[0:00]Jai Hind everybody! As you are aware, the Director General of Recruiting has recently uploaded three new videos in which they have highlighted the various aspects of SSB. In this video which I am replicating now in this channel, I'm going to discuss what the DG Recruiting has made as far as the GTO technique is concerned. You can see this video on the official website, here on our website for the benefit of our followers, I'm replicating that video. As you are aware, GTO technique is conducted on the GTO ground on the second and the third day of SSB. This has got nine tasks starting with group discussion, then group planning, executive group task, group obstacle race, thereafter half group task, lecture rate, involve obstacles, command task and finally the final group task. So these nine tasks are spread over two days. In this video, which the DG Recruiting has made, one of the GTOs is explaining all the tasks in detail. I'm sure the I'm sure the defense aspirants who are going for the first time will really find this knowledgeable and they will get an idea of what SSB is having as far as the GTO technique is concerned. And they'll get a broad idea about how they should conduct themselves during it. So let's watch this video in detail. all the testing techniques, the Group Testing Officer holds a special place. They are trained to observe how a candidate functions in a group environment. How one listens, contributes, leads when required, supports others and adapts to the evolving situation. These are not artificial qualities. They reflect the realities of leadership in the Armed Forces. In the Group Testing Ground, every action of yours will speak louder than words. This is not a test of physical strength alone, nor is it a competition among individuals. As the name suggests, it is an assessment of how you think, act, and work with others. You will be working in a group. Remember, the task is always achieved by the group and not by one individual in the group tasks. Cooperate with each other, share ideas, listen carefully, and respect different viewpoints. There is no single correct solution to any problem here. What matters is your approach, planning, initiative, and ability to adapt. Be natural, do not try to copy anyone or put on an act. If you make a mistake, learn from it and move forward. Confidence, common sense and teamwork are important. On your task day, Group Testing Officer or GTO will explain and tell you exactly what you have to do. Remember to pay attention when he briefs you. Before we talk about techniques, tasks or various activities, you need to know the various tasks. The group testing is carried out through nine tasks, and they can be broadly categorised into indoor and outdoor tasks. Indoor tasks are those which are carried out in an indoor setting and the candidates will be mostly seated. It includes the group discussion, the group planning exercise and the lecturette. Now, outdoor tasks are those which are carried out in the open in the group testing grounds and in this, the candidates will be moving around. It includes the progressive group task, the group obstacle race, the half group task, individual obstacles, command task and the final group task.
[3:26]The first task that you are going to do this morning is called as the group discussion. It is just a friendly and very informal exchange of views amongst yourselves on some topic of common discussion, much in the same way as you do in your your hostels, in your common rooms or even over a cup of tea or a coffee in a restaurant. Gentlemen, this is not a debate. There is no chairman, you need not take any sides, you do not even have to come to any conclusions. In fact, gentlemen, you can speak what you like, when you like and as many times you like. There are no restrictions, except that at any one point of time, not more than one person should speak, because if many people talk simultaneously, then no one will know what is being said, isn't it? Therefore, gentlemen, it is your ideas that is going to be important and not your expressions. As long as you can convey your views in a way we all can understand, that is good enough. Now, gentlemen, to start with, I shall offer two topics to you initially, and let you choose one for the discussion. Once you have chosen that topic, I shall repeat the same so that we are all aware as to what is the topic of discussion. You shall then get about, say, 20 minutes to exchange your views on that. Thereafter, I may give you one more topic of discussion, but this time without any choice. That will be a difference. You will again get about 20 minutes to exchange your views on that topic. So, gentlemen, any doubts in whatever I told so far? The purpose of this task is to engage in a friendly discussion as a group, without the need to arrive at any specific conclusion. You will be given two topics and asked to choose one for discussion. Once you discuss the topic for 20 minutes, you may be given another topic for discussion. Again, you will have 20 minutes. So, you enjoyed the previous task? Very good. So, which is the task now at hand? Group Planning Exercise.
[5:50]Now, gentlemen, I shall be telling you the various stages through which this task will be done. To start with, in Stage 1, I shall be explaining you fairly slowly but only once a model which is made on an electronic panel. Try and understand the various features of this model. At the end of this stage, gentlemen, if you have any doubts about the model, please get them clarified from me. Now, in Stage 2, I shall be reading out a narrative about this model. There will be certain problems which are inter-own in this narrative. To further facilitate you getting the details of this narrative firmly in your mind, in Stage 3, each one of you will get about five minutes to go through your copy of narrative from the clipboard which will be kept next to you. At the end of five minutes, gentlemen, these narratives will be turned over and will also be collected. At the end of this stage, you can clarify any doubts about the story, if you have. Now, in Stage 4, you shall be writing your own individual solution to be written on a sheet of paper that will be provided to each one of you. The time for the written work will be around 10 minutes. At the end of 10 minutes, gentlemen, your return work will also be collected. And finally, in Stage 5, you shall be undergoing discussions to evolve at an agreed group solution. The time for the discussion will be around 20 minutes. At the end of 20 minutes, any one of you, it does not matter who may start up and give me the agreed group solution. So, gentlemen, are you all clear about the task and the stages? Very good. Firstly, you will be introduced to a model. Then, a story will be read by the GTO which includes a few problems. You will be given time to read the narrative individually. Later, you will be given time to write your individual solution. After that, the group will discuss the problem collectively and arrive at a common solution within the stipulated time.
[8:12]The task that you will be doing will be called as progressive group task. You shall be doing this task as a group, therefore, it is a group task. You shall be tackling a series of four obstacles, starting with a simple one and as you go ahead, you'll find that these obstacles are not that simple. It does not mean that very complex, so don't worry. So, gentlemen, here we do not have any natural obstacles like rivers, nala's or broken grounds. We have a simple method of drawing two white lines on the ground and declaring the area in between them as out of bounds. Thereby, it becomes an obstacle for you all to negotiate along with the load given to you. Now, to help you to bridge across these obstacles, there are certain structures which are placed in the out of in bound areas which you can touch. You'll also be provided with certain helping materials like your planks, your ballies and the ropes which you can use. However, gentlemen, there will be a set of five rules which you have to observe while negotiating these particular obstacles. Now, the first rule is the group rule, which means that all of you, including your helping materials and the load must get across an obstacle before any one of you approaches the second obstacle. The second rule is the distance rule, which means that any distance which is four feet or more must be bridged across and not jumped across. Now, gentlemen, if any infringement of this rule is made, the individual concerned must go back to the place where he was before this rule was violated. I would like you all to check on this yourselves. If not, then I may have to point it out to you.
[10:11]Gentlemen, the third rule is the color rule, which means that besides the ground between these two white lines, any structure which is painted red will be out of bound for men, material and load. You all know what is out of bound. Any structure which is painted blue will be in bound for men, but out of bound for material and the load. And finally, any structure which is painted white will be in bound for men, material and the load. Gentlemen, the fourth rule is the rule of rigidity, which means that no two rigid helping materials can be tied along, thereby increasing their distance of bridging. And fifth rule, infinity, which means that the start line and the finish line which is marked on the ground, be imagined as extending towards right and left till infinity, thereby meaning that they are parallel to each other and they do not meet. So, gentlemen, are you all clear about these rules? Yes, sir.
[11:19]In PGT, you have to negotiate obstacles as a group. Four obstacles will be marked on the ground with two white lines. Certain structures will be placed in the out of bounds area between the white lines. Helping materials like planks, ballies and ropes will be provided. You have to use these materials and move from the start line to the finish line while negotiating the obstacles. There will be a few rules that you must follow. Approximately 45 minutes will be given to complete the task.
[11:59]In this task called the group obstacle race, you have to race against the other group through a course of six obstacles. Each obstacle has been divided into four parts so that each competing group sticks to its own channel. Once started off, you should aim at your group reaching the finish line first. In this task also, you have to carry a load with you. The load is a rolled-up tent. And because of its shape, it's generally referred to as snake. Hence, this task can be also called as snake race. Now, there are a few rules about this race. These are, once you have picked up the snake, it must not touch the ground till you have reached the finish line. The snake must take exactly the same course as you take in each obstacle. The snake is not to be folded or shortened in any manner and at any one time, a minimum of three persons will hold it while negotiating the obstacle. In between the obstacles, all of you will hold the snake from start line to finish line. The group rule is applicable. You will wait for the entire group before any one of you going to the next obstacle. As in Progressive Group Task, you and your snake must not touch any of the out of bound areas. Now, gentlemen, I would like you to observe these rules. This is the obstacle number one, it is called ramp and jump. You have to come running from that side, climb this ramp and from this edge of the pole, you have to jump on to the other side on the soft soil. This is the second obstacle and it is called Figure of 8. It consists of certain horizontal and vertical beams forming a lower window and upper windows. So, gentlemen, can you see certain numbers written on it? So, these are your channel numbers. So, this is the third obstacle, this obstacle is called web. All right. So, you have to come running from that side, you have to climb this web, reach on top, negotiate that bar, again move down from that side of the web. Can you see certain numbers written on the top of it? So, gentlemen, these are your channel numbers. So, any questions?
[14:55]This obstacle is called the double wall. It consists of two walls and an interconnecting wooden beam in between. You have to come running from this side, scale this wall, walk on the wooden beam on to the next wall, and thereafter jump on to the sandpit on the other side. Any doubt, gentlemen?
[15:24]Gentlemen, this obstacle is called the ramp and slide. It consists of a ramp on which the notches are cut out. At the top, you can see there is a horizontal beam and on to the other side there is a slide. You will come running from this side, climb this ramp using these notches, cross over the horizontal beam on top and once you're on the other side, you will slide down to the sandpit on the other side. Any doubt, gentlemen?
[16:16]This task is also known as the snake race. Your group will compete with other groups over a series of six obstacles. The aim is to finish first among all groups. Some rules will apply to this task as well.
[16:36]All set for the next task? Very good, gentlemen. So, gentlemen, you all so far have been working as a group. At times, you know, some of you might have felt that with so many of you working together, you do not get adequate scope to show your best, isn't it? To give an opportunity for the same, we have this half group task. As the name implies, gentlemen, in this task, I shall divide this group into two subgroups and allot each subgroup an obstacle to tackle in such a way that while one subgroup is working, the other subgroup is not allowed to watch it. Gentlemen, the obstacle will be like an obstacle of progressive group task. Hence, the rules will all be similar, except the group rule. Why so? Because there is only one single task. Gentlemen, each of the subgroup will get about 15 minutes to negotiate this particular obstacle. So again, this remains the subgroup number one and this remains the subgroup number two. So I shall take one of the subgroups to the obstacles and the second subgroup will go and report to the groundmen and will be called back only once required. Is that clear?
[18:04]Next, this task is similar to the PGT but only one obstacle is involved. You will be divided into smaller subgroups. The time given to complete the task will be around 15 minutes. Since you are working in smaller groups, you will get better opportunities to perform.
[18:36]The task now at hand is called as lecturete. I have with me a number of lecture cards. Each lecture card, gentlemen, has got four subjects therein. So, each one of you by turn will get a lecture card to choose a subject from therein, think over it for about three minutes and then come and stand in front of the group. Give a short talk on the same to the rest of the group for about three minutes. Now, gentlemen, to start with, we shall start with Chest No. 1. He will come and pick up the first card from this top, go a little away from us to choose a subject and also think over it. After about three minutes or earlier, whenever Chest No. 1 is ready for his talk, he will come and hand over his card to me and Chest No. 2 will pick up the next card. Gentlemen, as soon as Chest No. 1 is ready to give his talk, Chest No. 2 will pick up the next card so that while Chest No. 1 is giving his talk, Chest No. 2 is preparing for his talk. On my calling, Chest No. 2 will come and hand over his card to me and Chest No. 3 will pick up the next card from the top. Gentlemen, we shall follow the same procedure till all of you have given your talk. Is it okay? All right, gentlemen, then all the best for your lecturetes. In this task, your ability to speak in front of a group is assessed. You will be required to select one topic out of a list of four topics and speak on it for three minutes. Over the years, we have observed that many capable candidates fail to perform to their true potential. Not due to lack of ability, but due to lack of clarity about the technique, expectations and correct approach to the G.T. tasks. Misconceptions, over or under preparations or even incorrect guidance often lead to avoidable mistakes. This initiative has been undertaken with a clear and sincere purpose, to provide authentic guidance to the candidates and aspirants by allowing them to see, observe and understand the technique.
[21:24]Now, gentlemen, this task is called individual obstacles. This consists of 10 obstacles to be gone through individually by each one of you in three and a half minutes. Now, these obstacles are numbered from one to 10. The number on the obstacles indicates the number of points you will get if you successfully tackle it. Therefore, if you are able to do all the 10 obstacles within that, you will secure 55 points. When I take you around the obstacle course, you will find that these obstacles are not serially arranged. You are at liberty to tackle them in any order you like. If you find that you're losing a little too much time on any one obstacle, you may leave it if you like and then come back to it again later. If you complete all the 10 obstacles and still have some time left your credit, you may repeat the obstacles. Based on the number of obstacles you repeat, you will get that many extra points. But remember, no repetitions allowed till you do not complete all the 10 obstacles. And even while repeating, you are not to go over the same obstacles more than once. So, I shall now take you to these obstacles and show you what is required to be done. Then, I shall give you some time to go around. Thereafter, I shall explain to you how I propose to conduct this task. Gentlemen, any doubts?
[23:25]This obstacle is called the balancing beam. It consists of a set of three wooden beams. Two which are at an angle to each other and one which is horizontal.
[23:49]This obstacle is a double barrel. It consists of two red-colored barrels with some barbed wire coiled around them and arranged in a linear fashion. In front of the barrels, there is a sandpit.
[24:10]This obstacle is called the Burma bridge. It consists of two ladder-like structures at both ends and in between, there are four ropes. Two which are vertical and two which are horizontal.
[24:32]This obstacle is called the commando walk. It consists of two inclined ladder-like structures at both ends and in between, there is a platform and in the middle of the platform, there is a victory stand kind of structure. You can see that a portion of the edge of the platform and the victory stand are red in color. This obstacle is called the double ditch. It consists of two ditches and in between the ditches, there's a platform. In the middle of one of the ditches, there is a vertical rope hanging from the top.
[25:20]This obstacle is called Tarzan swing. It consists of a platform with a ladder to climb up. At the top, you will see a rope hanging from the overhead bar.
[25:40]This obstacle is called Tiger Leap. It consists of a platform and a rope. The front side of the platform is painted red and white. From the front side of the platform, you can see a rope hanging down. This obstacle is called Vertical Rope. It consists of a rope tied to a bar at the top. On the rope, you will notice two colored markings, one red notch and one green notch. So now, gentlemen, this task is called individual obstacles. This consists of 10 obstacles to be gone through individually by each one of you in three and a half minutes. Now, these obstacles are numbered from one to 10. The number on the obstacles indicates the number of points you will get if you successfully tackle it. Therefore, if you are able to do all the 10 obstacles within the three and a half minutes, you will secure 55 points. When I take you around the obstacle course, you will find that these obstacles are not serially arranged. You are at liberty to tackle them in any order you like. If you find that you're losing a little too much time on any one obstacle, you may leave it if you like and then come back to it again later. If you complete all the 10 obstacles and still have some time left your credit, you may repeat the obstacles. Based on the number of obstacles you repeat, you will get that many extra points. But remember, no repetitions allowed till you do not complete all the 10 obstacles. And even while repeating, you are not to go over the same obstacles more than once. So, I shall now take you to these obstacles and show you what is required to be done. Then, I shall give you some time to go around. Thereafter, I shall explain to you how I propose to conduct this task. Gentlemen, any doubts?
[28:24]This is a double platform. It consists of two platforms, one which is higher than the other and in front of them, there is a sandpit. A portion of the ladder-like structure leading to the higher platform is red in color. The screen jump consists of a ramp, a movable red-colored screen and in front of it, a sandpit. This obstacle is called Tarzan swing. It consists of a platform with a ladder to climb up. At the top, you will see a rope hanging from the overhead bar.
[29:17]This obstacle is called Tiger Leap. It consists of a platform and a rope. The front side of the platform is painted red and white. From the front side of the platform, you can see a rope hanging down. This obstacle is called Vertical Rope. It consists of a rope tied to a bar at the top. On the rope, you will notice two colored markings, one red notch and one green notch.
[30:04]Now, gentlemen, this task is called Command Task.
[30:17]All right, gentlemen, are you all ready for the next task? Very good. So, gentlemen, in your group task so far, you all have been working as equals. Wherein each one of you had the same say as to how a task could be done. Isn't it? This task called as Command Task will afford you an opportunity of doing a task in your own manner. Now, each one of you by turn will be nominated as a commander for a particular task. You shall then be doing this task in your own way without anyone questioning you or even interfering with you. Now, each commander will have to negotiate a single obstacle, which will be like an obstacle of progressive group task and therefore the rules will all be similar, except the group rules for obvious reasons. Now, each commander will also get about 15 minutes to negotiate this particular obstacle.
[31:26]Now, those individuals who will be selected as teammates must do exactly as the commander tells you to do, whether you approve it or not. Finally, gentlemen, the responsibility of that task is whose? It's Commander's. Therefore, gentlemen, it is only fair that his wishes be carried out unquestioned. Therefore, no one must do anything directly or even indirectly. You must not even talk unless specifically addressed to by the commander. Is it clear? All right, gentlemen. The mission needs good officers, ladies and gentlemen, who can lead from the front and meet the requirements of the organisation. Hope to see you one day in uniform. Wish you all the best.
