Useful

**Micky_Blue** · 24-01-2012, 00:00

Good Evening Arrse,

Some of you may remember I achieved a cat 1 and then went straight on to main-board and due to my "dogmatic" attitude I unfortunately did not pass.

18 months have passed, Im closer to 23 now, alot more mature with far more experience along with bags of fitness.
The Dogma that I was criticised for is well and truly gone, I know im not gods gift to AOSB and plan to show im just an young lad still packed with all that enthusiasm the army love. In my head I've checked all the boxes that main board want, Physically robust, Confident, I have general knowledge coming out of my ears (if I see The Times one more time I may crack), my plan ex at main board was "sound but somewhat risky" so ive worked on that to the best of my capabilities, I can do no more.

However to my embarrassment I recall being asked to do a specific knot at main-board on the final race, which I did and still have completely blanked. I know this might seem a bit pedantic but does anyone know what the knots they may ask you to complete are (No doubt I can use a bit of common sense and type "How to" into Google once i know).

I know the selection board wont fail me as "the candidate was unable to complete a knot" but getting to RMAS is a passion ive had from an early age and as this is my last opportunity I want to leave nothing to chance.

Your insight on this matter and any further advice would be greatly appreciated!

Regards!

**Maoam** · 24-01-2012, 00:14

Reef knot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Good luck!

make sure you know the difference between a reef knot and a granny knot! (wiki)

**Micky_Blue** · 24-01-2012, 00:15

Originally Posted by Maoam

Reef knot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Good luck!

make sure you know the difference between a reef knot and a granny knot! (wiki)

Much obliged!

**Yorkshire Lad** · 24-01-2012, 09:48

Well done on sticking out those 18months and working on everything. It's good to see someone put some heart in to their application.

Let us know when you're booked in for main board and how it goes

**happy_as_a_hat** · 24-01-2012, 10:21

Originally Posted by Maoam

Reef knot - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Aaaaahhhhh...general purpose reef knot - it'll see you through most things! A clove hitch might be useful too, for starting and finishing lashings.

Above all remember the key mantra, "if you can't tie a knot, tie a lot"!

**SWalker** · 24-01-2012, 13:22

Best of luck Mickey Blue!
Let us know how you get on..

**Yorkshire Lad** · 24-01-2012, 13:51

[QUOTE=happy_as_a_hat;4187908]Aaaaahhhhh...general purpose reef knot - it'll see you through most things!QUOTE]

Although the reef knot has also been known to have single-handedly caused more deaths than pretty much all other knots combined when it is used as a bend knot.

At briefing I was shown two different knots, one was the reef knot but I can't for the life of me remember the other one! Any ideas?

**alfred_the_great** · 24-01-2012, 13:53

bowline?

**Sweeters2004** · 24-01-2012, 15:23

YL, it was the reff knot and the Clove Hitch that would have been shown. Clove hitch best used for a quick lashing of 2 planks to make a bridge.

**Yorkshire Lad** · 25-01-2012, 10:47

Originally Posted by Sweeters2004

YL, it was the reff knot and the Clove Hitch that would have been shown. Clove hitch best used for a quick lashing of 2 planks to make a bridge.

Thanks for that Sweeters - As already mentioned in this post, it might not be a make or break section of AOSB but why risk messing something up if you can prepare for it so easily.