FINAL GROUP TASK (FGT)

Final Group Task (FGT), as the name suggests is the last task of GTO tasks. FGT is conducted on day 2 of GTO tasks. FGT is similar to PGT, except there is only one obstacle to be crossed (in PGT there are four). There are two parallel lines on the ground- START LINE and FINISH LINE. In between these two lines is an obstacle which the candidates are required to negotiate to reach the FINISH LINE, using the helping materials provided. Along with the helping materials they are also provided a load to be carried with them. Time allotted is 15 minutes.

Since the last few tasks (Lecturette, Individual Obstacle and Command Task), candidates have been working as individuals. In FGT they are made to work as a group once again. The GTO makes his final observation through this task and confirms his findings about each candidate.

1. The GTO  will show you all the structures one by one, explaining the same.  Showing the start line and the finish line, he will tell you that you have to reach the finish line, negotiating all the structures between the two lines. This can be done using the helping materials provided.
2. He will explain to you the colour rule, infinity rule, distance rule, group rule and rigidity rule. He will also explain to you what materials and structures can be touched and which one’s cannot.
3. Then he will provide you the helping materials. You are expected to negotiate the structures using those helping materials to reach the finish line.
4. Then he will explain other rules which are to be followed while negotiating the obstacles.
5. When he is done with his explanation, candidates are allowed to clear their doubts, if any.
6. Now he will ask the group to stand behind the start line . The group can start after he says, “START”.
7. Throughout the task, the GTO observes the candidates and notes points according to the proceedings.

1. Wooden plank  (PHATTA)
2. Circular wooden log (BALLI)
3. Ropes for tying
4. Extra tools as per particular obstacle designs like rings, triangular bars etc.

1. Colour rule : The structures are painted in different colours red, blue/yellow and white.
   1. White – Both candidates and helping materials can touch.
   1. Blue/yellow – Only candidates can touch, helping materials cannot.
   1. Red – Out of bound for both candidates and the helping materials. The surface of the ground is also out of bound for both the candidates and the helping materials.

2. Rigidity rule : According to this rule two helping materials cannot be tied together to increase the length. However helping materials can be tied with the structures.
3. Rule of group and load : The entire group, the helping materials and the load must move ahead together at any point of time throughout the course of the task.( Don’t leave any of these elements behind.)
4. Distance rule : According to this rule, no distance more than four feet can be jumped. The gap more than four feet has to be bridged using the helping materials to shorten the distance.
5. Rule of infinity : This rule states that the start and finish line of the obstacle extends till infinity. The group cannot cross these lines directly.

In the armed forces, sometimes movement from one place to another is obstructed due to the presence of a gap or space between two rocks may be between two cliffs or some difficult terrain. In such circumstances soldiers are expected to bridge the gap with the help of the available resources. This can be easily achieved by being practical, enthusiastic with obviously some amount of general intelligence. The idea behind FGT is to check the practical working sense of a candidate, effective intelligence, reasoning ability, organising ability, initiation, courage, power of expression, social adaptability and cooperation. In addition to this, the GTO also checks how quick and feasible his ideas are.

1. The candidates must pay attention to the briefing given by the GTO before the start of any obstacle. One must listen carefully to the small details that the GTO mentions about the structures. Many times these small details provide the hints and clues needed to negotiate it.
2. Observe the structures carefully. They are simple and can be solved with basic intelligence. Using basic laws of physics like the law of lever, cantilever and fulcrum, maximum number of obstacles can be negotiated.
3. Since this task is done in a group, be cooperative and supportive towards your group. If you will listen to others then others will definitely listen to what you are saying. If someone is giving a good idea, make sure you appreciate it and get it implemented.
4.  Till now all the candidates will have developed some familiarity with the tasks so in FGT the participation level will be very high and it will move along very fast. Make sure you don’t lag behind. Give your ideas and get it implemented.
5. Be lively and cheerful throughout the task and show interest and keenness.
6. When you are giving the ideas, your voice should be loud enough to the group and the GTO.
7. Do not violate any rule. In case you or your group violated any rule, acknowledge it and repeat that obstacle immediately.

There are myths that FGT doesn’t count in the selection process. First of all keep yourself away from such myths and perform FGT with the same energy and enthusiasm like you have performed other tasks. Every single task is important and counts in the selection process.

FGT like any other GTO tasks is also like a game, playing which requires a great deal of OLQ’s. At the same time, one should enjoy the tasks.

Give your best and you will surely succeed with flying colours.

JAI HIND.