[wilf100]

Hi,
Have recently gone through OASC and been selected successfully, now scheduled for SERE in the near future. I have the 'official' version of what SERE covers but no-one has actually told me what sort of thing you do, day to day. I'm interested to know practically how things actually work, what it's like to really do SERE.
I've been advised to buy four books and read before starting, does anyone have any other tips for anything that I should be buying or doing as preparation (apart from the obvious phys). Any kit that I'll need?
I've been told to buy my own boots rather than use the issue ones, any suggestions on what boots to buy, and where from?
Anything that anyone can tell me about SERE, official or personal, would be great. There doesn't seem to be anything on here about it, certainly nothing recent. Would be great to hear from someone who's actually been there and done it!
Thanks!

[Drewski]

(Original post by wilf100)
Hi,
Have recently gone through OASC and been selected successfully, now scheduled for SERE in the near future. I have the 'official' version of what SERE covers but no-one has actually told me what sort of thing you do, day to day. I'm interested to know practically how things actually work, what it's like to really do SERE.
I've been advised to buy four books and read before starting, does anyone have any other tips for anything that I should be buying or doing as preparation (apart from the obvious phys). Any kit that I'll need?
I've been told to buy my own boots rather than use the issue ones, any suggestions on what boots to buy, and where from?
Anything that anyone can tell me about SERE, official or personal, would be great. There doesn't seem to be anything on here about it, certainly nothing recent. Would be great to hear from someone who's actually been there and done it!
Thanks!

Who by? That's very unusual advice and certainly while I was there you're only allowed non-issue botos if your feet disagreed violently/painfully with the service boots.

As for what do you need... Nothing, really. You get issued everything you will need. However there are wants you could buy that could make your life a bit easier. The IOT Kit Lists on here are the same thing, you just won't need as many of each with it only being 11weeks instead of the 30.

What's it like to do SERE? Well, I don't know, I didn't do it, but I saw enough of it. I spent some time on E Sqn while getting fixed from injuries and spent some time with a bunch of SERE people who generally relax in the same part of OACTU. You're essentially doing IOT on Speed. You get 11 wks to do what every other Off Cdt does in 30. Yes, you cut some corners, you don't go quite as in depth on the leadership theory lessons or the Air Power or the General Service Knowledge, etc, but you're still expected to meet the uniform standards, inspection standards, fitness levels, the weapons handling [branch dependant] and perform on exercises when mingling with the IOT cdts.
In some ways they expect a little less of you because you're not on the full course, in some ways they expect more of you because you're [usually] professionally trained and that little bit older.

It's good fun, it flies by and before you know it you'll be out the front of CHOM waving a sword about.

[wilf100]

Sounds slightly scary, ok more than slightly!
I was advised about the boots by someone I met on OASC, they said the issue ones are basic (like the trainers) and invest in a pair of top quality ones yourself. They're already serving, just not officer yet, but soon will be. I'll wait and see what the issue ones are like and ask at my fam visit whether alternatives are allowed if they disagree with my feet violently!
Guess I'll have to wait for the FV to find out more about SERE as well, as no-one on here seems to have gone through it recently...
Ah well, I like surprises...

[ProStacker]

Use the issue boots. There is no need to buy anything yet. If they don't agree with your feet, the system will sort you out with alternatives. Frankly you won't do nearly the distance others on the main course do anyway.

[Drewski]

(Original post by wilf100)
Sounds slightly scary, ok more than slightly!
I was advised about the boots by someone I met on OASC, they said the issue ones are basic (like the trainers) and invest in a pair of top quality ones yourself. They're already serving, just not officer yet, but soon will be. I'll wait and see what the issue ones are like and ask at my fam visit whether alternatives are allowed if they disagree with my feet violently!
Guess I'll have to wait for the FV to find out more about SERE as well, as no-one on here seems to have gone through it recently...
Ah well, I like surprises...

Check recent graduation lists, next to chuff all people go through it at all, let alone people who are also on here!

Remember this is a student forum, the overwhelming majority of people on SERE are older professionals who won't be on/won't have heard of this site. Getting some info from people who've seen it a bit is better than nothing.

Also worth remembering, people were going on and passing the course in the days before the internet and having every little detail questioned. If they could manage, so can you

[Tommmo]

After about week 4 you spend most of your time on exercise, learning any applying the leadership principles. Last 2 weeks, as with IOT are essentially 'drink and drill' aka grad prep.

I've heard it's pretty intense at times, you've got to very quickly get your kit up to standard - probably quicker than on IOT. You move straight into CHOM so there's no faff with sharing rooms or living in No. 1 Mess. There are about 3-4 fitness tests during the 11 week course, and you can be re-coursed for failing any one of them, so make sure your fitness is up to scratch.

You'll also no doubt be scorned at by everyone on IOT (which these days is about 4) for only having to do a short course and no doubt being paid more than them. And not having to do APS. And probably graduating as a Flt Lt. And any other reason they can get their hands on.

[Drewski]

(Original post by Tommmo)
You'll also no doubt be scorned at by everyone on IOT (which these days is about 4) for only having to do a short course and no doubt being paid more than them. And not having to do APS. And probably graduating as a Flt Lt. And any other reason they can get their hands on.

Although I actually quiteliked APS...

[RAF_Nurse!]

I completed it just over 2 years ago.... its hard work. The posts already made are spot on. The standard is essentially the same or a bit higher in places, but the time available is around a third.

There is a misconception that because its for 'nurses and vicars' they let anyone through...err, no! On my course several (4) were binned for not meeting the standard.

Don't buy boots, as they won't necessarily let you use them. A good first aid kit for blisters, etc is a safe bet.

If you are about to go on SERE (passed all selection, etc) don't read too much on the web. Just give it a good go. Seriously, the hardest thing is that you never stop - you are virtually always on exercise.

Don't expect to be treated any different to a group of kids, really. Just 'suck it up' and let the time tick by. All they can really do to test you if you are physically strong enough is mess with your mind a little bit. Its hard to explain, but you'll see! Remember, its a game!

Good luck! Keep us updated.