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AIB - Navy Officer Selection

This is taken from a NATO report written in 2001 http://www.pmfhk.cz/Katedry/RTO/TR-034/TR-034-$$ALL.pdf

Candidates spend two full days at the Admiralty Interview Board . Other information is usually collected beforehand, including the head teacher’s and college principal’s report, tutor’s report and organised group activity reports. On arrival at the Board, candidates complete a Biographical Questionnaire Form. The aim of this form is to collect up-to-date and comprehensive information on the candidate. Much of the information will have been collected before, but circumstances and achievements may have changed. It is also useful for Board Members to have all the information together on one form, particularly when preparing for the interviews. In addition, certain items from the form are input to a computer to produce a biographical data score which is used at the final “Wash-up”.

The psychometric test battery

All the psychometric tests used at the AIB are paper and pencil tests designed to be administered to groups of candidates. The tests are in the form of multiple choice answers, with a computerized marking system used to compile the results. At present, this testing session takes some 2.5 hours, including giving instructions and collecting answer sheets.

The current AIB battery consists of the following tests:

Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Instructions

Mathematical Ability

Spatial Orientation


The major aim of the battery is to give an indication of mental ability in relation to the demands of Officer training.

(1) Verbal Reasoning: This is a 20 minute test consisting of four parts or sub-tests:

“Same and Opposite” uses synonyms and antonyms.

“Analogies”

“Jumbled Sentences”

“Completing Sentences”



(2) Non-Verbal Reasoning: This is 13 minute test in two parts:

Matrix completion

Sequencing


Tests of this type provide a measure of general intellectual ability that is less influenced by verbal aptitude and educational opportunities.

(3) Instructions: The 15 minute instructions test requires the test-taker to perform various clerical type operations (checking, filing, classifying and coding printed information) in rapid rotation. Five operations have to be carried out on each item. The instructions are intended to be relatively complicated and hard to follow. Although designed as, and effective as, a measure of clerical ability, the test is also a good measure of general ability, and adds to the prediction of success which can be made on the basis of the reasoning test. This may be because the test demands concentration, efficient working methods and diligence in addition to intellectual ability in order to achieve a good score.

(4) Mathematical Ability: This is a 25 minute test containing three sub-tests:

Facility: basic arithmetic and approximations

Problems: reasoning with algebra

Statistical interpretation using information form graphs and tables



(5) Spatial Orientation: This is a 15 minute test with 15 items involving geographical directions and relative positions in space. In order to achieve a reliable and valid index of mental ability, a composite score is computed by adding the test scores together. Raw scores are converted to 0 to 9 scores for presentation to the Board. The Composite Test Score is the most valuable of the indicators derived form the written tests and is intended as a measure of general intellectual ability. As such, it would be expected to predict relative performance in a broad range of activities with intellectual content.

Written Testing

(1) Service Knowledge Test: This is a 10 minute test with 35 questions. Most of the questions in the test come from DNR: publications. There are different versions for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

(2) General Knowledge Questionnaire: This lasts 10 minutes and has 35 questions which cover World Affairs, Science/Technology, and the Arts.

(3) The Essay: Candidates are given a choice of four essay subjects. Subjects vary slightly between types of entry (e.g. Scholars versus Direct Graduates). They are told to write an essay covering no more than two sides on one of the subjects, with a time limit of 45 minutes. The aim of the essay is to obtain an indication of the candidate’s power of expression. Although all Board members see the Essay, the Headmaster has particular responsibility for marking it. He concentrates on overall construction (e.g. paragraphing), sentence construction, style, relevance of points and arguments, vocabulary, impact, legibility and spelling.

(4) The Summary: Candidates have 20 minutes to summarize a passage of some 240 words in 90 words, preserving the key points, in good English.

(5) Written Communication Skills Test: Unlike the tests discussed above this test is not used primarily to determine pass/fail but to identify literacy problems amongst suitable or marginally unsuitable candidates. Appropriate remedial action can then be taken. It is in two parts:

Formal Correction: spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and grammar (20 items, 10 minutes)

Summarizing and structuring (12 items, 18 minutes)



(6) New Tests/ Procedures under development: During the development of new selection tests and /or selection procedures, it is often necessary to conduct trials of new tests or procedures

The Gym Exercise

Each task has eight minutes for completion. There are “wet” and “dry” tasks and every effort is made to ensure that they are of roughly equal difficulty. Each candidate in turn takes charge of the group. Each candidate is given 15 minutes to work out a solution to his or her problem. Candidates can make written notes but theses are collected at the end of the 15 minutes. Royal Marine candidates also have a leaderless task.

The Group discussion

Candidates are given a scenario to study for 15 minutes. They may make notes. A number of different scenarios are used. Candidates are told as a group that as a group they will have to propose aims and a plan for the problem that they will be given. They have 15 minutes to discuss the problem and five minutes to present them individually for two to three minutes each.

The Interviews

There are two interviews, one by the board and the other by the Personnel Selection Officer. Each interview normally lasts 30 minutes. The general aim of the interviews are to probe and add information to that already collected form other sources. The interview is also used to assess the candidate’s motivation for a Naval career (i.e. knowledge, interests, and aspirations). In the Board interview, the Headmaster discusses academic opportunities and achievements, extra-curricular activities at school and other non-physical spare time activities. The naval member of the board discusses physical spare time activities, employment record, and naval knowledge and interests (there is a Royal Marine officer on Royal Marine boards). The President of the board discusses awareness of current affairs and any other points requiring clarification.

The Personnel Selection Officer interview is carried out in a slightly less formal atmosphere and is used to probe any areas that are better discussed one to one. The PSO has the particular responsibility for covering family and domestic circumstances but will also cover spare time activities and vocational interests as they relate to Service compatibility, as well as any contacts with drugs and police.

The final assessment

After the interviews, the Board hears from the Senior Rate any observations that they have on the candidates outside of the scheduled activities. The PSO reports the interview and gives the major numerical predictors such as the Composite Test Score. The Headmaster assesses the Essay and Summary, and makes assessments of academic achievements and /or future academic performance. Board Members then individually consider all the evidence. Board members give assessment under four headings: Effective Intellect, Leadership Potential, Character and Personality, and Service Motivation; in addition, Physique is assessed for Royal Marine candidates. Each board member rates the candidate and gives a Final Mark (on a 020 to 980 scale). The Final Marks are averaged to produce the Final Board Mark; each Board Member’s mark has equal weight. Final Board Marks of 500 or better receive a positive recommendation as Ministry of Defence (Navy) “passes”. In times of shortage, some “marginal failures” may have their names forwarded to the Ministery of Defence for consideration The Ministery of Defence makes the final selection.

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Reply 1

When I went to the AFCO the Navy gave me a DVD following 4 candidates through the AIB from signing in at reception to leaving.

Reply 2

This probably covers some of that then. I've had a request for this info so I've posted it. However I am ignorant about AIB and it could have changed since this report was written. If anyone finds any redundant information please can you post the details.

Thanks

Reply 3

With regard to the gym exercise i'm fairly certain that both RN and RM candidates have to complete a leaderless task not just RM :smile:

Reply 4

hey there guys'n'gals, first post so please, be gentle.

Thanks for posting that Gemma LS, that bit about the final assessment's interesting, especially where it says that the Senior Rate gives observations made outside "scheduled activities". Does that mean that he/she's basically spying on you the whole time you're there?

However I do think that it's talking about the old AIB format, the main change is that these days there's only one interview, they've ditched the PSO one, and there's no Headmaster sitting in on your main interview anymore. At least that's how I understand it. They've also put an OASC style fitness test in there (ie bleep test). And there's less emphasis on current affairs, although you should still probably read your papers and watch the news, can't hurt to know what you're talking about when it comes to the essay :top:

I'm down there at the end of next month, good luck to everyone else who's going for it!

Reply 5

Ergo bibamus
However I do think that it's talking about the old AIB format
Thanks for posting that, it'll mean people are better informed! Welcome to the forum :smile:

Reply 6

*Jude*
With regard to the gym exercise i'm fairly certain that both RN and RM candidates have to complete a leaderless task not just RM :smile:


Thats right both have to undertake a leaderless task.

My advice to anyone doing the AIB, concentrate on the tests. They dont tell you but the tests make up the larger part of the overall mark. The tests and the leadership.

Also during the fitness test, yell out encouragement during the run and if there are people still going after you stop yell loads of encouragement. I was commended on this as showing good team spirit.

By the way i passed my AIB with and Outstanding Pass for those who are interested.

Reply 7

Hi Tomski, any chance of a rough timescale of AFCO-AIB-BRNC if possible? Also any more details on stuff like the fitness test and interviews as details seem hard to come by!
Thanks in advance.

Reply 8

Hi Tomski,

Jeez "Outstanding"!!!!! Well done indeed mate. I have a whole week before my AIB. Was just wondering if you have any last minute revision topics. I read the Times and the Guardian everyday and have done loads of pscyhometric tests. Am going for MO if that makes a difference.

Well done again, will just be chuffed to bits with a pass

Soph

Reply 9

Hey Soph,
Good luck. Would love to hear about your experiences and how Medical AIB differs. I'm goin for MO in a few years time myself hopefully. Are you going for sponsorship or have u finished your degree? Loads of luck.
J

Reply 10

Am going for sponsorship but if I don't get it then I'll apply again when I've qualified. I think there's an MO on the board and you have to know about the Geneva Conventions about medics carrying weapons and confidentiality and when you are allowed to breach it if you feel the unit is endangered. Aside from that think it's going to be just as nasty..

Are you at uni now?

Take care

Soph

Reply 11

Hi Soph,

I'm starting my medical course in September, and I'm thinking about going into the RN too, so JayD, myself, and any other prospective MOs out there would like to hear all the gory details about your AIB!

Rob

Reply 12

Deffo. I'm starting med in 2007 (taking gap year) but yes gory details please. lol.

Reply 13

Oh goody, so glad I get to be the metaphorical lamb to the slaughter!


Finally glad to see some more Navy types and medics on this site. You'll get a full debrief once the misery/glee enduced hangover has subsided come Wednsday.

Au revoir

Soph

Reply 14

Hehe. Yeah good to hear from you guys. Good luck again.

Reply 15

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

Reply 16

So dissapointed to here you failed. But hey you'll pass in a few years, just with slightly less money in your pocket lol (or in my case that would be spent on beer). Thanks a lot for that info, very helpful. Best of luck in the future. Woo yeah until I went to the BRNC I never thought I'd look forward to a seven am lie in. All the best
J
x

Reply 17

I just got back from my AIB yesterday and have passed.
The pshychometric tests are without doubt the most mentally taxing. Come about 1200 on the second day everyone was just knackered and couldnt think. The rest of this day was spent preparing for the Practical Leadership Task (the instructors show you the techniques required to complete the tasks the day after and you should definitly pay attention to this as it will help you lots when planning for your PLT.) After this the last thing of the day is a Bleep Test (or now called a Multi Stage Fitnesss Assesement as it isnt a test only a measure of your motivation.) This assesement really helps to calm everyone down and the mood in the evening is alot better.
The Third Day (and without doubt the most important) is the first time that you will meet your board. The first time you will see them is just before you are about to complete the PLT. Some tips for the PLT are:
Keep your voice up and keep talking to each other.
Dont be afraid to voice your opinion if you think the leader is doing something wrong.
Use your equipment wisely (dont bridge a 6 foot gap with a 10ft plank if u have a 8foot 1.)

The next part of the day is the Discussion Exercise. In this you will be given a scenario to study on your own and make notes as you wish. You will then go in with the rest of th candidates on your board and you will be given a problem. You then have to discuss this with each other to try and formulate a plan. You will have 15 minutes to do this. Once this time is over you will have to present your plan as a team to the board. After this then there is approx 10 minutes of quick fire questions. For this u are not allowed any of your notes and have to try and recall every aspect of your plan. There will b lots of Speed, Distance, Time questions requiring quick math skills. Once this is over you will have a few minutes to collect your thoughts and present YOUR solution to the board. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CHANGE YOUR PLAN IF THE QUESTIONER HAS POINTED OUT A SERIOUS FLAW.
The last (and easiest part) of the board is the Interview. it is a compentancy based interview so they focus on examples of what u have done to prove your leadership qualities, motivation, courage etc. There is a few service knowledge questions but if u are serious about joining the navy these are nothing to worry about!!!

You will then have to wait about 30mins while they discuss you and come up with there results (lunch is usually taken in this break.) You will the b called in to b told you results on your own with the board president. If successfull you will have to have a medical (which shouldnt b a problem for most people) but will proceed home straight away if you unsucessful.

The AIB staff are very helpfull and do a very good job of relaxing you. After all the Board want to see YOU not someone u think they want to see.

Good luck to all those who are taking this board soon.

Reply 18

Hi
I have my interview (not the AIB) in a few weeks, and would appreciate any pointer in the right direction, regarding the AIB.

I was wondering if there were any useful hints and tips, or if there is anything i should focus and work on, apart from the obvious leadership and physical ability categories.

What is the pass rate on average? Also - i dont have an AIB date yet, will it be soon after my interview with the liaison officer?

Whats included in the psychometric and mathematic tests? If anyone can remember some specifics from thier AIB i would really love to hear them.

Another biggie - IF i fail, will i be able to take it again, and if so, when?

Thankyou all

Scot

Reply 19

Hi folks,

I have AIB in April and I was wondering how well I need to know ship details?

I know all the ships and boats and what there roles are, weapons, complement and Radar.

Anything else? do I need to go into the same detail with the RFA?

Can someone please give me details of the warfare officer training (I already have what the AFCO PROVIDES) However would like details on what you do on your JWO,for example.

I can run 1.5 miles in 10mins (Or there abouts) but I have never done a bleep test, What level do you think I could get to? Bearing in mind my current leavels of fitness

Thanks