SPECIALIST VETTING -PHYSICAL TRAINING INSTRUCTOR

As part of the application process for Physical Training Instructor you will be required to attend a Specialist Vetting. This leaflet provides you with the details to aid your preparation. Please note, the test requirements may change during the year, please liaise closely with your AFCO to ensure you have the most up to date details.

COURSE CONTENT

1.During your assessment at the School of Physical Training you will be subjected to a series of demanding tests, which include the following:

a.Cardio Respiratory Tests. Comprises the 'Multi Stage Progressive Fitness Test' (bleep test) and a 1.5mile run on an outdoor synthetic track (weather dependant). These are maximal tests.

b.Swimming Test. Commences with a 50m swim to be completed within 60 seconds followed immediately by 2 minutes treading water. The second part of the assessment requires candidates to swim continuously for 180m, broken down into 60m backstroke, 60m breast stroke and 60 m front crawl - this is not timed however, techniques will be assessed. Candidates are to then climb out of the pool unaided after the last length. For the final part of the assessment candidates must perform a surface dive to the bottom of the pool (a depth of 3m) to retrieve a brick which must then be brought to the surface and then climb out of the pool unaided. Candidates should note that the Swimming Test is a Pass / Fail element of the Specialist Vetting.

c.Transferable Motor Skills. Each individual will be assessed in a Sports Specific Circuit, which includes: Rugby, Tennis, Volleyball, Hockey, Cricket, Football, Badminton and Basketball. In addition, successful candidates (day 2) will be required to take part in a coaching session. This is designed to assess an individual’s ability to transfer their motor skills.

d.5 Minute Talk. You will be required to give a 5 minute presentation to the group accompanied by a hand-written submission of the presentation.

e.Leadership Tasks. You will be required to lead a specific task enabling you to demonstrate the following qualities / skills: Communication, Problem Solving, Confidence, Resilience, Teamwork and Influence.

f.Muscular Endurance Test. Tests of one minute duration performing press-ups and sit-ups to achieve the maximum number of repetitions.

g.Interview. You should be appropriately dressed for a formal interview with a Staff Instructor from the S of PT.

h.Written Assessment. You will receive a short written test (multi-choice) on the history of the School of Physical Training and the trade of PTI. All the information required to answer the written assessment will be provided when candidates arrive at the Specialist Vetting.

i.Stamina and Physical Courage Assessment. This comprises 5 one minute tests each of which should be performed maximally. The tests are a rope climb, weighted bergen run, repetitive lift, casualty drag and jerry can carry. These will be immediately followed by a repeat of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test.

FITNESS

2.To ensure that you are able to give your best during your stay at the Royal Air Force School of Physical Training, you should be physically and mentally prepared. Candidates performing well below the standard required or who fail key elements may be withdrawn early from the selection process. You are, therefore, encouraged to undertake a programme of physical exercise prior to attending the Specialist Vetting. If you have concerns that your swimming ability is weak, you are especially urged to concentrate on this area; Candidates who fail the swimming element or produce results of an unacceptable standard could be withdrawn from the Specialist Vetting process after the completion of the first day’s (24 hours) activities.

3.All candidates are to be in possession of enough sports clothing to enable them to undergo the above tests, clothes suitable for a formal interview and sufficient casual clothing for the evenings. The sports clothing is to consist of at least the following items:

a.Swimming costumeand towel.

b.Running shoes.

  1. Tracksuit/tracksters.
  2. Warm clothing for outdoors.
  3. Sports trainers suitable for the gymnasium.
  4. Shorts/T-shirts/vests.

SIFTING

4.All candidates will undertake the activities from Monday to Tuesday lunchtime; after which candidates deemed unsuitable to continue the vetting will be removed and sent home. All remaining candidates will continue until Wednesday lunchtime. Prior to departure, all candidates will receive an interview informing them of their result