The Missing Tool
You are a recruit on a field exercise. Your squad is responsible for setting up a communication antenna. The antenna requires a specific wrench to assemble. You remember seeing the wrench in the tool kit yesterday, but now it is missing. Your squad leader asks you to find it before the exercise begins in 30 minutes. You recall that yesterday, after using the wrench, you lent it to another recruit, Jones, who was working on a vehicle. Jones is in a different platoon and is currently on a different training area, about 15 minutes away. You also remember that the tool kit was moved from the storage room to the field depot this morning. The field depot is 5 minutes away. You are not sure if the wrench was returned to the kit before it was moved.
1. What are the possible locations of the wrench, and what is the most logical first step to locate it?
Read the worked answer
Possible locations: 1) With Jones (if not returned), 2) In the tool kit at the field depot (if returned), 3) In the storage room (if left there during move), 4) Somewhere else (misplaced). Most logical first step: Check the tool kit at the field depot (5 minutes away) because it's closest and the wrench might have been returned. If not there, then contact Jones or go to him.
2. Considering the time constraint, outline a plan to retrieve the wrench and set up the antenna within 30 minutes.
Read the worked answer
Plan: 1) Go to field depot (5 min) and check kit. If found, return (5 min) and set up (remaining time). 2) If not found, call Jones (if radio available) to confirm if he has it. If he does, go to him (15 min), get wrench (quick), return (15 min) – total 30 min, tight but possible if no delays. 3) If Jones doesn't have it, search storage room (5 min) and other likely places. 4) If all else fails, report to squad leader for alternative tool or improvisation. Prioritize based on likelihood and time.