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When you apply for a job in civvy street, you can expect to receive a job offer with a few weeks of starting the application and interview process. But this is the armed forces and all three branches demand high standards and need to see that you have what it takes to become a successful officer. As such, the selection process can take up to a year.
Competition for certain places can be intense, especially for pilots in the RAF and Royal Navy. And it is up to you to make sure that you are fully prepared for what lies ahead by doing your research and understanding what will be expected of you. Have a look at the website for the branch that you are applying to and look at some of the sample questions you can expect and the tests you may be asked to perform.
Having successfully passed the initial Army Officer Selection Board Briefing, you’ll progress to the full Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) for a further three-and-a-half days of tests. Thereafter, you will be granted a place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst where you complete your officer training before being given a Short Service Commission upon graduation.
For the Royal Navy, applicants who pass the first stage may undertake a series of specialist branch interviews/auditions/tests depending on whether you are applying for a technical and specialist officer role. After that you will go through the final stage of the selection process and face the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) which will determine if you have made the grade. From here your initial training will start at the Britannia Royal Naval College where you will remain until you graduate and are granted your first ship or station where you will undertake specialist command training before being given your first command.
Similarly, the final officer selection stage for the RAF may involve a specialist interview when you will be expected to demonstrate your technical aptitude for the role you are applying for. For general officers you will with an RAF Wing Commander and Squadron Leader. Once you have passed each stage of the selection process you will be given an ‘offer of service’ and invited to move to the next step – training.
Wondering what to do now? Check out our expert career advice, or find out more about working in the Armed Forces.