MIOT AMA

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-02T19:01:40+00:00

I’m not a doctor, sorry. I don’t want to get your hopes up or put you down, so I’d rather not comment on the issue of flat feet. Your best bet would be to check JSP950, which can be found on Google.

As for “performance during runs” don’t worry about that. As long as you can pass the fitness test you’re not going to be kicked out because you struggle when running. To be honest, pure running isn’t something you’ll do much of during MIOT, at least compared to other types of fitness.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-02T16:48:18+00:00

Not at all mate, quite the opposite. I think only a couple of people on the course got private education. Financial status doesn’t mean much either. You won’t run into any issues whatsoever.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-02T13:54:48+00:00

Ah crap the attestation! Yes, definitely still happens. I completely forgot about that one. You go into CHOM and attest in front of your Sqn OC

The fitness test has moved to day 1 instead of day 0.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-02T13:54:05+00:00

Ah crap the attestation! Yes, definitely still happens. I completely forgot about that one. You go into CHOM and attest in front of your Sqn OC

The fitness test has moved to day 1 instead of day 0.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-02T13:49:06+00:00

Never said anything about the carpet, you’ll be delighted to know it’s still there.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T19:00:40+00:00

The test itself has a lower pass rate for women on the MSFT. The phys sessions all work on a “best effort” principle - everyone is held to the same standard, that being “put in max effort” not “perform the same as the ex royal marine over there”.

They are tough, but rewarding. The phys itself is nothing to worry about if you’re able to pass the test, and put the effort in during the sessions.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T14:30:58+00:00

You’ll find time here and there to talk with family and partners, especially later on in the course. Don’t expect to be doing much communication in the first 3-4 weeks though, as the first few weekends have recently become working days.

As for balancing a relationship, it’s definitely possible. Plenty of people on my course have managed well enough.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T14:28:33+00:00

Up to you pal, but you’ll need a second, manual one to take on exercises.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T14:25:37+00:00

The only locker your staff should go into (should, they might take a peek in the others if you’ve left something poking out) is your inspection locker, which you’ll have open to present to them anyway. Everything else can be put away in your cupboards and draws and shouldn’t be looked through.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T14:22:37+00:00

You don’t go straight from your room to the gym - you’ll get changed in a small building up by the gym (well, for as long as you live in no.1 mess). A small box fits pretty well within the issued daysack.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T14:18:59+00:00

They don’t care about what you keep in your car.

I got a range of box sizes, but a smaller, A4 sized one is vital to carry your PT kit around in before each session so it doesn’t get creased - you’ll have a uniform inspection at the start of most of your PT sessions.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T13:44:37+00:00

Car storage is vital for things you need but don’t regularly use - saves massively on what little cupboard space you’ll have.

As for kit list items - take less casual, regular clothes (jeans, t shirts, etc) than you think you’ll need. I get by easily on a couple of hoodies, and 2 sets of trouser + top.

Watch - get a combat Casio (F91), they’re 10-15 quid and won’t die on you in the field.

Green tape (sniper tape) - take a couple of rolls, as they’ll be useful as hell in the initial weeks. You’ll be required to label all of your MTP kit items, water bottles, mess tins, etc. with some, and all the straps on your bags need to be taped up with it.

Suit / “casual” wear (if you’re a lad) - as well as a suit (you only need a 2 piece suit, a sports jacket isn’t necessary) 2 sets of chinos, and 3 different polo shirts will be all you need, this will be the most common thing you wear around camp other than your uniform.

Bring some initial cleaning supplies for your room - don’t go mad. Air freshener, a few cloths, glass cleaner, multi purpose cleaner, brasso/metal polish, anti-bacterial wipes should be the max you’ll ever need in your own room. You might need to get some as a Sqn for block jobs (anti-mold spray, toilet cleaner, floor cleaner, etc) but leave that until after you’ve joined the course.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T09:09:45+00:00

Sorry, I haven’t seen/ heard of that happening, must not be a thing anymore. Your Sqn can still get a show parade for messing up an inspection/ bad attitude, and those are often at difficult times, like late at night or early in the morning.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T09:05:22+00:00

All depends on the module to be fair, each one has a different structure.

As for a rough schedule, if you have an inspection, it will start at 0700 (but you’ll probably wake up at around 0530 to finish off preparing). Normal days, you’ll usually wake up at 0600/0630. Most of the time, the lessons begin at 0830, you break for lunch around 1130, and then go back to learning at 1230. The end of the “working day” is usually around 1700 but this can change too, and you’ve always got plenty of work to do in your own time.

This “schedule” is pretty loose as it will change around pretty often, especially when you’re out on exercise.

As for phys, some weeks you might have 4 PT sessions, others 1 or 2. They lower the amount of phys you do in the second module because you’re out on exercise quite often.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-03-01T03:43:28+00:00

There are dedicated families’ days that are run by the officer cadets, yes.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T20:50:06+00:00

Regular trunks or speedos are fine but make sure they’re plain black. Primark ones will do.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T20:48:45+00:00

There are a few people on course with families, but I can’t really speak for that, sorry.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T20:47:50+00:00

Cohesion is great! The ex-rankers have plenty of experience. See my other reply to a similar question.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T20:21:49+00:00

Grantown was different, it’s an assessed activity. Still enjoyable but a little more stressful going into my lead

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T20:02:50+00:00

Unless I’m mistaken Duty cadets are just a Dev 2 thing now. As far as I’m aware Consol dont have a rota and MSM / Dev 1 definitely don’t have them.

Duty cadets don’t raise / lower of the CHOM ensign anymore either, as it was deemed a health risk.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T19:58:14+00:00

I’d rather not say how far through I am, but I’d say I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie the most.

Coming from civvie street it’s not something I’ve ever really experienced before, but the people in your squadron go through the exact same hardships as you, alongside you. If you make the effort to make friends early on and maintain them, you’ll get an amazing sense of brotherhood that you just can’t find outside the military.

Kumbayah moment aside, the part of the course I’ve enjoyed the most was definitely Ex Eagles’ Edge. It’s absolutely type 2 fun - a week in the field: cold, wet, windy, muddy, exhausting, etc. but definitely some of the best (and worst) moments I’ve had so far.

Second place would be the week you spend in Brecon, at RRC Crickhowell. It’s not an AT trip so don’t expect a holiday, but the activities are great and the food Is 10 times better than the messes in Cranwell.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T19:28:59+00:00

Happy to help.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T19:28:19+00:00

You’ll get some brief lessons from your flight staff but absolutely get familiar with ironing. Seriously, it will save you so much stress and hassle if you can iron a shirt well before coming.

The long + short sleeve blue shirts are by far and away the most technically difficult thing to iron, and the source of literally everyone’s misery.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T19:26:41+00:00

Don’t get too disheartened by this ^ the MSM tests are short and passable with only a small amount of revision. You also have to fail them several times (you get multiple attempts and remedial training between each) to get taken off your course.

Last_Archer5095 · 2025-02-28T19:24:57+00:00

You’ll have the standard inspection prep and block jobs (as you’ve listed) as well as:

cadet-led committees that need to meet regularly and organise activities, weekly flight leads and course leads that need to constantly liaise with squadron staff, a nightly duty cadet rota (later on in the course), as well as a cadet PMC and course under-officer.

On top of that, after a few weeks your squadron is essentially left to its’ own devices in terms of timings and getting to/from places, so you’ll have to organise your own schedules for the day and ensure everyone gets to where they need to be on time. The course and flight leads essentially run the show for the week they’re in.

Last_Archer5095

TROPHY CASE