Dear all,
I´m soon to start my Officer trainging at RAF Cranwell and have a few queries that some of you who have been through the course may be able to help me with:
1 - The joining instructions contain an extensive list of "items to bring" ranging from tent pegs to ironing boards. Is it necesary to purchase all of the items or will some be provided?
2 - What type of accomodation can I expect in the first weeks of training? Single or shared?
3 - What is the typical day and hours during the BIM phase at the start of IOT?
Any help is much appreciated.
Stefan P Wurwal
Share This Page:
Starting IOT at Cranwell...
-
stefanwurwal
- Member
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon 11 Aug, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Bedforshire, UK
Stefan,
I went through IOT about 6 years ago, but this information should still be fairly good for you:
Kit - You'll need the civilian clothing listed on the joining instructions, i.e. suit, blazer, etc. If you get a good suit it will be expensive, but will last you years. Get conservative styles and colours. Ironing boards are in the accommodation, but imagine lots of officer cadets all trying to prepare their kit at the same time, it's better to take/acquire your own if possible. If I remember rightly, there is a PRI shop which sells penknives, torches and basic field equipment, but I think it was a bit on the expensive side. You can't go wrong with something like a Leatherman, lots of paracord, tent pegs, strong black adhesive tape, a thermal mug, a waterproof notebook and pencils/pens. However, don't go overboard and buy up everything in your local outdoor shop.
BIM - The Basic Induction Module is essentially 4 weeks of learning basic military skills, such as drill, weapon skills, first aid and lots of PT. The hours are long, usually parading at 0730 for lessons at 0800. The training day finishes at 1700 usually, however there are sometimes evening lessons. Also, your kit preparation takes place in the evenings, so depending on how good you are at ironing and bulling shoes dictates how much sleep you'll get. Bull nights (cleaning the block to inspection standard) will also be done in the evenings. Accommodation is 2-man rooms, when you move across to College Hall, it's single rooms (mixed accommodation in both, after all this is the RAF!!). Top tip - try and get into the top group for PT, if they still run it as 3 groups. The top group contains the fittest people of the intake, you get thrashed by the PTIs, but you'll feel the benefit later on in the course.
In short, don't be to apprehensive about starting training, there will be lots of people just like you on the first day. The BIM is a means to an end, it is intensive and you will have days when you're absolutely cream crackered, but it leads to the leadership training and the rest of the course. If you want any more info, let me know.
Good Luck.
I went through IOT about 6 years ago, but this information should still be fairly good for you:
Kit - You'll need the civilian clothing listed on the joining instructions, i.e. suit, blazer, etc. If you get a good suit it will be expensive, but will last you years. Get conservative styles and colours. Ironing boards are in the accommodation, but imagine lots of officer cadets all trying to prepare their kit at the same time, it's better to take/acquire your own if possible. If I remember rightly, there is a PRI shop which sells penknives, torches and basic field equipment, but I think it was a bit on the expensive side. You can't go wrong with something like a Leatherman, lots of paracord, tent pegs, strong black adhesive tape, a thermal mug, a waterproof notebook and pencils/pens. However, don't go overboard and buy up everything in your local outdoor shop.
BIM - The Basic Induction Module is essentially 4 weeks of learning basic military skills, such as drill, weapon skills, first aid and lots of PT. The hours are long, usually parading at 0730 for lessons at 0800. The training day finishes at 1700 usually, however there are sometimes evening lessons. Also, your kit preparation takes place in the evenings, so depending on how good you are at ironing and bulling shoes dictates how much sleep you'll get. Bull nights (cleaning the block to inspection standard) will also be done in the evenings. Accommodation is 2-man rooms, when you move across to College Hall, it's single rooms (mixed accommodation in both, after all this is the RAF!!). Top tip - try and get into the top group for PT, if they still run it as 3 groups. The top group contains the fittest people of the intake, you get thrashed by the PTIs, but you'll feel the benefit later on in the course.
In short, don't be to apprehensive about starting training, there will be lots of people just like you on the first day. The BIM is a means to an end, it is intensive and you will have days when you're absolutely cream crackered, but it leads to the leadership training and the rest of the course. If you want any more info, let me know.
Good Luck.
-
stefanwurwal
- Member
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon 11 Aug, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Bedforshire, UK
IOT
Thanks for the excellent advice. It all makes sense. I think I´ll plan to pick up some of the outdoor kit from the shop at Cranwell on my "boot camp" visit this month. With regards to fitness I have heard many people talk about "tactical fitness streaming" (ie aiming to get into lower fitness group) but this doesnt interest me. Like you pointed out, I think the PT we will do in the BIM will pay off later when it comes to actually leading groups of cadets.
With regards to clothing, I have a grey three-piece suit which has been fine for my UAS in London. Do you think this will be acceptable for IOT as they state "dark" colours are required?
Many thanks for your help - its invaluable!
Yours,
Stefan Wurwal
With regards to clothing, I have a grey three-piece suit which has been fine for my UAS in London. Do you think this will be acceptable for IOT as they state "dark" colours are required?
Many thanks for your help - its invaluable!
Yours,
Stefan Wurwal
Stefan,
Sticky Blue is spot on. If your suit is light grey, then you'll need to purchase a dark one. Essentially, light grey is ok for daytime, but dark is for evening/night (when most of the functions are held). A dark navy bue blazer is also a good buy, better than a sports jacket in my opinion.
When you get your boots at the 'Boot Camp', try to get them as broken in as possible before the start of the course. It sounds obvious, but some people don't bother and end up suffering. Top tip - purchase a couple of pairs of good quality dark coloured civilian walking socks. They're better then the issue ones and will hopefully ward off blisters, etc.
Sticky Blue is spot on. If your suit is light grey, then you'll need to purchase a dark one. Essentially, light grey is ok for daytime, but dark is for evening/night (when most of the functions are held). A dark navy bue blazer is also a good buy, better than a sports jacket in my opinion.
When you get your boots at the 'Boot Camp', try to get them as broken in as possible before the start of the course. It sounds obvious, but some people don't bother and end up suffering. Top tip - purchase a couple of pairs of good quality dark coloured civilian walking socks. They're better then the issue ones and will hopefully ward off blisters, etc.
-
stefanwurwal
- Member
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon 11 Aug, 2003 2:02 pm
- Location: Bedforshire, UK
IOT
Once again thanks guys - its great to be able to check these little details out with people who know their stuff!
You mentioned the streaming into various fitness groups earlier, when does this occur? Is it during the fitness test during boot camp prior to IOT or at the very start of IOT itself? I´m guessing the latter. I´m also under the impression that although there are 3 parts to the test (multi-stage fitness test in a gym, swimming and a 1.5 mile run), the main component is the run in terms of streaming.
I´m not too worried about the fitness test as I´m working hard to get fit and things are going well - fingers crossed!
Well, thats all I can think of for now. Many thanks for all your help, its always nice to see the replies!
Stefan Wurwal
You mentioned the streaming into various fitness groups earlier, when does this occur? Is it during the fitness test during boot camp prior to IOT or at the very start of IOT itself? I´m guessing the latter. I´m also under the impression that although there are 3 parts to the test (multi-stage fitness test in a gym, swimming and a 1.5 mile run), the main component is the run in terms of streaming.
I´m not too worried about the fitness test as I´m working hard to get fit and things are going well - fingers crossed!
Well, thats all I can think of for now. Many thanks for all your help, its always nice to see the replies!
Stefan Wurwal
Stefan,
You're right in thinking that the run is the main way of streaming people, at least it was when I went through. You certainly do a 'Bleep Test' as well. It takes place in the first week of the course. As far as I can remember the run was twice around the main football/rugby pitches at Cranwell (1.5 miles). The racing snakes obviously go for it, whilst the pie-eaters trot around. Your time depends on which group you're streamed into, I can't remember what the times are for the different groups, although it's safe to say that if you can do the run in 8-9 mins you'll be in the top group. If you're pushing the limit at 12 and a half minutes, you're going to be in the lowest group.
The phys tends to be aerobic throughout training, lots of circuit training, cross-country and effort training. Concentrate on your aerobic fitness, however don't pound the pavements too much and knacker your knees and ankles. From what I can remember you can wear your own trainers, as long as they're mainly white in colour, so it's worth investing in a good pair. Also, don't neglect upper body fitness, so bang out those press-ups,sit-ups and a few pull-ups if you can. As with most military courses, IOT is designed to get you fitter as the course progresses, so don't overtrain, it's a quick way to pick up injuries.
I believe that personal fitness and leadership work hand-in-hand. If you're hanging out because your personal fitness is poor, then the chances of you making a poor decision under pressure increase. On the other hand, if you're still able to think clearly, rather than lying in a sweaty heap on the floor, then you may make quicker and better decisions. Just a thought.
You're right in thinking that the run is the main way of streaming people, at least it was when I went through. You certainly do a 'Bleep Test' as well. It takes place in the first week of the course. As far as I can remember the run was twice around the main football/rugby pitches at Cranwell (1.5 miles). The racing snakes obviously go for it, whilst the pie-eaters trot around. Your time depends on which group you're streamed into, I can't remember what the times are for the different groups, although it's safe to say that if you can do the run in 8-9 mins you'll be in the top group. If you're pushing the limit at 12 and a half minutes, you're going to be in the lowest group.
The phys tends to be aerobic throughout training, lots of circuit training, cross-country and effort training. Concentrate on your aerobic fitness, however don't pound the pavements too much and knacker your knees and ankles. From what I can remember you can wear your own trainers, as long as they're mainly white in colour, so it's worth investing in a good pair. Also, don't neglect upper body fitness, so bang out those press-ups,sit-ups and a few pull-ups if you can. As with most military courses, IOT is designed to get you fitter as the course progresses, so don't overtrain, it's a quick way to pick up injuries.
I believe that personal fitness and leadership work hand-in-hand. If you're hanging out because your personal fitness is poor, then the chances of you making a poor decision under pressure increase. On the other hand, if you're still able to think clearly, rather than lying in a sweaty heap on the floor, then you may make quicker and better decisions. Just a thought.
