PARA Potential Officers Insight Course (POIC)

After successful completion of the Army Officer Selection Board (AOSB) Main Board (MB) candidates are invited to attend the PARA Potential Officers Insight Course (POIC). POIC is similar to CMB and is conducted over 5 days at The Infantry Training Center Catterick (ITC Catterick).

The POIC is designed to assess whether candidates can serve as officers in a parachute regiment. Candidates have to undergo many physical tests in which they are expected to perform a team task to assess their mental and physical strength as well as their leadership ability.

Candidates are also assigned a timed essay and planning exercise. They are asked to participate in a group discussion to gauge their knowledge of current affairs and how they think under pressure.

During PARA Potential Officers Insight Course (POIC) candidates are interviewed on their motivation to join the Parachute Regiment.

Throughout the course staff and instructors access and assess candidates’ suitability as an officer in the Parachute Regiment, while assessing candidates’ success during future training and selection at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). Provides advice and recommendations to improve the prospects for where all British Army officers are initially trained.

POIC candidates are citizens or serving personnel. Serving personnel, both regulars and reservists, may promote themselves or be encouraged by superiors.

Photos are from the July 2013 POIC in Catterick. The usual program was adapted and timetables changed due to extreme temperatures. However, opposite images give a good indication of what happens and what to expect.

This POIC course was discontinued in 2023 and will be replaced with a similar course.

Note: Some of the serving candidates have changed their identities due to their roles.

NB: Due to the role of some of the serving candidates their identities have been altered.