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Final Group Task (FGT)

The Final Group Task (FGT) is the culminating challenge of the GTO series, designed to assess how well candidates have integrated the skills and lessons from previous tasks while working together as a cohesive team.

What is Final Group Task?

The Final Group Task (FGT) is the last task of the GTO series. Like the Progressive Group Task (PGT), it is a leaderless group activity, but it typically consists of only one task rather than the four progressive obstacles in PGT. The task in FGT is generally more complex and challenging than those in previous exercises.

In this task, the entire group works together to overcome an obstacle using the same helping materials as in other tasks (Balli, planks, and ropes). The technique for negotiating the obstacle remains similar to PGT, requiring candidates to analyze structures, understand their components, and develop effective solutions.

This task serves as the culmination of all the skills and teamwork developed throughout the GTO series, allowing assessors to evaluate how well candidates have integrated the lessons from previous tasks and how effectively they can function as part of a cohesive team.

Key Characteristics of FGT

  • Leaderless: Like PGT and HGT, this is a leaderless task where leadership emerges naturally
  • Single Task: Unlike PGT, FGT typically consists of only one task rather than progressive obstacles
  • Complexity: The task is generally more complex than those in previous exercises
  • Resources: Similar helping materials as other tasks (Balli, planks, ropes)
  • Rules: Similar ground rules as PGT regarding distance limitations, infinity zones, etc.
  • Full Group: The entire group works together, unlike the half-group in HGT
  • Culmination: Serves as the final assessment of group dynamics and individual contributions

Skills Evaluated

FGT is the culmination of all skills learned:

  • Team coordination
  • Leadership application
  • Problem-solving
  • Physical fitness
  • Group dynamics
  • Adaptability under pressure
  • Resource management
  • Communication effectiveness
  • Structure analysis capability
  • Practical intelligence application
  • Learning from previous tasks

FGT Format and Structure

  1. Task Assignment: The entire group is presented with a complex, multi-stage challenge.
  2. Resource Allocation: Limited resources are provided that must be used strategically.
  3. Planning Time: The group is given time to develop a comprehensive approach.
  4. Execution: The group must work together to complete all stages of the task.
  5. Time Constraint: A strict time limit adds pressure to the task completion.
  6. Evaluation: The GTO observes how the group functions as a unit and how individuals contribute.

Common FGT Challenges

Complex Obstacle Courses

  • Multi-stage obstacle navigation
  • Sequential challenges requiring coordination
  • Terrain with varying difficulties
  • Obstacles requiring full group participation

Resource Management Scenarios

  • Limited materials that must be shared
  • Tools that must be used in specific sequences
  • Resources that must be transported across obstacles
  • Strategic allocation of equipment

Simulated Crisis Scenarios

  • Rescue operations
  • Disaster response simulations
  • Time-critical evacuations
  • Security breach containment

Construction Challenges

  • Building complex structures
  • Creating functional systems
  • Establishing multiple pathways
  • Constructing and using tools

Success Factors

  • Team spirit: Working cohesively with mutual support and respect for all group members.
  • Effective communication: Clear, concise information sharing throughout the task.
  • Quick thinking: Rapid problem-solving and adaptation when facing unexpected challenges.
  • Physical endurance: Maintaining energy and effort throughout the extended task.
  • Leadership skills: Appropriate leadership emergence and acceptance based on the situation.
  • Role flexibility: Willingness to take different roles as needed by the group.
  • Resource optimization: Strategic use of available materials and team strengths.
  • Positive attitude: Maintaining motivation and encouragement even when facing setbacks.

Structure Analysis in FGT

As with other GTO tasks, success in FGT requires effective structure analysis:

  • Analyze each component that makes up the structures
  • Understand the relationship between different structures
  • Identify potential bridging points and pathways
  • Look for tell-tale signs like holes, bolts, or brackets that provide clues
  • Judge distances accurately (4 ft jumping limit, plank length, balli length)
  • Consider creative uses of the helping materials
  • Apply lessons learned from previous tasks (PGT, HGT, CT)

Group Dynamics in FGT

The Final Group Task reveals how group dynamics have evolved throughout the GTO series. Assessors pay particular attention to:

  • How leadership emerges and is accepted within the group
  • How conflicts or disagreements are resolved constructively
  • How the group balances planning with action
  • How members support each other during challenging moments
  • How the group adapts when initial approaches don't succeed
  • How communication patterns have developed and matured
  • How individual strengths are recognized and utilized
  • How the group maintains focus on the overall objective
  • How lessons from previous tasks are applied
  • How the group demonstrates effective levels of functioning (effectiveness, cohesiveness, stability)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Fragmenting into subgroups that work independently without coordination
  • Excessive planning that consumes too much time without action
  • Rushing into action without adequate planning or organization
  • Allowing dominant personalities to override better ideas from quieter members
  • Failing to adapt when initial approaches prove ineffective
  • Neglecting to utilize all team members' strengths and capabilities
  • Becoming frustrated or negative when facing significant challenges
  • Focusing on individual performance rather than group success
  • Poor communication leading to duplicated efforts or missed opportunities

Effective Level of Group Functioning

As with other GTO tasks, the assessors evaluate the group on three key aspects:

  • Group Effectiveness: How well the group accomplishes the task and overcomes obstacles.
  • Group Cohesiveness: How well the group members work together and support each other.
  • Stability: How consistent the group's performance remains throughout the challenge.

In FGT, these aspects are particularly important as they represent the culmination of the group's development throughout the GTO series.

Key Takeaways

The Final Group Task represents the culmination of your GTO assessment journey. It's designed to reveal how well you've integrated the lessons from previous tasks and how effectively you can function as part of a cohesive team.

Success in this task demonstrates your readiness to work within military units where teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and mutual support are essential for mission accomplishment.

Remember that assessors are looking at both your individual contributions and how you enhance the group's overall effectiveness. The ideal candidate shows a balance of leadership initiative and supportive teamwork as appropriate to each situation.

The consistency of your performance across all GTO tasks, from PGT through FGT, is also a critical factor in your assessment. Strong candidates demonstrate consistent application of leadership qualities and effective teamwork throughout the entire series.