Major C. J. J. Allender BEd(Hons) MEd (EdTech) MIPD AGC(ETS)
Directorate of Army Recruiting
Ministry of Defence, UK

Since the last paper presented at IMTA in Toronto, the stature of BARB within the British Army Selection System has been further enhanced by the promising findings from validation studies. An assessment of the future recruiting environment in the United Kingdom has led to initiatives to exploit this instrument's flexibility and capability and to use its core technology in applications to address imminent selection needs within the British Army. This has focused on the requirement to develop the BARB platform to encompass attainment and specific aptitude testing. A computer-delivered Technical Selection Test based on mathematics has been developed and tried this year to replace a paper and pencil version brought into use in 1994.

In parallel with these developments, work has continued to deliver increases in the battery's efficiency. Work to shorten the battery without compromising reliability has produced promising results, thereby freeing up testing time, which can be used to enhance the scope of the battery. Studies have also been undertaken to match BARB and its pencil and paper analogue, the NPS ABC tests, against the selection tests currently used by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force with a view to developing a Tri-Service test of general trainability. BARB has also been acquired and introduced into service by the Royal Australian Air Force following an evaluation under the auspices of TTCP. There are currently a number of Armed Forces from other countries looking at the potential use of BARB within their future selection systems. BARB continues to fulfill a vital and valuable function in the selection of soldiers for over 120 employments within the British Army.

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