Joining the Parachute Regiment as an Officer

[Scottfoxy]

All,

I recently applied for a commission in the British Army and stated that the Parachute Regiment was my preferred Regiment.

I have been giving a date for a 1-day interview, and if successful on that I will be brought forward for a Potential Officer Course (POC) which is over 4 days.

Does anyone know what goes on at the POC, or had experience of the POC?

Thanks
Scott

[theparamancan]

Nah, wish I did. RHQ wont take me for an interview for another 2 years cos i fecked up RCB Briefing (Did it two days after p-company and was a bit exciteable)

[mike_B]

I'm going on POC this summer.

I don't have the official blumph through yet, so my knowledge is based on info. from those who have recently done it and so is limited at best.

It starts on a Tuesday and finishes on a Friday. Out of 40 potentials only 3 or 4 will pass. It consists of RCB-style assessments though obviously to a much higher standard. Very good mental arithmetic is needed.

Phys-wise you need 80 odd sit-ups and press-ups and above 16 heaves. The run needs to be down below 8 mins.

They ask you to do POC before RCB but some have already completed Briefing or Main Board. If you have already done the Briefing then then you need to have acheived a CAT 1 if you want a realistic chance.

I'll get a detailed lowdown of the course up once I have completed it; but in the meantime I second the call for more informmation: It would be greatly appreciated.

www.parachute-regiment.com has a diary from the course, but it offers little help.

Mike

[El Prez]

Scott, top left is a search window, enter POC and click on show as posts. There are 499 showing POC in the forums.

[Tab]

POC sounds rather like a dose of the clap

[mike_B]

I got the outline programme through -

Day One

Arrive by 1630
Intro
Current Affairs Test

Day Two

Address and introduction in syndicates
BFT '2 miles' -(!?) and Gym exercises
Discussion
Leadership tasks
Plan Ex

Day Three

Plan Ex debrief
Interviews
Leadership tasks
Individual presentations

Day Four

'Final Selection Events' - Guessing Log race and assault course
Final Address
Final Interviews

Fun fun fun.

Mike

[mike_B]

I know what you mean.

However, I think the emphasis is on 'How fit are you?' rather than 'We are going to beast you'.

To be in with a realistic chance of passing, you need sub 8:00 on the run, 16 heaves, 70 press-ups and +80 sit ups. With only a 10% pass rate, competition is high.

Don't forget there is the Assault course and Log Race to look forward to, plus i'm sure there'll be more than a few 'unofficial' beastings along the way.

I'll fill you in when I come back (having passed ).

Mike

[theparamancan]

From speaking to people that have done it, the emphasis is infact on "we are going to beast you". Determination is infact more important that fitness. As the regiment will no doubt tell you "we can get you fit however wee need a base to work from". A student on the course who sails round the BFT in 7:55 comfortably will not score as high as the bloke who nails himself to come in in just under 9 mins. (This doesnt mean you shouldnt aim for beasting the run in under 8 but do give it all)
Give it all your best shot and then whatever the outcome you'll know you did your best.


Oh, my best piece of advice - stay on the log or pass out. Your only two real choices.

Utrinque Paratus

[mike_B]

Fair one '4pararec'.

I understand what you mean, and they clearly (from the info. they have sent me) place a great deal on the log race. It doesn't matter how fit you are - that event is about the mind.

But surely with regard to the run: If you bomb it round and really push yourself and it's clear you're giving it everything you've got and get: say 8:20. Isn't that going to be better than somebody who pushes himself just as hard but gets 9:00...? It shows you have prepared better AND will give 100%. Just a thought.

Mike