The GTO tasks are a set of nine group tasks that happen on the third and fourth days of the SSB interview. Here, a Group Testing Officer tests candidates in a group to ascertain the 15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) in them. In doing so, he also lays five GTO task rules that you must follow. Today, we understand each rule in detail.
What are the 9 GTO Tasks?
A total of nine group tasks are conducted by GTO, which range from indoor to outdoor ones. Each task is meant to determine the presence of the fifteen OLQs in a candidate, and must be performed well. Here is a list of the nine tasks that are governed by the GTO task rules:
| DAY | TASKS CONDUCTED |
| Day 1 | 1. Group Discussion 2. Group Planning Exercise 3. Progressive Group Task 4. Group Obstacle Race 5. Half Group Task 6. Lecturette |
| Day 2 | 7. Individual Obstacles 8. Command Task 9. Final Group Task |
Must-Know Things About GTO Task Rules
SSB assessors try to test your personality under pressure because the Armed Forces function in high-stake environments. Hence, they use GTO task rules and make tasks time-bound to increase the pressure on you. Some basic information that you must have about GTO tasks is as follows:
- Each task has a separate timing, which can be as short as 3 minutes to as long as 45 minutes.
- The basic helping material in PGT/HGT/FGT/CT includes a fatta (plank), a balli (a log of wood), and a rope.
- A load is a small container or box, assumed to be something fragile like a bomb or an injured buddy.
- Breaking GTO task rules invites penalties, and you have to restart from where you broke the rule.
What are the 5 GTO Task Rules?
The GTO lays down a total of five GTO task rules in his briefing, that candidates must follow during each task. Generally, these rules apply only to the outdoor tasks.
I. Group Rule
The group is the most important entity during the group tasks, hence, the first of the total GTO task rules pertains to it. The group rule suggests that,
The entire group, including the helping material and the load, must move together through the tasks.
This means that you can only advance to the next stage of a task or obstacle once all your group members, along with the helping material and the load have gathered. Before this, you must also refrain from looking at the next structure during PGT and FGT.
II. Rule of Colour
You must have noticed that the structures in GTO testing are painted white, blue, and red. The rule of colour says that,
White areas can be touched by humans, helping material, and load.
Blue areas can be touched by humans but not the helping material or load.
Red areas are out of bounds for everyone.
So, if a structure during PGT/HGT/CT/FGT or the Group Obstacle Race appears red, you should not touch it to avoid penalties. Also, the blue areas are replaced by yellow in AFSBs.
III. Rule of Distance
The rule of distance is the third of the five GTO task rules, and mandates that,
You cannot jump over a distance of four feet and above. You must bridge it with the helping material.
The easiest way to ascertain this distance is using your leg span. If you have to open your legs widely to cross over, it means that the distance is beyond four feet.
IV. Rule of Rigidity
Many candidates act smart and try to bridge gaps or bypass certain structures by tying two helping material together. The rule of rigidity says that,
You cannot tie two rigid helping materials, that is, the plank and the log, together to extend their length.
Please note that tying these helping materials in criss-cross fashion is acceptable in GTO task rules but you cannot tie them to increase their length.
V. Rule of Infinity
Infinity is anything that goes on forever, and has no start or end. Similarly, the rule of infinity suggests that,
The start line and the finish line extend parallelly till infinity.
This means that you cannot bypass structures and walk through the ground. You have to use the structures to clear each level of the task.
GTO Task Rules: Final Thoughts
These five rules test the real you at every step. The GTO lays down each rule in detail for everyone before the tasks begin. Always try to avoid yourself and your friends from breaking any rules and perform in good josh.
