OFFICER and AIRCREW 'CANDIDATES' PLEASE READ THIS THREAD FIRST!

[OASC]

OASC Bulletin 11

Last week we saw that John had driven to RAF Cranwell, settled into his accommodation and met some of his fellow candidates. Having completed some more paperwork, he underwent the aptitude testing process. He was informed that he had been successful in his aptitude tests having scored strongly. Now, wearing his green overalls and sitting patiently with his syndicate, John awaited the arrival of the Board Member to commence the Exercise Phase.

The Board member walked into the waiting room and announced ‘Echo syndicate, this way please’. This was it! Time to go to work! John’s syndicate of 6 people lined up against the wall and the Board Member introduced himself. After a brief chat he escorted the candidates to the syndicate room pointing out the medical reception, the toilets and the candidates’ waiting area opposite the syndicate rooms along the way. After a short wait outside the syndicate room, the candidates were called in. They sat against the wall in number order while the Board Chairman delivered a briefing covering the Exercise Phase process and what was expected of them. The candidates seemed quite nervous at this time but the Chairman stated that this was quite normal and that once the exercises were underway they would soon settle down.

The first exercise of the afternoon was the Group Discussion. They were given a briefing explaining that they would be given 3 random topics to talk about and that the exercise would last for 15 minutes. John had been through the Exercise Phase before where his performance was compromised by his lack of confidence, so this time he was adamant that he would involve himself whole heartedly with determination, enthusiasm and urgency. He was not about to waste this opportunity. The syndicate was told to rearrange their chairs into a semi-circle before the Board Member announced the first topic. John made sure he started the discussion with a couple of good points and then slowly others started to join in. John noticed that candidates 3 and 5 were very quiet so he decided to try to bring them into the conversation. Before he knew it the syndicate were on their final topic. Everyone seemed to be joining in apart from number 5 who seemed to lack confidence; the very thing that prevented John from progressing last time. John thought that he would try to talk to number 5 during the break between exercises to encourage him to contribute more. After the Discussion, the candidates were told to go to the candidates waiting area to wait for the next exercise to begin. Less than 10 minutes later they were lined up outside the syndicate room again.

The syndicate were invited in once again and the candidates immediately noticed that the room layout had changed. This time the candidates were sat behind 2 tables with some paperwork in front of them. The Chairman then briefed the candidates that the following exercise was a Group Planning exercise and the syndicate had to create a joint solution to a problem in which they found themselves. The exercise was split into 3 phases. First was a 20 minute private study period, followed by a 20 minute group discussion phase concluded by a group question phase. The private study phase commenced and John read through the scenario very carefully, making notes and endeavouring to fully understand what his team needed to do and the limitations that had to be taken into account. As he put the finishing touches to his notes, the Chairman introduced the next phase. Over the next 20 minutes the group pieced together a plan to solve the problem. John made sure that he got all of his points across in the group and took a turn in leading the discussion to formulate the plan. Although John tried to engage candidate number 5, he still looked very uncomfortable. Finally, the candidates rearranged the tables into a straight line so that the candidates were facing the Board. The chairman then fired questions at individuals about the scenario and the plan. John did well, answering all questions accurately and concisely. He was also pleased with his performance when he was put under pressure and asked to think on his feet. After the Exercise, the Board Member handed out some notes and the Chairman delivered another briefing outlining the timings for the following morning. The Chairman also explained that the candidates should take the time to read through the notes on selection, conditions of service and training, and the notes on Exercise Hangar protocol.

John and the rest of the candidates then made their way to the Candidates Mess for a well earned rest. Next week, we will follow John through the second day of the Exercise Phase.

For more information regarding any of these areas highlighted, please contact your AFCO and they will be able to give you more detailed information regarding specific cases.

Please note that, although OASC will endeavour to answer generic questions that arise, we will not be engaging or commenting on individual cases. In those cases, the individual is advised to contact their nearest AFCO who will be able to deal with any queries. All information published is for information only. Information regarding a career in the RAF can be found at http://www.raf.mod.uk/careers