What Is the British Army Recruitment Process?
The British Army utilises a variety of resources to vet potential cadets. The recruitment process can be rigorous due to the high standards set by the army. Applicants can expect a series of assessments and physical evaluations. The recruitment process, on average, takes about one to two months.
Application Process
Those interested in the British Army can enlist by filling out an application or going to their local recruitment office. Applicants must meet particular requirements before they can sign up. This includes being a high school graduate and above the age of eighteen. If the applicants meet these criteria, they will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
Medical Questionnaire
The medical questionnaire is sent to the candidate after they have submitted their application. The candidate must disclose any possible physical barriers that would prevent them from carrying out their responsibilities in the army.
Interview
The interview is a brief screening to see if the candidate should be invited to the selection centre. During the interview, the recruiter’s goal is to learn as much as possible about the candidate. This includes work experience, accomplishments, interests, and interest in the army. The candidate will hear back about their invitation to the selection centre within a week or two after the interview.
Selection Centre
The selection centre, also called assessment centre or assessment day, is a two-day, overnight stage of the recruitment process that consists of tests and exercises. There are thorough instructions given to the candidate beforehand that detail the necessary clothing and documentation for the centre.
The first day of the selection centre includes a series of assessments. These tests evaluate the candidate’s mental capacity in relation to their ability to perform the tasks associated with being in the army. The British Army’s assessments include the following:
- British Army Recruit Battery (BARB)
The BARB is a problem-solving test. The results indicate to the British Army the candidate’s ability to understand information, how they learn, and how the candidate picks up on training. The test is multiple choice and each question is timed.
- Literacy Test
The literacy test ensures that the candidate is able to communicate fluently and effectively in English. The questions will concern grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure. Some of the questions may involve a brief passage with a handful of follow-up questions. These passages analyse the candidate’s ability to understand and apply written instructions.
- Numeracy Test
The numeracy test assesses the candidate’s mathematical abilities. The questions come in the form of graphs, word problems, and tables, all with multiple-choice answers. The results of the numeracy test help the British Army choose which role is suitable for the candidate.
- Technical Selection Test (TST)
The technical selection test is similar to the GCSE exams. There are a variety of questions concerning math and technical skills. The technical selection test is multiple choice and timed.
The second day of the selection centre is largely focused on the candidate’s behaviour and physical capabilities.
There are a handful of teamwork exercises between candidates. These may involve physical or strategical challenges posed by an assessor. Candidates should exhibit strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
The candidate must also pass a physical exam. After a general evaluation, the candidate must perform the following exercises:
- Lift and relocate two twenty-kilogram jugs.
- Run 2.4 kilometres.
- Lift a fifteen-kilogram bag 1.45 meters high in the air. The weight increases by five kilograms each time the candidate lifts the bag onto the platform. The exercise ends when the weight reaches forty kilograms.
After the physical exercises, there will be an interview. The interview consists of hypothetical problem-solving and competency-based questions. The recruiter will also go over the candidate’s performance at the selection centre and how they might fit in with the British Army.
The candidate should hear back about their standing with the British Army about a week after the selection centre has been completed.
How to Prepare for the British Army’s Assessments?
The British Army’s assessments are the most difficult part of the recruitment process. Not only do the results decide if you are accepted into the British Army, but they also decide your role and responsibilities within the army. This makes preparing for these assessments especially important.
If you are nervous about the aptitude tests, using online practice tests is the best way to put your mind at ease. Online practice tests simulate the British Army’s assessments. This way, you can get experience with the time limits, structure, and type of questions. Practising with these tests also allows you to get a feel for the pace that works most effectively for you. Additionally, you will be able to see your scores which act as an estimate for how well you will do on the British Army’s tests.
Another way to prepare for the tests is by using sample questions. Sample questions are great refreshers to warm-up your brain right before the test. You could also use sample questions if you want to slow things down and focus on your problem-solving approach.
Whichever way you choose to practice is up to you and your needs. As long as you devote enough time towards preparation, the British Army’s recruitment process should be a breeze. Best of luck!
