experienced during the Briefing phase. However there are some more things to do.
- Lead command tasks
- More interviews
- Current affairs tests
- A five minute lecturette on a given subject.
At the end of the Main Board there is a formal dinner in the Candidate's mess, this is the first time (apparently) the candidates aren't under supervision and are allowed to let themselves relax. Classic stories abound of indiscretions committed on the dinner night. e.g. lass found being Spit-Roasted on the pool table in the mess bar by one of the bar staff.
Some tips on passing the main board can be found here RCB tips.
In summary, the RCB needs to be taken seriously and prepared for adequately. However, you will not succeed in pretending to be something you are not for the duration of the assessment, so don't bother trying. If you have the qualities that they are looking for and you are mentally and physically fit and prepared, you will pass.
