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CHAPTER OT - I

OBSTACLE TRAINING

Introduction

1. The training in crossing the obstacles/barriers by NCC cadets is a very important aspect of NCC
syllabus. The obstacle course training not only makes the cadets physically strong but also develops a high
degree of confidence and develops the qualities of courage and will power to face all types of challenges
and barriers in life.

Obstacle Course

2. The Standard Obstacle Course that the NCC cadets are required to cross consists of ten obstacles.
The obstacles, depending upon the structure are constructed of wood, bricks, concrete and mud. Each
obstacle is placed at a distance of about 30 feet from each other. The details of each obstacle are described
as below:-

(a) Straight Balance. It is a wooden slab of 3 inches thick, 4 inches wide and 12 ft long,
which is placed 1 ½ ft above ground level. A cadet crosses this obstacle running, keeping his arms
open and balancing his body.

(b) Clear Jump. Its structure is just like a straight bar of 18 ft long. This wooden bar is
placed 2 ft above the ground. Cadet has to jump over it without touching or using any part of the
body.
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(c) Gate Vault. This is a wooden structure which has two parallel bars at a height of 3 ft
and 5 ft respectively, both 18 ft long. One has to cross the gate by holding upper beam with both
hands and by putting one s feet on 3 ft bar and jump across.

(d) Zig-Zag Balance. It is a Zig-Zag like structure made of wooden bar which is 18 ft in
length and 3-inch width. The height of the bar above the ground is 1½ ft at the beginning and
gradually increases to 3½ ft in the end. The Cadet has to run over the obstacle with open hands
and balance the body similar to straight balance and cross it.

(e) High Wall. It is 6 feet high and 12 feet long bricked wall with plaster on both sides.
For crossing this obstacle, a cadet has to run, jump, kick the wall with one leg and take leap putting
both hands on the wall and then push his body upwards and jump over the other side.
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(f) Double Ditch. The obstacle is made up of two similar ditches each of approximately 8 ft
in long, 6 ft wide and 3-4 ft deep separated by a small gap of approximately 4 feet. The cadet has
to jump across the two ditches by jumping over the first ditch, placing one foot on the gap and
jumping across the second ditch.

(g) Right Hand Vault. This wooden slab is 3 ½ ft above the ground and 18 feet long. The
cadet is required to jump over using the right hand as support on the beam, throwing both legs up
and jump across.

(h) Left Hand Vault. This wooden structure is 3 ½ ft above the ground just like Right
Hand Vault. The Cadet is required to jump over using the left hand as support on the bar, throwing
both legs up and jump across.
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(j) Ramp. It is 15 feet long, 18 feet wide and 4 ½ feet high sloppy hillock. For crossing it, a
cadet has to crawl and climb over the ramp and take long jump after reaching the top and then
landing on ground with both the feet.

(k) Straight Balance. It is piece of wooden 3 inches thick, 4 inches wide and 12 ft in
length, which is above the ground level. A cadet crosses this obstacle running, keeping his arms
open and balancing his body.

3. Safety Measures. Following safety measures must be ensured during the conduct of Obstacle
Course training to cadets -

(a) Suitable and physically fit cadets only to be selected.

(b) Training to be given first in PT dress, later on with packs and weapon.
(c) Emphasis to be given on closing of individual timings and later team timings.
(d) Wet and slippery obstacles and area to be avoided.
(e) Obstacles to be done under supervision of qualified instructors and correct technique only
to be used.
(f) Arrangement of first aid to be ensured.

4. Benefits. Benefits of Obstacles courses are as under:-

(a) Ensures physical fitness.

(b) Ensures flexibility.
(c) Ensures mental strength.
(d) Coordination and balance of mind and body.
(e) Improves risk taking ability.
(f) Evaluating problem solving skills.
(g) Over all team spirit.
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Conclusion

5. The training in NCC is comprehensive. The basic training of regular Defence services (Army, Navy
and Air force) is given to the students. The cadets receive training throughout the NCC course. Intensive
training is given to cadets in the camps especially in Thal Sainik Camps. Obstacle course is one such
training activity conducted that makes the NCC cadets physically fit and mentally tough. Obstacle training
increases agility, courage, patience and increases their confidence.

SUMMARY

1. The trainng in NCC is comprehensive. The basic training of regular Defence services (Army, Navy
and Air Force) is given to the students. The cadets receive training throughout the NCC tenure.
Obstacle course is one such training activity conducted for making the NCC cadets physically fit and
mentally strong. Obstacle training develops courage, patience and makes them physically fit.

2. Obstacle Course. It consists of the following obstacles.

(a) Straight Balance

(b) Clear Jump
(c) Gate Vault
(d) Zig-Zag Balance
(e) High Wall
(f) Double Ditch
(g) Right Hand Vault
(h) Left Hand Vault
(j) Ramp
(k) Straight Balance