Hey guys.
I have my RCB brief in April. I have done a few searches on the subject but wondered if anyone has any new advice etc for preparation. My fitness is more than adequate for this stage so more acedemic/interview/leadership advice would be appreciated.
I am practicing psychometric tests but what is the most used?
Do they use numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning or diagrammatic/abstract the same or is one more prevalent? How long are the tests and how advanced if anyone could give me an idea.
Finally i gave three options for familiarisation visits: Para's, Royal engineers and RMP. I wanted more infantry options but due to my age (24/25) was advised to keep a broader mind.
Should i go to all three and what should i expect? Im not massively keen on RMP now but i'm thinking i should go now for the experience and show willingness or should i phone the AFCO and arrange an alternative? Any thoughts?
Think that covers everything! Any help appreciated!
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RCB:familiarisaton visits and psychometrics
1. Make sure you can reach required level at the bleep test. Not general fitness, specifically the bleep test - 20 meter version, not 15m. I was cycling around 50 miles a day, 5 days a week - I did badly on the bleep test because I had neglected running and thought general fitness was enough. Had my breath back 30 seconds later, but that wasn't the test 
2. Throw yourself around some assault courses, have a practice at some field athletics type stuff (hurdles, long-jump, jungle-gym, walking on bars). Similar to above, I can pass the pressup/situp tests for RCB without breaking a sweat, but climbing a rope or throwing yourself over a 10 foot wall is 90% technique, so get used to it beforehand!
3. Aptitude tests are fairly simple:
Verbal = 10 questions: each question read passage and answer 4 multiple choice on each (total 40 questions)
Numerical = 10 questions: each question given graphs / pie charts etc & calculate answers to 4 multiple choice based on each (total 40 questions)
Abstract = 10 questions: each question given two sets of abstract shapes, shown 4 shapes, assign each shape into one/both/neither set (total 40 questions)
Aside from that there is discussion, introduction, planning excercise, leadership exercises, interview, but you are given plenty of explanation and help with all of this, it is simply preparation for RCB and you are not judged on it unless you are utterly dire - don't worry though, there were some guys in our group who were horrible at one or two aspects, and they still passed fine.
BEAR IN MIND that they aren't too dim there, it's quite possible that they change format around for the aptitude tests, so I wouldn't take my experience as gold. Furthermore, if you are 24/25, more will be expected of you than the younger candidates.
As for the fam. visits, I can't say, though plenty of people I talked to about theirs were put through unofficial assault courses, fitness tests on their visit, so be prepared for anything.
2. Throw yourself around some assault courses, have a practice at some field athletics type stuff (hurdles, long-jump, jungle-gym, walking on bars). Similar to above, I can pass the pressup/situp tests for RCB without breaking a sweat, but climbing a rope or throwing yourself over a 10 foot wall is 90% technique, so get used to it beforehand!
3. Aptitude tests are fairly simple:
Verbal = 10 questions: each question read passage and answer 4 multiple choice on each (total 40 questions)
Numerical = 10 questions: each question given graphs / pie charts etc & calculate answers to 4 multiple choice based on each (total 40 questions)
Abstract = 10 questions: each question given two sets of abstract shapes, shown 4 shapes, assign each shape into one/both/neither set (total 40 questions)
Aside from that there is discussion, introduction, planning excercise, leadership exercises, interview, but you are given plenty of explanation and help with all of this, it is simply preparation for RCB and you are not judged on it unless you are utterly dire - don't worry though, there were some guys in our group who were horrible at one or two aspects, and they still passed fine.
BEAR IN MIND that they aren't too dim there, it's quite possible that they change format around for the aptitude tests, so I wouldn't take my experience as gold. Furthermore, if you are 24/25, more will be expected of you than the younger candidates.
As for the fam. visits, I can't say, though plenty of people I talked to about theirs were put through unofficial assault courses, fitness tests on their visit, so be prepared for anything.
thanks mate!
All very helpful. My fitness is up to scratch as my original training was done for RM POC before deciding to go down the army route!
All the other info was very useful. If anyone else has any words of wisdom please feel free to share! Really need a CAT1 so am doing everything i can to prepare
All very helpful. My fitness is up to scratch as my original training was done for RM POC before deciding to go down the army route!
All the other info was very useful. If anyone else has any words of wisdom please feel free to share! Really need a CAT1 so am doing everything i can to prepare
Blimey, joined just to pass on these few words of (hopefully) wisdom. 
I did RCB Briefing a while ago and the experience is etched on my memory, mainly because I got a Cat 3! Consequentially I decided against doing the officer route (and was advised I would be a better NCO than an Officer).
Anyway, my few tips:
Oh, and make sure if you suggest a topic for the group discussion (the DS ask for topics and pick a couple at random), you have some clear facts and comments about it, otherwise you'll flounder and look bad.
Good luck!
Tim
I did RCB Briefing a while ago and the experience is etched on my memory, mainly because I got a Cat 3! Consequentially I decided against doing the officer route (and was advised I would be a better NCO than an Officer).
Anyway, my few tips:
- Practise your forward rolls - you have to do a couple and for most folk it's been a while since they last did one.
How's your maths? - Be prepared to have to do interesting multiplication/division in seconds (e.g. you have to get from A to B. They are 32.6 miles apart, and you can travel at 6km/h. How long does it take you to get there?)
Be dominant during the general group discussion. They're looking for folk that can add a lot to the conversation and prove points as necessary. Don't go at it like a bull in a china shop though, just make sure your points are heard and noted by the rest of the group.
Oh, and make sure if you suggest a topic for the group discussion (the DS ask for topics and pick a couple at random), you have some clear facts and comments about it, otherwise you'll flounder and look bad.
Good luck!
Tim
