MilitaryForums.co.uk

Hi there,

I recently decided on a fairly drastic career change away from computing, and put in an application at my local center a couple of weeks ago. I just sat my BARB yesterday, and despite feeling I did poorly due to tiredness (I work night shifts so it's tough to adjust to mornings quickly!), I got a 72.

My initial choice was in the signals as systems engineering tech, but my failure to get a C in GCSE science years ago has barred that option from me. (I was told it's impossible to waive those requirements, which is silly as my GCSEs were years ago and I have so much work experience I think it should outbalance it, but you can't buck the system...)

My second choice was intelligence operator, as I think I'd be fairly suited to that type of work. I got enough on the test to apply, and this is now my current choice.

My main question is what's really involved in the aptitude tests, I'm guessing it's stuff along the lines of solving logic puzzles, or maybe test analysing some data or something along those lines, just wanted the experience of anyone who's been through it.

Also, from anyone with the experience, do you think this is a wise decision? I don't have much formal education, but I'm reasonably smart, quick to learn, I am pretty pedantic so a good eye for detail, etc.

Just anything anyone can offer as advice is appreciated!

ashp wrote:Hi there,

I recently decided on a fairly drastic career change away from computing, and put in an application at my local center a couple of weeks ago. I just sat my BARB yesterday, and despite feeling I did poorly due to tiredness (I work night shifts so it's tough to adjust to mornings quickly!), I got a 72.

My initial choice was in the signals as systems engineering tech, but my failure to get a C in GCSE science years ago has barred that option from me. (I was told it's impossible to waive those requirements, which is silly as my GCSEs were years ago and I have so much work experience I think it should outbalance it, but you can't buck the system...)

My second choice was intelligence operator, as I think I'd be fairly suited to that type of work. I got enough on the test to apply, and this is now my current choice.

My main question is what's really involved in the aptitude tests, I'm guessing it's stuff along the lines of solving logic puzzles, or maybe test analysing some data or something along those lines, just wanted the experience of anyone who's been through it.

Also, from anyone with the experience, do you think this is a wise decision? I don't have much formal education, but I'm reasonably smart, quick to learn, I am pretty pedantic so a good eye for detail, etc.

Just anything anyone can offer as advice is appreciated!

i take it you mean joining the INT CORPS ?? hard but good choice, are you any good in languages ?

goldie ex rmp wrote:
i take it you mean joining the INT CORPS ?? hard but good choice, are you any good in languages ?

I do indeed! I figure it's going to be hard, but trying not to sound really arrogant (and failing), I think I'm pretty intelligent and can realistically achieve it.

I'm not good with languages, which is my only worry. I can understand some dutch and german, but that's it really. How important is the language thing? I'm assuming there must be a reasonable set of jobs that don't involve translation. Thanks for the reply, I was feeling invisible!

You could always go for RMP, red is so much better than int corps green lol

Ah - I see you were - but only a Dim Sider

The corps has changed since you've left (I'm guessing) - and we're all, unfortunatly , the same trade now. Language training taking place after the 7 joy filled months that is Phase 2 OpMI traning.

Ian.

Does anyone know if/how the TA Int Corps differs from the regulars or does anyone have any experience of the TA units based in London? Is the recruitment/vetting process the same? Do you spend much time in Bedford if you're in the TA? Is there much time spent memorising silhouettes?

The TA residential trade course is shorter - vetting is the same as regulars, recuitment same as other TAVR units as far as I'm aware.

Some of your trade training is carried out at chicksands and its where the TA units spend most of their annual camps as far as I know. And No, you don't spend a huge amount of time trying to remember kit - although your knowledge is expected to be significantly better than your average soldier.

Hope that helps.

woo.. sense of humour failure.

Well - there wasn't meant to be any "tone" towards you, I simply commented that I didn't know if you were Int, but that I was if anyone needed any questions answered. The Dim Sider comment was simply a reply to your ANAL-yst one.. if you can't take it, don't dish it out you know?

I apologise for a) being new b) trying to help.

Singling out one person to pass comment on - Seeing as it was an Int Corps question and I was guessing you were int&sy I thought you might have taken it as a bit of ribbing.

I bow to your vastly superior experience and knowledge

Well, I don't think either of us wants to get into a huge debate about our respective experiences and knowledge, this certainly isn't the place for it - but as I was trying to provide some up to date advice from someone still serving in the corps, I was in no way trying to say that you were wrong, just that here was another person who could help.

how old are we?

You started it.



Seriously thou - sorry if I upset you and for any misunderstandings, I understand that Sunday mornings can be an emotional time of the week - can we stop bitching at each other now?

Intelligence Corps indeed

Okay - the bags down..

Two Int Ops in the same room is always going to cause a "discussion"

Best traditions of the Corps - Every pat on the back is just a Recce