Our recruitment takes place at the beginning of each academic year in September. Current students will attend a number of Freshers Fayres although you may also apply directly to us by telephone or by email.

The Selection Process

Selection starts at respective Freshers Fayres with you expressing your interest in joining to a member of our recruiting team.  We ask you to fill in a small form that tells us a little bit about you, including your contact information.  A few days later we will either phone, text or email you to invite you to our two-day induction weekend.

Example of an Induction Weekend

Day 1

The first day is a meet and greet with a short welcome over a few drinks. This will start at 8pm but we will also provide shuttle service for students living in the halls of residence. The first night is very relaxed. It will give you the chance to meet the others in your group and also the group leaders as well as other key personalities in AUOTC.

Day 2

The second day begins with an early start of 9am. You will be broken down into syndicates and then led to your first task by your syndicate leader. You will participate in three tasks before lunch followed by another three after lunch. The first days selection ends around 5pm with a debrief from your syndicate leaders. Saturday nights activities will start with a formal meal to introduce recruits to mess life. Smart clothing will be required for this event. After the meal there will be a legendary Aberdeen UOTC Mess games night were the games may seem un-usuall but very enjoyable.

Day 3

The third day has an early start as there is so much to cover. The syndicates will participate in three tasks in the morning followed by a hands on demonstrations/experiences at our local training area at Blackdo. The weekend will finish at around 5pm on the Sunday with transport being provided to the halls of residence.

Selection Activities will include:

• Interview - Conducted by a Senior Officer
• Fitness Assessment - This is not a pass/fail assessment. It is simply designed to show us and you where your fitness level is.  This assessment will include maximum effort on press-ups in 2 minutes, maximum effort on sit-ups in 2 mins and a 1.5 mile run in your best time.
• Discussion Group - This is a 45 minute period where you will discuss current affairs or other subjects that the staff want to throw in.
• Command Tasks - You will be tested on your ability to lead and communicate with otheres in your syndicate.  These tasks could be anything ranging from crossing through 'electric fences' to setting up helecopter landing zones blind-folded.
• Paper Planning Exercise - You are given a scenario and are expected to come up with a plan on how you will deal with the situation.
• Medical Assessment - This is just to see if you are medically fit.  It is nothing demanding and is certainly nothing to worry about!

If we are happy with what we've seen from you and your happy with what you've seen of us you will be invited to our first training weekend.  From that stage on you are paid for just about everything you do in the UOTC and all the benefits of being a member are opened up to you!