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RAF CBAT imminent

Hi everyone,

I've been lucky enough to get a CBAT slot this month, applying for the NCO Controller role. Preparations have been going as well as can be expected given theres not many areas you can actually revise for!

Anybody else have their CBAT coming up this month?
I think I'm over-preparing myself in terms of the interview stage (assuming I pass the CBAT for the trade I'm applying for) I feel like its a bit of a grey area in terms of what is expected of an NCO in the interview stage so I've been over doing the preparation just incase. From reading the documentation supplied and watching the P2 I gather that NCO's don't go through the same Officer level interview including a selection of current affairs topics etc but I feel like as I haven't seen that in writing it would be foolish to be under-prepared!

Anyway perhaps see some of you at Cranwell!

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

Stelios76

I've just finished OASC for the Non commissioned controller role. I remember finishing my filter interview thinking why on earth I prepared so much, however it's better you go there and leave with that feeling, then under preparing and leaving wondering why they didn't pass you

Reply 2

AshL11

Original post by Stelios76

Makes sense Stelios, I would sooner be prepared than not. Did you go to Cranwell after Basic? The webpage for NCC Sergeant recently changed to say after BRTC in Halton you will "complete the Direct Entrant Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (DE SNCO) Course at Airmen's Command Squadron (ACS), RAF Halton" and then straight to Shawbury, and has omitted Cranwell altogether.

Reply 3

Stelios76

You won't go to Cranwell after basic, as you said it's been changed. If you have any other questions about anything else in your application feel free to fire away

Reply 4

AshL11

Original post by Stelios76

You won't go to Cranwell after basic, as you said it's been changed. If you have any other questions about anything else in your application feel free to fire away

Much appreciated thanks Stelios. I take it you're through OASC and off to Shawbury now? Do you know yet what specialist area you're going into, Terminal/Weapons controller etc?

The only thing I'm concentrating on now is the CBAT and Fitness; I have a fairly good general knowledge level of the RAF structure and assets, current op's etc so I'm actually least concerned about the interview stage, the fitness I don't want to scrape through.
One menial question: Taking from the info documents I received for the CBAT Appointment, the dress code; I'm going for plain shirt, smart chinos and smart shoes - no tie and not suit-trousers, would you say thats a fair assessment?

Reply 5

Stelios76

You'll want to turn up to the CBAT in a nice smart suit, as that's what everyone else will be wearing, in my 2 times at Cranwell so far I haven't seen anyone not wearing a full suit.

And sorry if I wasn't clear, I have just finished the OASC element of the application, so I'm awaiting my result

Reply 6

AshL11

Original post by Stelios76

Right, glad I asked the question thank you. What about the evening before in the Mess etc?

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 7

AscendingWings

Original post by AshL11

Right, glad I asked the question thank you. What about the evening before in the Mess etc?

It's a fair assessment to wear smart casual, as you initially stated, that is for both the CBAT suite and the mess. But people do often dress smart rather than smart casual, you'll be fine both ways. Smart casual has a very loose definition but what is certain at Cranwell is NO jeans, trainers, sports clothes. Your idea of smart shoes, a plain collared shirt and chinos is acceptable for smart casual.

Inside the suite, you'll be able to relax so if you do choose to wear a suit, you can take off the jacket, tie, shoes etc, so you could end up in smart casual if you wish anyway by relaxing your suit dress.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 8

AshL11

Thankyou. It’s tough to know if they look for you to read and follow the instructions exactly, or to go above and beyond!
I’ll go prepared and as you say can always dress down once seated for the assessment proper.

Reply 9

AscendingWings

Original post by AshL11

You'll be sat in front of a PC for as long as it takes, sometimes 8+ hours, just make sure you're comfortable.

Best of luck on your test day.

Reply 10

Stelios76

When you arrive at Cranwell the evening before, you'll get given your room key and a map of Cranwell to get you around, for dinner you are allowed to be a little more casual in terms of attire, i.e no tie and blazer, then you'll eat and go back to your room and chill, it's not uncommon to talk with people on your floor about the day ahead

Reply 11

outhouse35

Does anybody know if the CBAT will now be affected or stopped again due to the maximum of 6 groups now ?

Reply 12

username158373

I imagine CBAT will not be affected.

Reply 13

AshL11

Original post by outhouse35

Does anybody know if the CBAT will now be affected or stopped again due to the maximum of 6 groups now ?

Just to confirm the CBAT is not affected in any way additional to the measures already in place regarding social distancing: The numbers are reduced, the briefings and terminal allocations in the test suite are spaced out and they are HOT on the 2m distancing rule in the OASC building but otherwise assume business as usual.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 14

Surnia

Original post by AshL11

If you are joining up, then be extremely careful about the information that you publish on a public forum where it can be seen by anyone! 'Anyone' being those who might be looking for security giveaways about bases, dates, personal details...and the RAF come on here, of course.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 15

AshL11

Original post by Surnia

Understood, and considered before posting. I didn’t feel anything sensitive was included in that post, possibly the choice of wording could have been better. Edited to take your advice.

(edited 3 years ago)

Reply 16

alexbeasley74

Hey! Don't worry too much about revising for the CBAT, all you can really do is mental maths and its useful to know about plane instruments and bearings etc. It tests your natural ability so sleep well the night before and eat/drink plenty.My only advice is don't feel downhearted if you think a specific 'exercise' didn't go well. They are designed to be extremely challenging and test how well an individual can keep their head under challenging conditions. I remember thinking I had failed almost every stage and my results showed I passed for everything except pilot and others failed the majority solely because they got annoyed and stopped trying so hard, so focus on every stage and keep your head and you'll do fine. They are extremely helpful in escorting you to the right place once you get there and you'll meet people to group with very quickly so don't worry about that. Just make sure your alarm works for the early start :wink:

And best of luck

Reply 17

AshL11

Original post by alexbeasley74

And best of luck

Thanks, I passed it on Monday with a competitive score.
Genuinely very surprised with the score I got to be fair, as you say it can feel some parts went very badly when in actual fact you’ve done well.

Reply 18

Stelios76

Original post by AshL11

Thanks, I passed it on Monday with a competitive score.
Genuinely very surprised with the score I got to be fair, as you say it can feel some parts went very badlwy when in actual fact you’ve done well.

Well done mate. If you have any questions about the filter interview feel free to throw them my way

Reply 19

Taz1838

Got my CBAT next month. Wondering what I'm meant to wear? Do I turn up the day before the test in a suit / bring a suit to change into? I've not seen any official word on what to wear other than some saying people go suited