2 AFSB MYSORE - DECEMBER 2013 - PART 2

DAY 3: GROUP TEST

This day too started as usual but the alarm rang at 0505 Hrs. Out of the 8 groups 4 groups had their Group Tests today. The groups are split according to the rooms. We wore white sports outfits with sports shoes. First we had group discussion on 2 topics. 1 topic was chosen by us and another given to us by the officer. Then we were given a model situation and asked to prepare a solution first individually and then as a group. Later we proceeded for the outdoor group tasks. First was the Progressive Group Tasks. Here we were asked to cross 4 different obstacles with the help of a few materials such as balli, plank, rope and we had to carry a fragile load too. Then we had a race called as the Snake race. In this race the whole group should go through a series of obstacles while carrying a tent filled with sand. At a single point of time at least 3 people must be holding the ‘snake’. We were asked to have our own war cries too and shout it throughout the race. Almost all of us finished at the same time (the officers ensure that by giving time penalties for the fun to be alive). Then we had a half group task. We were asked how we would like to be split into half groups. We chose odd numbers and even numbers. Thus we had to cross obstacles with the help of materials and a fragile load. After the half group task we had a lecture session. We were each given 3 minutes for preparation and 3 minutes for lecturing. 4 topics each were given and we could select any 1 from those. My topic was on Right to Education. Those candidates who didn’t have group task were called for their interview. Others who had nothing to do were really off for the day. In the afternoon all the Flying Branch candidates had the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test. This test will burnout the eyes. They are very stressful and tests your patience and eye capacity. There were two parts to this test. The first part was called as the Synchronous Motor Test and had 392 question split into 8 various tests. Each had its own set of questions and time limit. Before the start of each test there were instructions and a sample question. After this tiresome test we had Psychometric test. This was the second part of CPSS. Here we were given the controls in a flight and were tested for hand eye coordination and reflexes. After all that physical and mental strain we headed for dinner and went flat. We had roll call and instructions and the laundry was collected at nights and given back at the same time next day. End of Day 3.

DAY 4: GROUP TEST AND REST

We had current cut during the night but we didn’t know that because of the weather. We hadn’t switched on the fan. In the morning the alarm was switched on only at 0610 Hrs. That’s when we realised it. We had already got up by then and were ready for the day’s work. I was the ‘human alarm’ for my roommates and hence woke them up at the right and convenient time to get ready. After the breakfast we had our Group

GROUP PHOTO

Photo session in 2 batches of 34 each chest number wise, had our roll call and then we headed straight to grounds. There we had Command Task as the first test. Each of us were assigned the role of a commander and with the help of 2 of our group mates, who were called as helpers, we were asked to cross the obstacle. The others were asked to be seated away from sight and keep silent (real test of patience). After all the commanders were finished we had refreshments and headed for our individual tasks. These individual obstacles were 10 in number and had corresponding marks. #1 obstacle had 1 mark, #2 obstacle had 2 marks and so on. The total made up to 55. We were given totally 3 minutes time to complete the tasks individually and if we complete within that time we could go for another round (seriously that’s very tough and breath taking). The obstacles were (1) Slope Jump, (2) High Jump, (3) Wall Climb, (4) Burma Bridge, (5) Balance Walk, (6) Monkey Crawl, (7) Double Jump, (8) Pass through a tyre, (9) Tiger leap and (10) Rope climbing (they are not in correct order). After these individual task we were given for one last time the Final Group Task and we dispersed. After this our group was free for the rest of the day. The others who didn’t have group task had their interviews. At 1430 Hrs. we were given the opportunity roam about the city and return by 1930 Hrs. We went through the market place. Unfortunately the Maharaja had expired a few days ago and the Palace was closed. A few of them went to the Chamundi Hills and Zoo. After returning we had dinner, played games and watched TV as usual till lights off (and extra after that too :P) and finally retired for the day. End of Day 4.

DAY 5: INTERVIEW AND REST

Most of us in our room had interview and the others were completely off for the day. We got up as usual and headed for the interview. Each of us had our own experience during the course of the interview. The PIQ formed that we filled on the day of arrival was thoroughly questioned during the interview and if you had made any blunder in that, you will be easily caught. The other groups who had interviews the other 2 days had their GTs today and tomorrow. After the interview I was completely free and we were playing TT, Carrom, etc. The whole day went off silently. Again after the regular procedures we retired for the day. By this time all of us had got a hang of it and all of us were bada dosts by now. We were roaming in gangs, pranking, joking, gossiping and what not. It was the start but sadly nearing the end too. End of the penultimate day, Day 5.

DAY 6: BOARD CONFERENCE AND TATA BYE BYE!!

Today was the D – Day. We dressed ourselves to the best. We were to be interviewed for a few minutes by the whole board. It was to be a one against 20 – 25 board members. The final groups had concluded their GTs by 0930 Hrs. and all of us were ready for the conference by 1015 Hrs. We dropped our bags in the bus and headed to the testing area. We were called chest number wise to board room and each of us had only 30 seconds to a maximum of 4 minutes of time for the questionnaire. After all the formalities the Officer came to announce the results. He gave us all a few words before announcing the results. It was a situation where we had mixed feelings. Among the 68 members 9 of them were selected. I wasn’t one of them but still I was really happy that 3 from my room were selected. I was always care – free throughout the testing and was the same here too. The last batch had only 3 selected out of 84 and we were happy to have outnumbered them. Then came another officer to announce the PABT results and hurray I had cleared it!! Except for the 9 of them all of us went to the main gate and collected our deposited gadgets. We boarded the bus and were dropped at the Railway Station. We took back strong memories and left back history too! The 9 recommended candidates had a few procedures before they were relieved in the night. When we all scattered from the station we were really filled emotions and all of us had our own way of conveying it. We noted down the numbers of our new gang, FB IDs, email IDs, etc. to be in contact and relive the dream that we were in for the past week. Away from the routine, common world, etc. and without MOBILE PHONES!!! OMG!!!

The one week went off so fast and we had so much joy. People reading this cannot have the visual impact of this unless they have experienced. As I write this down all the detailed parts run through my mind. This experience was something that can never be expressed in words. The Human touch and Human feel is always special and will always be special. Thank you guys for being part of this wonderful journey. Thank you Air Force for giving us this beautiful opportunity. It’s really once in a lifetime. Once in a lifetime only!!!