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Lesson 26
Tests to Measure Individual Competence : Individual
Obstacles and Lecturette

There are many factors that influence the performance of individuals in a group situation. It is a
common observation that the group provides motivation and tempo that catalyses an upwards
performance. Some persons always perform well in a group. You must have seen the students who
arrange combined study sessions prior to examinations. Converse is also true. Some individuals find
presence of group; obstructive, distracting and disturbing. It is for this reason; the GTO must see you to
perform individually also. Remember, as an officer you are to perform alone.
The pyramidical structure of the Armed Forces does not allow two persons stand on
the same ladder of the pyramid. Not even two course mates stand equal. If you are a
Company Commander, you are alone for all the practical purposes. You have your
superiors and your subordinates but the least you have is a person who is your
pall-holding parity of status in the chain of command. You have to work with your
individual capabilities without the play of any group-stimulant.

The GTO has two sessions for this purpose. The Individual Obstacles and the Lecturette.
Individual Obstacles—An individual is to cross ten obstacles-all alone and without using any
implement applying tact and physical strength. He is to complete within three minutes. The individual
obstacles are numbered from one to ten. Their difficulty level increases, as you will progress from the
first to tenth.
Crossing every obstacle earns you points. You may skip a few obstacles and repeat some of them
also after completion of all of them if time permits. Please pay attention to the instructions given by the
tester in this regard. The ten Individual Obstacles are listed below :—
1. Sliding jump. 2. Drum jump.
3. Balancing Beams. 4. High jump.
5. Burma Bridge. 6. Tarzon Swing.
7. Double jump. 8. Double Ditch.
9. Commando walk. 10. Tiger leap.
In the opinion of many candidates, Individual obstacles are ‘very important’. I have found
candidates talking quite nervously about their performance in the Individual Obstacles. Some think that
their future will doom if they perform badly in the IOs. (Individual obstacles).
To such a nervous candidate, I would say that the IOs are important but for a different purpose. The
purpose of IOs is to ascertain the following :
1 2 3
Application of mind and Reaction to physical stress,
Confidence
muscles. Work sense risks, fear of injuries
4 5

Planning and organisation Stamina and agility
6

Time management
No doubt, successful negotiation of obstacles goes in your favour but doing the obstacles
successfully is not everything. Similarly, not all is lost if you have failed to manage a few of them. The
GTO is wise enough to understand your limitations and he will take into account all relevant inputs
rather than depending on just one test.