My DS is sixteen and is set on joining the army. He currently meets all the physical tests and the cognitive test by some margin (he isn't smashing them out of the park, but there is light between the minimum standard and what he is achieving.
Physically he is healthy - there is a question mark over an astigmatism that is marginally outside the permitted range, but apparently the difference is so minimal that the army have said they are happy to accept his results on paper and put him through to the assessment centre, to be examined by a doctor in person.
I think he will be okay in the team challenge.
For the interview itself, I am helping him to prepare by going on the army website with him, and helping him with answers to questions like "why do you want to join the army?" "why do you want this regiment?" "what are your strengths/weaknesses?" etc, but I am not sure he will convince anyone he is the most well-informed. The truth is he is 16 and knows he doesn't want a desk job or a job where you do the same all the time, he is quite fit and sporty and likes the idea of an adventure.
So I think my question is, if someone is basically healthy and meets all the minimum standards in the fitness and cognitive tests, and has no criminal record, is getting an offer from the army a slam dunk or is it actually quite selective even for those that meet all the thresholds?
Thank you for any thoughts based on recent / practical experience.