What all does the NOAB consist of?

[Maritime_Matt]

-Many apologies if this has already been talked to death.  I'm going to be in Esquimault this October + am curious what to expect. I understand there's an exam at the end- is there any studying I can do before-hand to be ready? Is it math/geometry heavy? Any imput would be appreciated.

 

[Torlyn]

-Many apologies if this has already been talked to death.  I'm going to be in Esquimault this October + am curious what to expect. I understand there's an exam at the end- is there any studying I can do before-hand to be ready? Is it math/geometry heavy? Any imput would be appreciated.

Heya, Matt.  I did the NOAB board at the beginning of this year...  The best thing you can do?  Be honest.  The NOAB is definitely a 2 way street, and you need to view it as such.  While they will be watching you to find out whether or not they believe you're officer material, you also need to be watching/LISTENING to them to find out if it's a fit for you.

There really isn't anything you can study for, aside from the same stuff that is recommended for the CFAT.  Have quick mental math, learn how to listen, and remember to ask questions!  The people that run the board are doing it because they WANT to help you.  Let them!

My Watch (it'll make sense in October) was fantastic.  We had a great Officer, and Mom (our PO) was brilliant.  The Army Captain that was following was a pretty good guy as well.  (Damn, can he hold his liquor)  It was the two of them that really cemented my desire for the Navy.  That, and meeting some of the boys I'll be spending a career with.  (Pye, Chai, and the Newfs, here's to Patty Murphy!)

Best of luck, Matt.  If you have any more questions, ask away, I'll do my best for ya. 

T

 

[Maritime_Matt]

Hey Torlyn- Good to hear from somebody that's been through it lately. I got the impression from the officer who interviewed me that it was more of a character assessment than anything else- with job shadowing... none too worried about this. If the exam part isn't much more intense than the CFAT, I could handle that. I have to assume it would be highly unusual not to clear it? Do they have you running around 24/7 or is there some "off time" as well? Anyhow, for the most part I'm stoked just to be going.

 

[Monsoon]

Hey Torlyn- Good to hear from somebody that's been through it lately. I got the impression from the officer who interviewed me that it was more of a character assessment than anything else- with job shadowing... none too worried about this. If the exam part isn't much more intense than the CFAT, I could handle that. I have to assume it would be highly unusual not to clear it? Do they have you running around 24/7 or is there some "off time" as well? Anyhow, for the most part I'm stoked just to be going.

The NOABs run two or three times a year and your idea of it is right - in fact teh job shadowing is quite lot of fun.  You're essentially being wined and dined for a couple of weeks.  They want you to want to join before they decided whether or not to take you.  It's not impossible to fail the written test (so be prepared) but more weight is given to how you respond to the naval environment than to whether you got 90% or 70%.

 

[Torlyn]

The NOABs run two or three times a year and your idea of it is right - in fact teh job shadowing is quite lot of fun.  You're essentially being wined and dined for a couple of weeks.  They want you to want to join before they decided whether or not to take you.  It's not impossible to fail the written test (so be prepared) but more weight is given to how you respond to the naval environment than to whether you got 90% or 70%.

It's tougher than the CFAT, but we can't really say much more then that.  What I can say, is that when they tell you to "go out and have some fun, you'll be spending your career with these people" they're not kidding...    Word of advice?  Don't try and show off soccer skills loaded trying to get to the casino.  Sprained ankles suck. 

T

 

[kincanucks]

FYI:

There is talk of moving the writing of the test to the CFRC/Ds to weed out people and save money on travel costs.

 

[nfg341]

It's tougher than the CFAT, but we can't really say much more then that.  What I can say, is that when they tell you to "go out and have some fun, you'll be spending your career with these people" they're not kidding...    Word of advice?  Don't try and show off soccer skills loaded trying to get to the casino.  Sprained ankles suck. 

T

Hey Maritime_Matt,

  Yeah, Torlyn's got it right, but I'm going to say it again. Be yourself, listen to what they have to say and ask questions. The POs and Officers escorting you around will have incredible amounts of advice for you and it's best to consider what they have to say, especially the old salty Chiefs and POs (in my humble opinion); they've been at sea for years and have seen quite a few officers go through the system. The testing isn't something you can study for, at least I and the 95% of the people at the board that I knew thought that. Go out and enjoy Halifax (or Victoria) but don't go overboard. If you're in Halifax, you're going to meet a lot of Navy folks at the bars and out of uniform. Buy them a drink, chat it up and be genuine. They will tell you the straight goods about what they do, the good times and the bad. Be honest and confident in your decisions you make while at the board and don't dwell on the testing and board questions. And whatever you do, don't be late, EVER. One of the candidates was cut because she was constantly late; I imagine her tardiness reflected her attitude though.

  If you do happen to go overboard... ... I think the POs got a good laugh from some of the guys during the week, but he still had a drink (or was it two) with us at the end of the week.

  Yeah, and stay away from the Halifax casino; it's dangerous, eh T, or at least the one curb leading to it... oh, and 6 ladies from Cape Breton...

NFG

 

[navyguy]

Hey T

Our watch in Hali was a good time. The best part was the quality of the personnal they had escorting us. Our PO was not worried about upsetting are senibilities or turning us off of the Navy, she layed it out on the line for us.

As for what the NOAB is  like......studying your math. When it comes to the interview always ask yourself "what is best for the ship and crew"?

Good luck in the OCT NOAB

Long live Tim Ross

P

 

[Torlyn]

Long live Tim Ross

P

Tim Ross is the freakin MAN!  I hope he's in my watch at BOTC...    My lord, the memories Ol' timmy ross brought back... 

T

 

[Springroll]

Enjoy Esquimalt, but stay away from the Carlton Club...it's nasty in there 

Spend the $20 and go downtown because they have better clubs down there(and that is where Monty's and the Red Lion are )

Good Luck!