What is Command Task at SSB Interview? | How to perform your best at Command Task

Command Task is like performing your first operation as a commander with two other subordinates. This test is part of the GTO Test series and is conducted normally on the fourth day of the SSB Interview. All other field tasks of GTO are leaderless tasks, but in the Command Task, you are the leader and you have to complete the task. This task will give you ample scope to display your leadership skills – which is one of the main OLQs. So, let us understand in detail what Command Task is and how it is performed at the SSB Interview. Later we will also discuss tips and tricks which will help you in performing your best at the Command Task.

So, let us start by understanding what Command Task is.

What is Command Task?

Command task is similar to that of PGT & HGT, which is done individually by every candidate with the help of 2 of his teammate. The selection of these 2 candidates is done by the candidate themselves. So, a group of 3 members of which you are the leader will perform this task. You will be given some load, which you have to ensure crosses the finish line by obeying all the rules. The GTO will make you the commander for this task and two other teammates will be your subordinates or helpers. You will make the plan and instruct your team to execute that plan. They are not permitted to do anything unless you instruct them to do something. So, be wise in the selection of your teammates.

The difficulty level of the task given to you will be based on your earlier performance in the GTO task. Good performers will be given harder tasks and vice versa. The GTO can conduct the task in any sequence.

The GTO will give you 15 to 20 minutes to complete your Command Task.

What is the procedure of the Command Task?

All the candidates will be assembled and GTO will instruct them on the command tasks that will be performed. Then the GTO moves towards the task location.

As this task will be performed individually, the GTO may call the candidate one by one randomly or in sequence depending upon their requirement. The GTO will walk with you for some distance and talk casually to make you comfortable.

Once you arrive at the task location, the GTO will start their briefing about the task and designate you as the commander of your troop. They will show the task and will provide you with the load and the helping material.

Then, they will ask you to call two other candidates from the group of other candidates who will act as your troops and will act as your subordinate to complete this task. You have to give them their chest number and they will call you those chest numbers. These members will reach the task, ready at your service. The GTO will instruct them that they have been selected as helpers and help you in completing this task. The task will be similar to that of the Progressive Group Task or Half Group Task. The rules will also be the same except for the group rule, as you have to complete only one task.

You have to start the task by briefing your team members about the obstacle. Also, brief them about the load and the helping material. If you have any plans, you can also brief them about the same.

Remember that you are the commander of this task, so be confident and polite with your teammates. You have to implement your ideas instead of taking suggestions from your team. On completing the task, thank the team members.

What is assessed in a candidate through Command Task?

This is one task through which the GTO reconfirms your qualities which they assessed through the earlier tests. Some of the qualities that are measured are:

• Urge and ability to lead a group
• Ability to make others work as per your instruction
• Effective mental and reasoning intelligence
• Organizing Capability
• Your cooperative skill
• Self Confidence
• Determination
• Courage
• Ability to Initiate
• Convincing ability
• Ability to handle pressure
• Influencing capability over a group
• Quick and accurate Decision-making ability
• Adaptability and adjusting with other members and changing situations

Some Sample Command Task

Tips and Tricks

Below are some of the tips and tricks, which you should follow to perform your best at the Command Task at the SSB Interview.

What should you DO while performing your Command Task?

• The selection of the teammates should be based on the task. Till now you would be aware of the strength of all the candidates. So, select them accordingly so that you can utilize their skill.
• Since you are the commander for this task and complete focus of GTO will be on you. So, do not panic or come under pressure in these situations.
• Pay complete attention to the GTO’s briefing and make mental notes about the structure and the helping material is given to you.
• Before starting the task, spend 1 or 2 minutes observing the obstacle and preparing 2-3 workable solutions in your mind. Use your common sense and reasoning ability to think of a solution.
• Try to be cheerful and optimistic in your approach and have faith and confidence in your plan.
• While briefing your subordinates about the obstacle, also inform them about the rules of the task.
• If your subordinates need your help physically in the execution of the task, then you should help them.
• You should be quick in starting the obstacle and enter the obstacle first to plan further.
• Ensure that your subordinate doesn’t break any rules and if they break any, don’t hesitate to admit that.
• In some cases, if the GTO is instructing not to use any helping material or any structure, then done panic. The GTO does this to increase your difficulty level as you are good at your task.
• On completion, you should keep all the material at the start line where it was kept. Thank your team members and the GTO before going back with other candidates.
• If you are called a helper, then show your maximum cooperation. You should have faith in your commander and never hesitate in obeying his command.

What should you NOT DO while performing your Command Task?

• Be attentive while GTO is explaining the task. Avoid asking silly questions in between the task or after GTO’s briefing.
• Avoid being nervous before or during the task.
• Do not open up too much in front of the GTO during the casual walk and talk.
• Never become angry or shout at your team members. Avoid being disappointing in their work and always motivate and encourage them.
• If you are stuck at some point in the task, observe your position and try to replan the things and find the way out. Avoid taking ideas or suggestions from your subordinates. You should remember that it is your task and it’s your turn to show your abilities.

Hope this article would have helped you in understanding every aspect of the command task. If you have attended your SSB recently, do share your experience in the comment section, which will help other aspirants.

 In case you need any further detail about the same, feel free to mention it in the comment section or mail your query directly to [email protected].

Other GTO Task Articles

• What is Progressive Group Task (PGT) at SSB Interview?
• Half Group Task (HGT) | What is Half Group Task & its Preparation Strategy
• What is Group Planning Exercise in SSB Interview?
• Individual Obstacles in SSB Interview | Explained In detail with Preparation Strategy
• How to perform your best at Group Obstacle Race / Snake Race in SSB Interview?

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