FROME woman, Maisie Pestille, has just been accepted onto the prestigious Army Officer Training Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Berkshire, starting in January 2021.
Maisie completed two sets of multiple day selections, including rigorous mental and physical tests under constant scrutiny – psychometric tests, maths tests, general knowledge tests, leading command tasks, giving presentations, carrying out planning exercises, undergoing multiple interviews, writing essays and doing gruelling physical assault courses – she is now one of the women who make up around 10% of those who have been accepted for the year-long training. After completing the notoriously challenging training, she will then go into her chosen regiment to lead troops in the British Army.
The Army Officer Selection Board is currently conveniently in Westbury, where Maisie competed with other young would-be officers from all over the country.
Maisie said, “I did a lot of preparation, both physical and mental, for the board, including plenty of mental maths practice, speeches on different topics and brushed up on my current affairs knowledge as you have to be able to talk about any given topic relating to today’s news. I found the most challenging part to be the planning exercise. After putting together a plan to combat a difficult scenario, you then have to stand in front of a group of senior officers and justify your plan, decisions and calculations. Luckily I managed to keep calm under the pressure.
“Although it was really hard work to get in, I would recommend having a go at becoming a potential army officer, because as one my mentors said to me, ‘Welcome to the best job in the world’ The feeling of achievement at being accepted is great, although I know that the actual training is going to be tough.”
As well as volunteering with the Youth Adventure Trust, Maisie has helped lead the Army Cadets in Frome and Shepton Mallet as an instructor, which has been invaluable training for her leadership skills.
