Plan Ex
It is not recommended to look at the planning exercise until AFTER attending briefing
What is a Plan Ex
The Plan Exercise commonly known as the Plan Ex is what fill most AOSB candidates with dread, there is almost too much to do in too little time. You will undertake the Plan Ex at Briefing and Mainboard, like the MAP tests the plan ex is harder at Mainboard.
How does it work? At Mainboard you are given 1 hour to read the narrative and come up with a plan. This is followed by a group planning session then individual questions (grilling) from the Board about the group and your own plan.
It is a challenge and the pressure of the situation can get to some, remember that AOSB is designed to stress and test you in equal measures. Practices is advised to all Mainboard candidates.
Introduction to the Plan Ex
This video is a great introduction to Plan Ex and well worth a watch.
How To Do A Plan Ex
Use this presentation as an introduction in to how to best tackle a Plan Ex, Ex Italian Intrigue can be downloaded here.
20210112-Presentation_How_to_tackle_a_PlanEx.pptxHints & Tips
How Write It
Did you know that you can use a pencil on the answer sheet? I don't know about you but pencil is easier to rub out than pen when you haven written down a timing wrong...
Plan Ex Onepager
Use the onepager below to guide you through methods than can be used for Plan Ex.
Plan Ex One-pager Rev 4.pdfSpeed Distance Time
Being able to do Speed Distance Time calculations is key to doing a Plan Ex this is a great website for practicing.
Know The Speed
Knowing the time taken to travel 1 mile at different speeds is important, it massively speeds up your travel calculations. You will be able to quickly work out the time taken between locations and use less brain power compared to using the traditional SDT equation. It might take some getting your head around but it is worth it.
If you’re not sold on this idea give it a try with two similar SDT equations form this website.
This is also a useful skill for your educational interview as they will ask you two SDT questions that you must do in your head.
SDT Formula
60 mins ÷ Vehicle speed = time to travel 1 km
Time to travel 1 km x by distance to be travelled = total time
Learn the following off by heart:
1 mile per hour = 1 mile every 60 minutes
2 miles per hour = 1 mile every 30 minutes
3 miles per hour = 1 mile every 20 minutes
4 miles per hour = 1 mile every 15 minutes
5 miles per hour = 1 mile every 12 minutes
6 miles per hour = 1 miles every 10 minutes
8 miles per hour = 1 mile every 7 minutes 30 seconds
10 miles per hour = 1 mile every 6 minutes
12 miles per hour = 1 miles every 5 minutes
15 miles per hour =1 mile every 4 minutes
20 miles per hour= 1 mile every 3 minutes
25 miles per hour = 1 mile every 2 minutes 24 seconds
30 miles per hour = 1 mile every 2 minutes
40 miles per hour = 1 mile every 1 minute 30 seconds
45 miles per hour = 1 mile every 1 minute 20 seconds
50 miles per hour = 1 mile every 1 minute 12 seconds
60 miles per hour = 1 mile every 1 minute
80 miles per hour = 1 mile every 45 seconds
100 miles per hour = 1 mile every 36 seconds
120 miles per hour = 1 mile every 30 seconds
Practice Plan Ex's
The Document Vault holds over 20 Plan Ex's ready for you to practice. Don't forget to simulate the conditions at AOSB by using the A3 template, limit yourself 1 hour to come up with a plan and find an officer at your unit to question you about your plan once you're done!