SO YOU WANT TO BE AN IO
Actually, probably not. More than likely, you got stuck with IO. IO is a round-critical role and as such is always auto-filled each round. So, you�re a baldie IO with no idea what to do and where to go. That�s where I come in. I�m the only goddamn person on this server who actually likes playing IO. Hyperbole of course, but you�ll find it�s not a well-liked role. For me, it�s a perfect mix of atmosphere, roleplay, and occasional action, even if it does have a lot of problems.
YOUR JOB
As an IO, your job is to collect intel and lower the DEFCON level. Each DEFCON level will unlock additional supplies for the marines to use. DEFCON 2 lets the tank bust out the big guns, and at DEFCON 1, the CO is allowed to use the Nuke, which ends the round in a Marine Major after it�s detonated.
You can check the progress made on DEFCON by going to the IC Tab and clicking "Check Objective Clues"
ROUND START
You start in the Computer Lab. You have some vendors that can be used to dispense some gear, but you�ll mainly want the Essential Intel Kit and some pouches. You will need the supplies from the first aid pouch (though not the pouch itself, just put the injectors into your helmet and the gauze/ointment wherever). After that you can either take: a 2nd document pouch or a Tools pouch (vend the engineering belt to get the tools, you�ll want a Screwdriver, Wirecutters, and a Multitool.). That�s really it from your vendors.
After you get those things, take your pistol out of your holster. Then throw it away. Do the same with all the ammo for it.
Your starting pistol is worthless. It�s an 88 Mod 4. The same pistol that starts with only LE ammo. Your main threat as an IO is Runners and Lurkers, so you don�t want this. You�ll have to make a trip to req. Thankfully, your prep isn�t long, so you can get there early (although you will never be as early as a deltard).
EDIT: As of writing (9/21/19), a new update has been released, which has removed LE ammo from most guns with the exception of the M39. That means the 88 Mod 4 uses AP Ammo now, which means it's actually okay to take now, especially if you're on the frontlines. It's still better to take an M4A3 (since that also has AP ammo) but the 88 Mod 4 is now usable for IO's
As an IO, you have access to all squads prep areas. Barge in and take what you want from their weapon vendors, though you can�t use the Surplus Uniform vendors or their regular vendors. I�ll list off some weapons you may want to consider.
M4A3 Service Pistol
Spoiler:
SU-6 Smart Pistol:
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M44 Combat Revolver:
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M37 Pump Shotgun:
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VP-78 Pistol:
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Other things you may consider ordering from Req:
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HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Okay, briefing was given and squads are moving to the DS. Commanders sometimes will assign you an escort or give you specific orders. Most of the time they will not, and you will be given free reign to collect intel as you wish.
Before we move on, here are two things IO�s generally forget.
1: You can issue orders. You actually have the same leadership skill as an SL. Make sure to use this when around a group of ungas. Hell, use it on yourself in a tight spot.
2: You are an Ensign. That means you outrank SL�s and by extension, their subordinates. This gives you no excuse to be alone. You have the authority to kidnap PFC�s and order them to escort you places. This usually works best with FOBitts who are bored and looking for something to do.
While on the DS, coordinate with your fellow IO�s, mini-IO�s (PFC�s who took the intel kit from their closet) and whoever else is on the Intel channel (.z). Find out who�s going where and with whom. If your fellow IO wants to team up, team up. Never go alone. You should always have at least one person following/escorting you at all times, although two is recommended.
Okay, with that out of the way, what are we looking for? Well, take your Data Detector and put it in your armor slot or hand and activate it. Anything that has a greenish circle around it is Intel. Intel comes in many different forms:
THINGS THAT GO INTO THE LAB
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THINGS THAT GO TO THE RESEARCHER
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THINGS THAT ARE FULTON�D/MORGUE�D/ETC.
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THINGS THAT MUST BE DONE PLANETSIDE
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GETTING TO ALL OF IT.
Most of this stuff is behind doors, the IO�s greatest enemy. For unpowered doors, simply crowbar them open. Powered doors can either be hacked open or shot open. Or you can shoot the windows and jump through the window frame, when applicable.
ORGANIZING THE LAB
While decrypting data, it�s important to keep stuff organized. Put all non-documents in the back room (High Sec Storage). Place unread documents on the top racks of the front storage room (make sure to keep Paper Scraps, Progress Reports and Folders separate). Middle racks Is for read but undecrypted stuff and the bottom rack is for disks, decrypted disks, and folders used to decrypt them, obviously kept separate.
THE THREATS TO YOU
As stated, your biggest threats are harasser/assassin xenos such as Runners and Lurkers. All the general tips for fighting them apply here; Fight in groups, move erratically to avoid being pounced, and put enough shots into them to make them retreat.
Other than that, the other biggest threat to you is xeno traps. Generally, if you�re going to be traveling on resin, walk slowly and keep a sharp eye for eggs and resin holes.
GENERAL TIPS
If you�re alone but there�s no resin, move fast. Grab what you can and find another marine as soon as you have everything. You do not want to be alone for more than a minute. You are a very important role, preservation is key. I really can�t overstate the importance of having at least two buddies with you when going to unexplored areas for intel.
Make sure to feed command verbal intel as well. You have a direct line to command and SL�s often forget to inform the CIC of what�s going on. Holler at them where the Queen is and anything that needs addressing.
IN CLOSING
You may notice that a majority of this guide is dedicated to round start. There�s a reason for that. While being a good IO is just doing most of what is in this guide, being a great IO requires smarts and a general robustness. Really, a good IO is a good CM player in general. This guide is intended mostly as a sort of Survival guide to help bald IO�s not die within 5 minutes.