Hullo Stephen,
The information I received tells me that I need to go to the main entrance of the Naval Officer Training Centre, but doesn't give a street address. I'm flying in from Fredericton, NB (13 hours of flights and stop overs!), and was told to take a shuttle from the airport that would take me exactly where I need to go. I don't know if you're driving or flying, but at worst, you could chase the shuttle like an excited puppy. Another document I have says, 'candidates will be housed in quarters at the CFB Esquimalt Wardroom. I looked up the 'Wardroom' and came up with http://www.wardroom.ca, which gives it at 1586 Esquimalt Road.
As for what to bring, I was only told that business casual dress was appropriate, and athletic clothing, if you're so inclined. It's essentially a week long job interview during business hours. And we're free to explore the city, or whatever, after 1800 most nights.
Hope this helps, and I'll see you there.
Michael
First off, congratulations on your selection for NOAB. It hopefully should be a rather fun week.
I'd like to help clarify some people's concerns regarding addresses and locations. The NOAB, unless things have changed significantly, isn't held at the Wardroom location on Esquimalt road, nor do you sleep there. The instruction you received to show up at the Naval Officer Training Centre certainly seems to me to be proof that this is so.
So, how to get to NOTC. Arriving at the airport, your best bet is to take one of the shuttle busses that routinely leaves from just outside the baggage claim. Tell the driver that you want to go to "The Naval Officer Training Centre at Work Point." He should know where that is, as these shuttles routinely drop people off both there, and at the dockyard.
If they require more information, it's located at the corner of Lyall St and Head St. When heading westbound (Towards the dockyard) on Esquimalt road, take a left on Head Street and follow it till you reach the gate. It's just past the Marina.
If there are signs / people there to direct you, obviously you should follow them. If they have room, I imagine that you'll be spending the week in the Kingsmill building, which is the shiny newer accommodations that are immediately in front of you as you enter the gate, just across from the parade square. If not, you'll likely be staying in the older barracks style building that is immediately to your right as you enter the gate, off the parade square.
Just past the Kingsmill building is the cafeteria where you'll likely be eating most of your meals. Don't worry, the food quality there tends to range from "Quite Good" to "Excellent".
Past that building, next to the big lawn, is the main NOTC administration building. This building also houses the Gunroom, which is a smaller mess, technically an extension of the main CFB Esquimalt Wardroom. This is where the meet and greet that Boudreas mentioned will take place.
So, yeah. Go on, relax, have fun, feel free to enjoy yourself. Have a few Rum n' Cokes at the Gunroom, get to know your fellow candidates and the NOAB staff. While I have no proof of this, I am firmly convinced that your social interactions weigh at least as heavily upon your eventual selection for a position as the various official tests and essays.
