In Part 1, I wrote about my experience during Screening and Psychological Testing (Day 1 and Day 2). By Day 3, we repeaters had formed a good bond, having even gone for a movie and visited the Allahabad Sangam.
Day 3: GTO Day 1
Group Discussion 1 (Population Control)
The topic was around India’s population and how it can be controlled. Unlike my previous SSBs, this time I decided to hear out the first 3-4 speakers. I spoke after about 5 minutes, making relevant points with good examples. The group was moving towards blaming the Government, but I supported the Government's initiatives and added my own ideas. I spoke a second time, and then the GD ended.
Group Discussion 2 (Nuclear Tests)
The topic was around Nuclear Tests by India. This time, content was scarcer. I jumped in earlier, supporting the Government's stance on why the tests were necessary. My points were repeated by others. Towards the end, I helped two struggling candidates get a chance to speak, even moderating when one went off-topic.
Military Planning
This used to be my toughest task, but experience helped. This time, I paid close attention to the map (distances, roads, river directions), the GTO's narration, and the written brief.
- I clearly mentioned priorities and resources, even using the farmer (who reported lost goats) and his cycle as resources.
- I assigned the top priority (stopping a train from a broken bridge) to myself.
- I ensured the plan concluded with attending the originally scheduled marriage on time.
The GD for military planning was aggressive. I interjected towards the end, pointing out an impractical aspect of the group's plan (reaching the station too late). I suggested alternative ways to stop the train enroute (red clothes, danger signs). Two or three agreed, and the GTO stopped the discussion. My attention to detail regarding distance, time, and terrain paid off.
Full Group Tasks (FGT), Progressive Group Tasks (PGT), Half Group Tasks (HGT)
It’s not just about leading, but helping the group complete tasks successfully and on time. Key learnings:
- Observe structures, resources, and area carefully for clues.
- Don’t worry if you don't contribute solutions in the first 1-2 easy tasks.
- Crucially, don't break rules, and ensure group mates adhere to them (e.g., correct number of people holding the LOAD).
- I avoided taking the lead constantly but provided critical solutions at two junctures. One involved turning a structure upside down based on a subtle clue (red paint on top, green on bottom).
- I helped the group immensely by stopping rule-breaking, rather than just trying to be in front.
Lecturette
Out of 4 topics, I chose the easiest I was comfortable with, avoiding the mistake of picking a tough topic to impress. I structured my 3 minutes into introduction, body, and conclusion (my opinion), included data points, greeted the group, spoke loudly with pauses, and maintained eye contact.
Snake Race
Pure fun! But again, adherence to rules for yourself and the group is key (e.g., right number holding the snake). Motivate, shout your war cry, help others over the wall, and take the lead there. My previous focus was on leading, but this time, respecting rules was paramount, which I believe was a significant shift.
Day 4: GTO Day 2
Command Task
I maintained high energy ("furti"). The GTO engaged in a candid 5-minute conversation while walking to the task.
- The task was the toughest I'd seen. I chose the heaviest and lightest subordinates for balance.
- For the first time, I briefed my subordinates like a commander – loudly, with "josh," and covered the rules (didn't assume they knew).
- I took the lead, giving instructions. I spotted a subtle clue (green paint on a tree branch) early on.
- When the GTO asked "what next commander?", I mentioned using the tree and rope. He sent subordinates back; I'd solved it.
- He then asked for an alternate solution if the tree wasn't there. After some verbal hit-and-trial (3-4 mins), I solved that too.
Individual Obstacles
It was raining heavily. My previous SSBs focused on max points, leading to haphazard running. This time:
- I planned my route while the GTO briefed, aiming for a circular path to cover all obstacles efficiently, irrespective of points.
- I committed to completing each obstacle properly before moving on.
- I completed only 5 obstacles in time but repeated 2 (slippery bridge, wet Tiger Leap rope) successfully after failing the first attempt due to rain. Others claimed 7-8, but I was confident in my planned, brave approach.
Disclaimer: I am not an SSB Guru. A lot of the above may be not appropriate, I don’t know. But it worked in my case.
This covers my GTO experiences. Part 3 will delve into the Personal Interview and Conference phases.