The Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) is known for pushing candidates to their limits — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But what if you could hear from those who’ve already been through it? We’ve pulled together some of the most helpful advice shared by past candidates online—insights that often don’t appear in official guides, but can make all the difference when you’re standing at Westbury, wondering what’s next.
1. Don’t Just Train—Train Smart
Being “fit” means something very specific at AOSB. It’s not just about running fast or lifting weights; it’s about being functionally strong and prepared for challenges you won’t find in most gyms.
Past candidates recommend focusing on:
- Pull-ups and rope climbs: These show up in more places than you’d expect.
- The bleep test: Don’t underestimate it. Failing here can end your selection early.
Make sure your training includes circuits, hills, and compound movements—not just treadmill runs.
2. Drop the Act: Just Be Yourself
It’s tempting to try and fit a mould — what you think an officer should look or sound like. But AOSB isn’t about playing a part.
“You can’t fake it for six days,” one candidate put it. “And you definitely can’t fake it through Sandhurst.”
The assessors are looking for real people with potential — not finished products. Be confident in who you are. Whether you’re analytical, outgoing, introverted, or creative, there’s room for all kinds of personalities—as long as you’re genuine, capable, and open to growth.
3. Shake Off Mistakes and Keep Going
It’s easy to overthink one bad moment — a poor answer, a missed step in an exercise — but the truth is, nobody gets everything right.
What matters more is how you recover:
- Did you dwell on it, or move on?
- Did it affect your next task, or did you bounce back?
Learn what you can, then refocus. Your response to setbacks is part of what’s being assessed.
4. Your Teammates Are Not Your Rivals
Teamwork is the backbone of AOSB. Everything — from the command tasks to the planning exercises—is designed to show how you work with others.
- Help your teammates when they’re struggling.
- Don’t dominate, but don’t disappear either.
- Find ways to bring the group together and make it function better.
Candidates often say that groups who gel well tend to see more people pass. So lean into that collective mindset.
5. Indecision is Worse Than the Wrong Decision
When you’re under pressure — especially during the planning exercises or time-limited tasks — freezing up is the real danger.
Even if you’re unsure:
- Pick a direction.
- Explain your reasoning.
- Be ready to adapt.
Assessors aren’t looking for perfect plans; they’re looking for people who can make decisions and lead with confidence.
6. Be Ready to Break the Tension
There will be downtime at AOSB — moments between tasks when you’re waiting around. It’s not unusual for officers to strike up small talk or ask off-the-cuff questions.
One frequent one? “Tell us a joke.”
Having one or two good, clean jokes in your back pocket can help ease tension and show that you’re relaxed under pressure. It’s not about being a comedian — it’s about being human.
7. Keep an Eye on the News
You don’t need to be a political analyst, but you should be able to hold a conversation about current events.
- Check BBC News regularly.
- Read a few opinion pieces — The Economist, New Statesman, or Spectator can be useful.
- For military-related news, check out UK Defence Journal.
Being informed shows awareness and initiative—both key traits of an officer.
8. Bring Good Topics to the Table
During the group discussions, you’ll often be asked to suggest a topic. That moment can catch people off guard.
Avoid anything too niche or overly polarising. Stick to topics like:
- Should the UK introduce national service?
- The role of the military in disaster response
- Balancing AI development with ethical concerns
Always have two or three ideas prepared, just in case someone else suggests a similar one. And if you don’t know much about the topic at hand? Listen carefully, then offer a balanced opinion that pulls together what others have said. That shows maturity and quick thinking.
9. Don’t Wing the Planning Exercise
You’ll get a scenario, a map, and a tight window to come up with three solid solutions. The real challenge, though, is not just generating ideas — it’s knowing the finer details of the scenario and backing up your plan under questioning.
- Pay attention to names, times, locations, and available equipment.
- Be ready for “why” and “what if” questions.
- Practice Speed, Distance, and Time (SDT) calculations — they’re common in both the cognitive tests and the planning exercises.
A solid plan is good. A solid plan you can defend is better.
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10. Take Part in the Command Tasks — All In
Whether it’s the guided task during the Brief or the more complex version at the Main Board, your involvement is what matters.
- Suggest ideas and listen to others.
- Speak up, but don’t talk over people.
- Keep the group moving and motivated.
Command tasks aren’t about completing them — they’re about seeing how you work within a team under pressure.
11. Time Running Out? Just Guess
In the psychometric tests, unanswered questions and wrong answers are treated the same.
That means if the clock is ticking down:
- Make educated guesses.
- Don’t leave blanks.
- Practice pacing yourself in mock tests beforehand.
The more comfortable you are under time pressure, the better you’ll perform.
12. Know Your Story for the Interview
Expect to be asked about your:
- Education
- Extracurricular activities
- Challenges you’ve overcome
- Motivation for joining the Army
You should be able to speak clearly and confidently about what’s on your CV — and more importantly, what you’ve learned from your experiences. Interviews aren’t about being flashy. They’re about showing self-awareness, honesty, and purpose.
13. Obstacle Course: Start Hard, Finish Light
It’s tempting to knock out the easier obstacles first, but that strategy often backfires.
Instead:
- Tackle the toughest challenges while you’re still fresh.
- Save the easier tasks for when you’re running on fumes.
That way, you maximise your points and avoid wasting energy.
Final Thoughts
Every candidate’s journey through AOSB is different — but those who’ve done it agree on one thing: success comes down to preparation, honesty, and adaptability.
The Army isn’t looking for someone perfect. They’re looking for someone prepared to learn, grow, and lead others through the unexpected.
Now that you know what they wish they knew — use it. And good luck.
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