Hi guys,
Just got back from my AIB. Didn't make it, but they said they'd love to see me back?!? All in all it was good, well certainly a good expoerience.
Here's an overview.
It was exactly the same as what everyone else does. We were really lucky because the rest of my board of four were lovely. We were 3 girls and 1 guy, that made the physical leadership tasks interesting at best.
On the first day we arrived, went for dinner and then out to the pub. A few well placed gin and tonics do wonders to calm the nerves. Then we went to bed about 11pm.
The next day, I was up before they played reveille. Then it's down to breakfast before the fun of the tests begin. These are ok. The English is pretty straightforward, the Servie knowledge is ok, the Maths is a NIGHTMARE. After that there's a clerking task and an essay. The essay's pretty easy. Run through of the planning exercise. V dull. Then it's time for lunch. '
After lunch, it's time for a run through of the physical leadership tasks. Just pay attention and volunteer for stuff. You then go and put your running stuff on for the bleep test. The gym is really hot and it's not all that fun. The PTI runs the first few levels with you to make sure you keep a decent pace. The lowest record they have is 2/4. I got 8/1 so was pretty pleased. The top record is 14 sthg. The Marines we did our board along side got pretty close. They then make you jog back to the building.
Then the rest of the night is yours.
The next day is the stressful one. Stragiht to the gym for the physical leadership tasks. First leaderless, then the rest are led by the members. They're ok really. Then you have time to go and get changed and get ready for the planning exercise. THis was apparently where I fell down. It was really odd, I'm useless about things like this , hate them and it must have shown. You have 15mins to study the scenario and then discuss it as a group so just talk lots, I didn't and I failed. Then you get grilled by the Lieutenant. That bit isn't that bad and then you get to present your solution to the task individually.
Then you have your interviews with the board. They're really not that bad. Just know what you wrote on that form becuase the questions are the same. The ship knowledge isn't bad. Then you have to point to a map, same projection as the one in the restroom. It's America centric just to throw you. The time flies by.
For a medical board, I really dont think that ship knowledge is that vital. I knew my stuff well as did the othe rcandidates who failed. The one who passed couldn't tell a frigate from a carrier.
Hope this helps. Am looking forward to a lie in till 7am tomorrow!
Soph
xxxx