In PGT, HGT, Command Task, and FGT —
90% of failures are not due to intelligence shortage.
They are due to:
- Poor structural understanding
- Impulsive placement
- Weak base planning
- Load mismanagement
Let’s break down the most common structural failures — and why they happen.
1️⃣ Overhanging Plank Failure
What Candidates Do:
They place too much plank beyond support.
Looks stable initially.
Then someone steps → plank rotates.
Why It Fails:
Centre of gravity shifts beyond support line.
Torque increases.
Rotation occurs.
Why Candidates Make This Mistake:
They rush to extend distance instead of securing base.
Officer correction:
Always ensure sufficient plank rests on solid support before stepping.
2️⃣ Weak Base Support Failure
What Happens:
Plank is placed on unstable drum or narrow edge.
When load is applied → base shifts.
Physics Behind It:
Unstable base reduces reaction force consistency.
Rolling or movable objects cannot act as primary anchor.
Officer Thinking:
Stabilise base first.
Bridge second.
Foundation > Extension.
3️⃣ Uneven Load Distribution
What Candidates Do:
3–4 members stand on one end to “test” structure.
Immediate tilt.
Why It Fails:
Weight concentration increases torque.
Centre of mass shifts asymmetrically.
Correct Approach:
One member at a time.
Others balance and support.
4️⃣ Ignoring Height Stability
When crossing narrow plank at height:
Candidates stand upright.
Move quickly.
Structure wobbles.
Why It Fails:
Higher centre of gravity reduces stability.
Small lateral movement → large imbalance.
Officer Approach:
Slight knee bend.
Slow, aligned movement.
Lower body posture.
5️⃣ Poor Rope Alignment
In Command Task especially:
Candidates pull rope diagonally.
Or from wrong angle.
Result:
Tension increases.
Force is misdirected.
Structure twists.
Physics Insight:
Force should align with intended motion.
Misaligned force creates rotational stress.
6️⃣ Using All Material at Once
Early enthusiasm.
Candidates:
Use long plank.
Use rope.
Use log.
Later obstacle becomes harder.
No resources left.
Why It Fails:
Poor resource optimisation.
Officer Thinking:
Always think 2 obstacles ahead.
7️⃣ Ignoring Distance Rule Mechanics
Candidates try to “just adjust slightly.”
But distance violation forces restructuring.
Structural Issue:
If plank is too close to obstacle:
You lose support angle.
System becomes unstable.
Distance rules exist to force smart geometry.
8️⃣ No Triangular Support
Rectangular structures collapse easily.
Many candidates:
Create flat, straight bridges without secondary support.
Why It Fails:
Rectangles deform.
Triangles resist force.
Smart candidates subconsciously create triangular bracing.
9️⃣ Jerky Movement Collapse
Structure is stable initially.
But when someone jumps or shifts suddenly:
System destabilises.
Physics:
Sudden force spikes reduce friction.
Momentum shift causes imbalance.
Officer Movement:
Smooth.
Gradual.
Coordinated.
🔟 Ego-Based Structural Failure
This is psychological but visible physically.
Candidate insists:
“My idea will work.”
Structure fails.
Still insists.
Result:
Repeated collapse.
Group frustration.
Structural rigidity often reflects mental rigidity.
Officer mindset:
If it fails, modify.
Don’t defend ego.
1️⃣1️⃣ Overcomplicated Engineering
Some candidates try overly complex setups.
Multiple supports.
Unnecessary rope tension.
Excessive material adjustment.
Problem:
More joints = more failure points.
Simple structures are stronger.
Keep design minimal.
1️⃣2️⃣ Ignoring Visual Alignment
Plank placed slightly angled.
Log not parallel.
Rope twisted.
Small misalignments create large instability.
Always step back.
Observe alignment.
Then proceed.
1️⃣3️⃣ Energy Drain Failure
By FGT, many structures fail because:
- Candidates are exhausted
- Grip weakens
- Coordination drops
Energy mismanagement early leads to late-task collapse.
Officer thinking:
Conserve energy for final tasks.
The Hidden Truth About Structural Failures
GTO does not care if structure falls.
He cares:
Why it fell.
Was it:
- Poor planning?
- Impulsiveness?
- Ego?
- Panic?
- Lack of coordination?
Or was it:
- Calculated risk?
- Quick recovery?
- Calm restructuring?
Failure handled calmly can improve your impression.
Repeated careless failure damages it.
What GTO Observes During Structural Failure
When structure collapses, he watches:
- Who blames?
- Who panics?
- Who laughs nervously?
- Who calmly says, “Let’s re-evaluate”?
That reaction is more important than the collapse itself.
Final Message
Most GTO structural failures are not mechanical.
They are behavioural.
When you:
- Rush
- Ignore base
- Overextend
- Overload
- Overreact
Structures collapse.
When you:
- Secure foundation
- Balance load
- Align materials
- Apply gradual force
- Stay calm
Structures hold.
And more importantly —
Your officer-like qualities become visible.
