THE "PERSONAL PILE" DILEMMA - SCREENING EXERCISES/ACTIVITIES FOR MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS, RESCUE UNITS, AND MORE
- Moran Sciamama-Saghiv
- Sep 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Disclaimer: The content provided by Dr. Moran Sciamama-Saghiv on physical screening for military, law enforcement, and similar professions is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice, nor does it establish any professional relationship. Readers must obtain proper medical clearance and institutional authorization before applying any information. Dr. Sciamama-Saghiv disclaims all liability for injury, loss, or misuse of the material.
I am Dr. Moran Sciamama-Saghiv, ex-Army officer and an expert of many years on screening processes (especially yet not limited to military with an emphasis on special forces; physical aspects). I offer consultation services and a variety of lectures related to the Israeli military. I would be happy to collaborate with you (if and when relevant). In the meanwhile, I invite you to read my blog post series on the screening processes for military, law enforcement, rescue units, first responders, etc.
In a previous series of blog posts, I have surveyed the multiple and diverse aspects of how to establish or improve a physically-based screening process for military, law enforcement, first responders, rescue units, and more. In this series we will focus on actual suggestions for exercises/activities that can be used in a screening process, and possible variations. Each blog post in the series will analyze the elements that the screening activity requires, "pros" and "cons", "do" and "don'ts", and how the screening activity serves as a tool in the hands of the evaluators.
In some cases, there is more than one way to conduct the exercise, analyze it, or experience it. We will survey both physically-based screening exercises/activities, and non-physical screening exercises/activities. Furthermore, many screening exercises are planned in a way that your ability to prepare for them is limited as much as possible (even with previous knowledge and practice) or simply are meant to examine if you meet the minimum requirements and nothing more.
The "pile" dilemma is a physically-based exercise/activity that is meant to determine the candidates' strategic thinking, tactics selection, proactiveness vs reactiveness, dominance vs submissiveness, tendency to offense vs defense vs a balance, deceptive abilities, creation of alliances, willingness to "hurt" or "harm" teammates, aggressiveness, discipline, self-control, time awareness, situational awareness, following orders/instructions, perception of boundaries, teamwork, and more. This exercise can teach us a great deal about the candidates.
The exercise begins with the candidates standing in a large-diameter circle (the greater the circle, the more physical the exercise becomes). Each candidate gets a certain number of bean bags to begin with. They goal is to have the greatest number of bean bags in your personal "pile" at the end of the allocated time. It is suggested to set a few basic rules that are negotiable, especially to assure the safety of the candidates and avoid injuries:
Candidates can block another candidate with their body from reaching their personal "pile", yet not use their arms, legs, or violence to do so. This prevents too much contact and possible injuries.
Once a candidate is holding a bean bag in their hand/s, it cannot be stolen from him directly from the hand and they are allowed to add it to their pile. This prevents too much contact and the tearing of bean bags (destruction of equipment).
Candidates must go all the way to their personal "pile" and lay down the bean bag on the pile (they cannot throw it from any distance).
Any bean bags that fall on the ground before reaching a personal pile, are anyone's gain.
Otherwise, only bean bags in a pile can be stolen.
Only one bean bag can be stolen at a time.
Multiple variations cab be created for this screening exercise/activity. These may include:
Beginning with more or less bean bags for each candidate. I advise at least 5 (no less) per candidate. less bags = more required proactivity.
Giving more points to different bean bag colors. For example - a red bean bag = 1 point, a blue bean bag = 3 points. This promotes mote strategy than physicality and allows candidates to be more efficient in their choices.
Having bean bags have a negative meaning. For example - a yellow bean bag added to another candidate's personal pile subtracts points from their final count. This allows to test the sabotage abilities/thinking of the candidates.
Allowing alliances and/or sharing of bean bags where one candidate can donate bean bags (or to a limited extent) with another.
Allowing to steal bean bags only from one direction (front or back of the pile).
Allowing to steal more than one bean bag at a time.
Allowing to throw bean bags from a far onto the personal file.
Changing how candidates can move (crawl, walk, run, jump, etc.).
Letting the candidates know how much time there is vs not. Not knowing should create a sense of urgency and cause candidates to be more proactive and efficient.
Shortening the time given during the exercise to create a sense of urgency and also test their ability to deal with surprises and changes.
Changing the points allocated to bean bags and their color to create a sense of urgency and also test their ability to deal with surprises and changes.
The same exercise/activity can be conducted with heavier equipment than bean bags (keep it safe though).
Instead of individual pile, the group can be divided into pairs, or bigger groups, and must either move while physically connected or separately.
If other than individuals, one candidate for each pair/group can be allowed to make decisions and instruct the other/s on what to do; they must follow the "leader's" instruction. In such a case, does the "leader" also take a physically active part or just gives instructions?
Other?
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