Description
Object description
A detailed study of the work of the War Office Selection Board in selecting candidates for officer training. Eight officer candidates from varying backgrounds, but all apparently in their late teens, are observed as they go through a variety of tests and interviews. It appears from the credits that although what is shown is unrehearsed this was not the actual interview process for those candidates.
Full description
The selection panel is led by a president and vice president advised by four Military Testing Officers who are looking at the candidates' spontaneous behaviour, a psychiatrist who is looking at possible personal problems and a psychologist who is looking at personality in general.
Full description
The candidates start with written tests. They are then observed in a number of situations, the first being group leaderless ones to observe who comes up with ideas and who naturally takes the lead. The first situation is a group discussion, followed by a group task, pretending to be prisoners of war escaping, followed by a team obstacle course.
Full description
The President interviews Robert Kenneth Thomson (No. 4) about his background and schooling, general ambitions in life, and touching on his interest in communications and wish to join the Signals. In view of that interest he is also given a rather basic technical interview.
Full description
The candidates move on to a leaderless semi-group test with the emphasis more on the individual in smaller groups. It is an obstacle course with challenges such as crossing a gas contaminated road. Notice is taken of how the men treat each other i.e. are there natural leaders who command respect?
Full description
As individuals the candidates do an obstacle course planning which obstacles to tackle (each of which has a value) and estimating the score they expect to receive. The MTO is looking for effectiveness or co-ordination of efforts with good reports for those who set themselves a high standard and make a determined attempt to achieve it.
Full description
In the Command Scenario each candidate is given a chance to be in command showing how they deal with people and things.
Full description
The psychiatrist sees candidates where there are doubts, disagreements within the selection board and even some obviously suitable candidates. One discussion, with candidate No. 8, focuses on his being accident prone, his claustrophobia and nightmares.
Full description
Finally the Board meets and compares its assessments and reaches a decision on each candidate. Their decisions are monitored within the officer training programme and as the successful candidates become officers in the field to assess the effectiveness of the selection tests procedures and observations.
Physical description
16mm