Evening all

[mattmcd01]

Just thought I would say hi to everyone here. I have my BARB test on wednesday and as it draws nearer I get that little bit more anxious about it! I'm not worried about the questions, just the speed required to answer them in order to ensure a high enough score. I'm not looking for answers and this isn't a question, thought I would 'sound off' in here.
I do have a queston actually. Does anybody know how long the whole process could take?, bearing in mind that I will have to give 4 weeks notice to my current employer! O.k, so I actually have 2 questions, What is the next phase after the BARB? Anybody any clues? As always i appreciate your response.
Matthew.

[mark.f]

Hi mate your next stage will be your first interview with your afco what regiment are youjoining?.

[mattmcd01]

Alrighty Mark, I thought that might be the next stage, I asked the recruiter last week what I might be asked at the interview but he said he couldn't tell me too much without giving it away. I asked if I should swat up on regimental history and present day operations but he said no!

The Sergeant there told me they just want to know about you, fair enough. He also reckoned that my dad being in the Scots Guards (The regiment i've chosen by the way) would go in my favour! I am now more than ever confused about what to expect, I hate not being prepared, a bit of a perfectionist that way!!

[McGuire86]

Your next step will be to complete the medical papers with your GP, this process is the longest apparently. I did my BARBS test over a month ago and still awaiting clearance, as for the interviews this (so I've been told) is done on your selection course.

[mattmcd01]

Thanks for the input McGuire86. I suppose all will become clear after my tests tomorrow. Thanks again to those who answered.
Matthew

[McGuire86]

No problem mate, don't worry about your BARBS test it's pretty easy. Just stay concentrated, I drifted away half way through mine and started day dreaming it was that boring !
What regiment are you looking to join anyway ?

[mattmcd01]

I have applied to the Scots Guards, my dad served in the 2nd battalion during the Falklands, I think he would be disappointed if i joined any other regiment! How long did the whole BARB test take then? The Sergeant told me that there is no set amount of questions, but he gave no indication of how long it might take. Does the actual test bare any resemblance to the booklet they give you?
What regiment have you applied for then?

[McGuire86]

Yeah the test is pretty much exactly the same to the booklet apart from some questions are harder than others. I think the test went on for about 30 minutes maybe more, then I was asked to do a maths and english exam which is just an evaluation of your ability - not a test.
I have applied for the Parachute Regiment.

[mattmcd01]

Nice one, the Paras. What are the physical test requirements like for joining?
Thanks for the info regarding the tests, I do feel a little less anxious about it now. Do you get the results there and then?

[McGuire86]

Yeah they tell you as soon as you do it then they will send you a list of jobs that are available to you for whatever score you get.
Umm to be honest I don't have the best of knowledge of what the requirements are apart from I know you have to do a 1.5mile run in 9minutes. I don't know when this has to be done I thought it was at the selection centre but others have told me it is at P-company after basic training.

[mattmcd01]

I would have thought you do it at selection. How are your times just now? Are confident about meeting the fitness requirements?

[mattmcd01]

Well I sat my BARB tests today and I can announce that I passed!!! I scored 69, which I gather is quite good. I also did the literacy and numeracy assessments, I thought they were quite tough. I got level 1 literacy, and level 2 numeracy, they didn't say what that meant.
So onto the next stage which I have been informed is the interview!! I know it's probably not necessary but i'm going to start swatting up on regimental history and current operations, just to be on the safe side.

Anyone with some insight into what the interview entails, I would be greatful for some advice.

I would also like to thank everyone that has helped so far, i don't think that i would be able to hold my nerve at each stage if not for the advice and insight shared by all you helpful MFAT people. Thank you very much.

Matthew

[McGuire86]

Well done mate told you, you had nothing to worry about !

Your interview is next? Hmm i'm not sure why I wasn't told the same ?

Did they give you a medical questionaire to complete with your GP ?

[mattmcd01]

Thanks, I have a tendancy to over think things, thus getting myself worked up! The tests weren't that bad, and i was quietly chuffed about my result. Common sense, as i'm reminded frequently, is not one of my strong points.

I thought it odd too, I look at it as just another hurdle. They did give me the medical questionaire, I know I can fill in my part on my own, but do I have to be present when the GP fills in his bit? or can I just leave it with them?

[SHOOT_ME]

For your interview:

Learn all the details about your three job choices: Where they do their Phase 1&2 training, how long is the training, what is taught. Know how fast you can do 1.5 miles and how many heaves you can do. Other questions are: how often do you do fitness, do your family agree with you joining, recent operations, previous family members in the military, etc. Make sure you wear a suit and be early. Dont be nervous and good luck .