SSB Command Task (CT) — Your One Chance to Command
What is the Command Task?
Command Task is often called the make-or-break GTO event. Each candidate in your group takes a turn being the Commander for one specific obstacle. As commander you (a) pick 2–3 subordinates from the group by name, (b) receive the problem from the GTO privately, (c) brief your subordinates, (d) execute the crossing, and (e) report completion. When your obstacle is over, you become someone else's subordinate.
How to pick subordinates
The GTO explicitly watches whom you pick. Two principles:
- Do NOT pick only your friends or only weak candidates — that reads as cliquey or under-confident.
- Do NOT pick only strong candidates hoping they will solve it for you — the GTO notices you are outsourcing.
- Pick a MIX — one candidate who has already performed well (so you have muscle) and one who has been quieter (so you show inclusivity). This mix is scored positively for Ability to Influence.
The 3-part briefing that always works
After the GTO gives you the problem, you have about 30 seconds to brief your two subordinates. Use this 3-part structure:
- Part 1 — The problem: "We have to cross this obstacle carrying the load, red is out of bounds, we have two planks and one rope."
- Part 2 — The plan: "I will bridge with the long plank first. X will cross with me and anchor. Y will pass the load. Then we bring the plank back for Y."
- Part 3 — Individual roles: "X, you cross first with me. Y, you handle the load. Any questions? Let's go."
Being commander — the four things that lose marks
Any of these makes the assessors mark you down:
- Freezing when the GTO gives the problem — even a 20-second silence signals poor Speed of Decision.
- Doing the whole task yourself instead of delegating — that is not command, that is solo work.
- Blaming the subordinates when the plan fails — always own the outcome. "I under-briefed" is a better line than "X did it wrong".
- Not physically leading — command from within the task, not from the sidelines.
Being subordinate — do not sabotage the commander
When you are picked as someone else's subordinate, your job is to execute their plan cleanly. Do not:
- Argue with the commander mid-execution.
- Suggest a "better" plan out loud once the plan is agreed.
- Deliberately slow down or under-perform to make the commander look bad.
- Ignore instructions and freelance.
What the GTO scores in Command Task
Command Task is one of only two tasks (with Individual Obstacles) where the GTO can score you in isolation without group noise. That is why it carries disproportionate weight for the recommendation decision. Speed of Decision, Self-Confidence, Ability to Influence and Organising Ability are all in play in your 8-minute window — treat it as your one clean interview with the GTO.
Do & Don't — Quick Reference
Step-by-step: how to attempt Command Task (CT)
Pick your subordinates with a mix in mind
Name one confident performer and one quieter candidate. Do not pick only friends or only stars.
Receive the problem, pause 5 seconds
A 5-second pause reads as composed, not slow. Longer than 20 seconds reads as frozen.
Brief in the 3-part structure
Problem, plan, individual roles. Total 30 seconds. "Any questions? Let's go" — then move.
Lead from inside the obstacle
Cross first, handle the load, coordinate hands-on. Do not stand aside and direct.
Own the outcome, brief or complete
When the obstacle is done — or the time is up — report cleanly to the GTO. Take responsibility either way.
Frequently asked questions
Who scores higher in Command Task — the commander or the subordinates?
The commander carries the higher scoring weight because Command Task is one of only two GTO events (with Individual Obstacles) that scores you in isolation. But subordinates are scored too — arguing, freelancing or under-performing under someone else's command is a clear negative on Cooperation and Team Spirit.
What happens if my Command Task obstacle is not completed in time?
Not completing is not automatic failure. The GTO scores how you briefed the subordinates, whether you physically led, whether you kept composure and how you owned the outcome. A clean unfinished attempt is scored higher than a frantic complete attempt with blame-shifting.
How do I pick subordinates in the SSB Command Task?
Pick a mix — one candidate who has already performed well (execution muscle) and one who has been quieter (inclusivity signal). Picking only friends or only stars is scored down. Do not pick the two weakest candidates hoping to look strong by comparison — that also reads badly.
Can I refuse to be someone's subordinate in Command Task?
You cannot refuse the pick, but you can quietly step out only if you have already served your commander turn and the GTO calls for volunteers. Actively refusing when picked signals poor Cooperation and typically ends the recommendation.
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