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Command Task (CT)

The Command Task (CT) is a critical assessment that evaluates your leadership abilities by placing you in charge of a small team to accomplish a specific objective, testing your command skills, decision-making, and team management.

What is Command Task?

The Command Task (CT) is a unique assessment in the GTO series where, for the first time, a candidate is designated as a commander with positional power. Unlike the leaderless tasks (PGT, HGT, FGT), in the Command Task, you are given complete authority to lead your team in your own way, without anyone questioning or interfering with your decisions.

Each candidate, in turn, is nominated as a commander for one task. You will select two team members from the group to assist you, and then you must lead them to complete a specific obstacle or task using the resources provided. The task is similar to those in PGT but may be circular or structured differently.

The difficulty of the task assigned may vary based on the candidate's perceived capability - stronger candidates often receive more challenging tasks. You will have 15 minutes to complete your task, and your performance as a leader is the primary focus of this assessment.

Skills Evaluated

CT evaluates your:

  • Leadership abilities
  • Command and control
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Team management
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Resource allocation
  • Adaptability to challenges
  • Communication effectiveness

Official Briefing for Command Task

"Gentleman, in your group tasks so far you have been working as equals, where each of you had the same say as to how the task could be done. At times, you might have felt differently to the plan of action adopted by your group. This task, called the command task, will afford an opportunity to you of doing the task in your own way.

Each of you, in turn, will be nominated as a commander for one task. You will then do your task in the manner you want to without anyone else questioning or interfering you.

The task will be an obstacle of the PGT with similar rules, except the group rule which is bit modified, for obvious reasons. You will be allowed 15 minutes each to complete your task.

Each commander will have the choice of his own team from amongst the group members. Excluding the commander, the team will consist of two members.

Now those of you who are chosen as teammates must do as the commander tells you to do whether you approve it or not. After all, the responsibility of doing the task is his and it is only fair that his wishes are carried out unquestioned."

Command Task Format

  1. Team Selection: You will select 2 team members from your group to assist you.
  2. Task Assignment: The GTO will assign you a specific task or obstacle to overcome, often based on your perceived capability.
  3. Resource Allocation: You will be provided with limited resources (ropes, planks, balli, etc.) similar to PGT.
  4. Planning Time: You get a short time to plan your approach and brief your team.
  5. Execution: You must lead your team to complete the task within the allotted time (15 minutes).
  6. Stress Handling: The GTO may create stress by denying or enabling certain options during the task.
  7. Evaluation: The GTO observes your leadership style, decision-making, and team management throughout.

Command Task Examples

(Solve physical/logistical challenges with limited resources)

  1. Task 1:
    • Objective: Transport a 100 kg encrypted server across a 4-meter-wide "acid pool" (simulated).
    • Resources: 2 wooden planks (3m each), 4 sandbags, 1 pulley system.
    • Rules: No part of the equipment can touch the ground.
  2. Task 2:
    • Objective: Retrieve a "classified document" from a 3-meter-high platform.
    • Resources: 1 ladder (2m), 1 rope (10m), 1 hook.
    • Rules: Only one cadet can climb at a time.
  3. Task 3:
    • Objective: Build a makeshift bridge over a "ravine" using 2 logs and ropes to move a 50 kg crate.
    • Constraints: Logs cannot span the entire gap (use ropes creatively).

Types of Command Tasks

Obstacle Crossing

  • River/ditch crossing with limited resources
  • Wall scaling with team coordination
  • Navigating through restricted areas
  • Crossing simulated dangerous zones

Construction Tasks

  • Building bridges with limited materials
  • Creating platforms or structures
  • Establishing pathways across obstacles
  • Constructing tools for specific purposes

Transport Challenges

  • Moving heavy objects across obstacles
  • Transporting "injured" team members
  • Transferring materials without direct contact
  • Relocating resources through difficult terrain

Problem-Solving Scenarios

  • Escaping from confined spaces
  • Retrieving objects from restricted areas
  • Overcoming complex multi-step challenges
  • Solving puzzles with physical components

Key Aspects of Command Task

  • Positional Power: Unlike leaderless tasks, you have 100% authority as the commander - your team must follow your instructions without questioning.
  • Task Difficulty: The difficulty level of your task may depend on your perceived capability - stronger candidates often receive more challenging tasks.
  • Task Sequence: Commanders are selected in any sequence, not necessarily in a predetermined order.
  • Task Structure: Similar to PGT obstacles but may be circular or structured differently.
  • Time Constraint: You have exactly 15 minutes to complete your task.
  • Stress Management: The GTO may deliberately create stress by denying or enabling certain options during your task.
  • Idea Creation: Your ability to generate ideas is considered more important than perfect execution.

Leadership Qualities Evaluated

  • Clear communication: Giving precise instructions and ensuring team members understand their roles.
  • Quick decision making: Assessing situations rapidly and making effective choices under time pressure.
  • Team motivation: Encouraging team members and maintaining positive morale throughout the task.
  • Resource allocation: Using available materials and team members' strengths optimally.
  • Problem resolution: Finding solutions to unexpected challenges that arise during execution.
  • Adaptability: Adjusting plans when initial approaches don't work as expected.
  • Initiative: Taking charge confidently and leading by example.
  • Feedback reception: Being open to suggestions from team members while maintaining authority.
  • Structure analysis: Ability to analyze obstacles and their components effectively.
  • Stress handling: Maintaining composure and effectiveness under pressure.
  • Idea generation: Creating innovative solutions to overcome obstacles.

Effective Command Approach

A successful Command Task typically follows this structure:

  1. Assessment: Quickly analyze the task, available resources, and team members' capabilities.
  2. Planning: Develop a clear, step-by-step plan that utilizes resources efficiently.
  3. Briefing: Clearly explain the plan to your team, ensuring everyone understands their roles.
  4. Delegation: Assign specific responsibilities based on team members' strengths.
  5. Execution: Oversee the implementation of the plan, providing guidance as needed.
  6. Adaptation: Adjust the approach if obstacles arise or the initial plan proves ineffective.
  7. Encouragement: Motivate team members throughout, especially when facing challenges.
  8. Completion: Ensure the task is fully completed according to requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Being indecisive or taking too long to formulate a plan
  • Failing to clearly communicate instructions to team members
  • Micromanaging instead of delegating appropriately
  • Ignoring input or suggestions from team members
  • Becoming frustrated or negative when facing setbacks
  • Focusing on personal performance rather than team success
  • Sticking rigidly to a failing plan instead of adapting
  • Neglecting safety considerations in pursuit of task completion
  • Taking a passive role instead of actively leading

Preparation Strategy

Success in the Command Task requires a balance of leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective team management.

  1. Practice giving clear, concise instructions in various scenarios
  2. Develop your ability to think quickly and make decisions under pressure
  3. Work on your problem-solving skills, especially with limited resources
  4. Learn to assess people's strengths and delegate accordingly
  5. Improve your ability to adapt plans when facing unexpected challenges
  6. Build your confidence in taking charge of situations
  7. Practice motivational techniques to encourage team members