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Army Development and Selection Centres

The Corps Colours

Aim

'To assess the suitability of applicants to be accepted by the Army in a particular employment and confirm eligibility for their career choice. Also to assess the suitability of applicants to commence basic training.'

Potential Recruits taking part in a team taskYou will undergo further selection, both physically and mentally, to confirm your suitability for your chosen career in the Army. You are not committed to join the Army at this stage.

The following information is a guide to what you as a potential recruit will go through at your nearest Army Development and Selection Centre(ADSC). You can find more information at the Online Careers Office and The Army foundation College website.

Role

The role of the Army Development and Selection Centre is to select suitable recruits for the Army from those applicants who have been recommended by Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCOs) and Army Careers Information Offices (ACIOs) and to confirm their eligibility and suitability for their job preference.

The centre will also provide the potential recruit with up to date information on the Army and the training system. Potential recruits normally stay at the centre for two days (which includes an overnight stay). Food and accommodation during the stay are free.

The following aspects are covered by selection:

  • Medical Examination - Asthma Testing (as appropriate)
  • Technical Selection Test (TST)
  • Physical Assessment - Aptitude Testing - Military/Training Awareness
  • Personnel Selection Officers Interview

Example Programme

As a potential recruit, your two days at the centre will follow a similar programme to this:

DAY 1

1000 - 1145   Arrive at ADSC
1200 - 1230   Administration / Registration
1230 - 1300   Lunch
1300 - 1800   Medial, Technical Selection Test, Physical Tests (PSS(R)), Interest Briefs, Videos and Equipment Displays. Icebreaker (Each applicant to introduce him/herself in 2-3 minutes) and Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT)
1830 - 1900   Evening Meal
1900 - 2045   Skill at Arms lesson (Grenade) and potted sports
2100 - 2200   Social visit to Junior Ranks Club
2200 - 2230   Brief for day 2
2300   Lights out

DAY 2

0600   Reveille
0630 - 0700   Breakfast
0700 - 0730   Pack bags. Room inspection, Strip Beds, Sheet exchange
0730 - 0800   Walk 1.5 mile run route
0800 - 0830   1.5 mile run best effort
0830 - 0900   Shower
0900 - 1015   Team Activities
1015 - 1100   Team Task
1100 - 1115   Break
1115 - 1145   Shower, change and return equipment
1200 - 1230   Lunch
1240 - 1400   Basic Training & Terms of Service Brief
1400 - 1700   Personnel Selection Officer Interviews and Physical Training Brief
Depart
The following paragraphs will give potential recruits an overview of the activities that take place at the ADSC.

The Programme

This is designed to assess your capabilities and aptitude for a career in the Army and to provide you with an insight into the military way of life. Your time at the ADSC will provide you with the necessary information to enable you decide whether it is what you want to do.

The Medical Examination

You will undergo a thorough medical examination by a Doctor to confirm that you meet the Army's medical standards and are fit enough to undergo training. If you wear spectacles or contact lenses please ensure that you bring them with you. Contact lenses must not be worn for the 7 days preceding your visit to the ADSC, failure to comply with this may result in your application being delayed. Applicants will be required to wear spectacles of current prescription for the eye test. You should also bring with you a copy of the current optician's prescription.

The Fitness Tests

Static arm endurance testDay 1: You will undergo a series of tests known as Physical Standards Selection for Recruits or simply PSSR. These are 'best effort' tests that take place in the gymnasium. All tests will be demonstrated to you at the ADSC however, you should watch the Fitness Video and read the Fitness pamphlet provided by your parent ACIO/AFCO before you attend.

Day 2: You will be required to complete the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) run. This is also a best effort test. If you are applying for Adult Entry you will be required to complete the run within 14 minutes or less. All Junior Entrants - Army Foundation College, Army Technical Foundation College or the School Leavers Scheme - are required to complete the run in 14 minutes 30 seconds or less. Your parent AFCO/ACIO will brief you on the exact time required for your particular job choice.

Aptitude Testing

Team tasks

These are a series of tests designed to enable us to assess your suitability for a career in the Army and for your particular job choice. They also measure your motivation, commitment and resolve and provide the assessors with an indication of how you will perform in the training environment. It is your opportunity to show us what you can do. Military and Training Awareness.

Whilst you are at the ADSC you will experience life in the Army environment and get a taste of the Military ethos. You will be briefed on your 'Terms and Conditions of Service' and 'Life and Training at the Army Training Regiment (ATR)'.

You will also have opportunity to discuss the Army with members of the ADSC staff and you will meet recruits undergoing training at ATR Glencorse informally in the Junior Ranks Club in the evening.

 

Interview

The selection process culminates with an interview with a Personnel Selection Officer who will have previewed all the information available from the AFCO/ACIO and the results you have achieved whilst at the ADSC.

He or she will ask you some questions based on your aspirations and life history and will then tell you whether you have passed or not

Administration

Clothing and Equipment You should bring the following:

 a. Shorts, T-Shirt (short sleeved), training shoes and a tracksuit or similar item. Females are advised to bring a sports bra.

 b. Normal items of clothing, personal items and toilet articles (including towel) sufficient to sustain you for an overnight stay. A warm waterproof jacket is also advisable. If your AFCO/ACIO has advised you that you may be required to stay an additional night you should bring extra clothes as appropriate.

The final interview is classed as a Job Interview you will therefore be expected to be dressed neatly and tidily. You are strongly advised not to bring valuables or more cash than is necessary for your needs during the selection process as security storage space is limited.

The use of mobile phones is prohibited within military premises, a BT Payphone is provided for the use of applicants.

General Instructions

Remember you will not join the Army direct from the ADSC. You are therefore strongly advised not to give up your employment until you have finally passed Recruit Selection and agreed a date for joining your Army training Regiment. You will have 15 days after leaving the ADSC to make your decision, you must confirm acceptance of your vacancy with your AFCO/ACIO within that time. If you are still at school you must inform your Head Teacher.