Conduct of the Command Task (CT)
Command task (CT)
is a part of the confirmatory series of the Group Testing Technique in SSB Interview. It allows
the GTO to focus on an individual apart from the usual group formation.The Command Task (CT) is
conducted on second day of the GTO series. The whole group is seated at a
distant location away from the vicinity of the testing area. Each individual is
then called upon one by one and given a task. The task is similar to that of
the PGT and all the rules will remain the same, less the group rule. The GTO
now calls the individual in any numerical order and proudly makes him the ‘Commander’.
He then exchanges casual talks and pleasantries to make the aspirant feel at
ease.
The GTO then explains him
the task and makes sure that attempter has understood it very well. Once this
is done, the GTO asks him to choose his subordinates to assist him in
completing the tasks. As soon as the subordinates arrive, the GTO asks the
Commander to begin with the task. A time limit of 15 min is allotted to
complete the task, though the GTO might extent it, if the situation demands.
A Practical Approach Command Task (CT)
Before we go into the
depth of the task, one must know the purpose of this task. The Command Task is
to assess –
• The Commander’s
leadership capabilities.
• His ability to plan and
execute the task.
• His reaction to setbacks
and failures.
• His distractibility in
the face of stress and crisis.
• His acceptability by his
group members.
• The willingness and body
language of his subordinates.
The Command Task (CT) may
single-handedly reveal many qualities and traits about a person. The assessor
sees as to how a person is analyzing and using his resources in a meaningful
way. He also probes into the manner in which the Commander behaves with his
subordinates, how he utilizes their strengths and weakness and how he co-ordinates
them. The reaction of the Commander in the face of failures and setbacks, how
he responds to stress and pressure and his distractibility when facing crisis
is all observed.
While dealing with the
Command task (CT) in particular, keep the following thoughts in mind –
- Pay attention to the briefing given by the GTO and clarify doubts, if any.
- When the time arrives to select your men, please do not follow any pre-conceived notions. The reason why all of you have been screened in for Stage II testing is evident here. All of you possess some officer like potentials or else you would not have been here. So, there is no base for discrimination while selecting your men. All of your group members are best. Therefore, you may choose whomsoever you feel would do the job for you. Your recommendation solely depends upon your performance and not of your subordinates’.
- Make your plan and explain it to your team. Make sure your men have understood what is in your mind.
- Exercise proper control over your men and correct them, if they do something wrong or break any rule by mistake. But, while doing so be polite and humble in your approach. Remember, they are your subordinates in this particular task only, but otherwise equals, who carry the same pursuit of becoming an Officer as that of yours. Bear in mind - They are not your paid labourers.
- As a Commander, place yourself at the most important and indispensable part of your plan. The Command Task (CT) is a simulation of an actual military operation, of which you have been made the Commander. For your men, your orders mean the difference between life and death. So, wherever there is a risk situation in your task, calculate the risks and plan the use of your men accordingly.
- The GTO may try to distract and divert your attention. He is seeing your consistency and emotional stability to face distractions and disturbances. I would like to ask you to imagine a war situation where the enemy is firing from all sides and there is no clue as where to retaliate. In such situations, an Officer has to be aware of the distractional warfare which the enemy has adopted to paralyze the counter-attack. Disturbance and distractions in such a pressure situation can cause heavy casualties. Also, I would like to quote an interesting method adopted by the GTO to distract the Commander. He had asked the Commander to narrate the story of the movie ‘Dabbang’ meanwhile negotiating the task.
- The GTO may also deliberately reject your proposal at times, though they were and are workable and valid. This is to see your reaction to failure and criticism. At such times, keep your cool and give logical reasons to him.
- Group Dynamism plays a significant role here too. The result of your behavior in the group is visible from the body language of your men. If you have been co-operative throughout the group testing procedure, it is seen from the gestures of your men, that they and your entire group has accepted you.
- From this, one can easily realize the importance of social adjustment and co-operation.
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