*** VI *** *** WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CAREERS IN DEFENCE ARMY OFFICER TRAINING *** The Daily Telegraph ALAMY Have you got what it takes? The road to Sandhurst is a tough one finds Adam Ramsay, as he takes part in initial selection tests for Army officers It is barely dawn and a grey drizzle is falling from a drab winter sky. Clad in khaki overalls with numbered orange vests, we stand to attention, waiting for our orders from Lieutenant Colonel Mark Pomeroy. Were at the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) in Westbury, Wiltshire, to see if weve got what it takes to make it as officers in the British Army. Every year, around 2,000 school leavers and graduates aged between 17 and 28 apply for the initial AOSB Briefing, of which 1,200 will go on to take the Main Board, a three-and-a-half day test of physical and mental aptitude. About half the initial applicants, 10 per cent of whom are women, will stay the course and be offered a place at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After training there, they will graduate as officers in the British Army, where the starting salary for a Second Lieutenant is 24,000, rising to 56,000 for a top-level Major. Beyond graduation, promotion prospects vary but, on average, an officer will be a Second Lieutenant for a year, and a Lieutenant for two years. He or she can then expect to become a Captain for up to five years before achieving the rank of Major after about eight years of service. As were about to find out, the tests at Westbury are no easy task. These men and women are going to be out on real missions, says Pomeroy. They will be leading soldiers in real and dangerous situations, so the tests need to be tough to make sure we get people who fit the bill. The first test is more mental than physical. Were marched off in single file to the first challenge the officers aptitude test in verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning. We have to test every potential officer to see that they can analyse and use information quickly and accurately, says Pomeroy. After struggling with charts, graphs and putting shapes into boxes, were glad to be outside again. Its time for the assault course, a timed obstacle circuit to test fitness, strength and agility. Challenges include scaling a seven-foot wall and jumping hurdles. Officers need to be in tip-top shape, says Pomeroy. In the real Main Board process, candidates may have to go round the assault course in wind and rain and do as many obstacles as possible in three minutes, as well as sit-ups and other exercises. Much of becoming an Army officer is about displaying an ability to work in a team, as well as being able to lead. Having quickly taught us how to build a makeshift bridge, and pointing out that the site medic is not far away, Pomeroy sets us to work. How long do you think you need to get this oil barrel from one platform five feet off the ground to another using only two planks of wood, rope and a scaffolding pole? Twenty minutes later and weve gone over our allotted time and several of us have fallen into the ravine. Theres definitely work to be done, says Pomeroy. You need to be able to think on your feet and keep calm under pressure. For Army officers, its vital to be able to work together as a group, but also to take the lead when needed. Muddied and a little chastened, were led to the map room for our final, and most technically difficult, challenge: individually planning and presenting a mission plan to transport a colleague with malaria through the jungle and get him to the nearest hospital. If we dont achieve it in 14 hours, he will die. We need to be able to see that candidates could plan a real operation where lives are at stake, transmit their ideas with confidence, and take a leadership position, says Pomeroy. We all hope we have done enough to make it through the selection process, but around 50 per cent of real candidates dont make it through. The Army offers a career that has focus and stability and brings huge rewards, says Pomeroy. Yes, it can be dangerous, but people feel theyre doing something worthwhile, helping to protect their country and keeping society safe. For more information, log on to www.armyjobs.mod.uk MAJOR TIM OSMAN, 33 A career in the Army seemed like a natural progression for Major Tim Osman, 33, who got a taste for adventure and teamwork in the Scouts. The whole way of life appealed variety, not being behind a desk, leadership, and I wanted excitement, he says. Osman passed the Army Officer Selection Board when he was still at school before deferring his place at Sandhurst to do a degree in sports science at Brunel University. Then, after 12 months at Sandhurst, he took his first commission at the age of 23. Youve got to be really fit for army officer training, he says. Its a different level of fitness, especially when you get out on the assault course. The problem- solving also tends to be something youve not done before, and its a challenge to be open- minded with people you dont know, and to come up with a decent solution as a team. You make great friends while training youre all in the same boat, dealing with the same challenges. The whole process makes you learn so much, so quickly, and really sets you up for your career developing your fitness, leadership, teamwork and communication. Learning the ropes: Adam Ramsay at the AOSB Briefing training We need to be able to see that candidates could plan a real operation where lives are at stake A fine balance: proving your leadership skills is just as important as teamwork ability
*** *** *** *** DEFENCE CAREERS IN Wednesday, January 20, 2010 jobs.telegraph.co.uk/ca The Daily Telegraph GETTY Winning ways: building good relations with local populations in conflict zones is likely to become more of a priority as the Government shifts its emphasis towards early intervention and
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*** VI *** *** WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2010 THE DAILY TELEGRAPH CAREERS IN DEFENCE ARMY OFFICER TRAINING *** The Daily Telegraph ALAMY Have you got what it takes? The road to Sandhurst is a tough one finds Adam Ramsay, as he takes part in initial selection tests for Army officers It is barely dawn
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