In one of the discord servers I am in we were sharing some weird dreams a few people have had recently. I don’t often remember my dreams, but I had had one to share! I recently dreamed that I was in a US Navy SEAL-style selection process to see if I had what it took to become…a UPS driver. Yep, that’s right. In this dream world, the selection criteria for UPS drivers is intense. There was only one problem: I woke up before I found out if I made the cut.
Someone in the chat said that I should see if I could get ChatGPT to answer that question for me.
ChatGPT enters the room
So I head over to ChatGPT and enter the prompt:
Imagine a world where UPS needs to implement a bootcamp program similar to the US Navy Seals in order to select new drivers. Describe the process of a recruit going through selection. You decide if they make the cut to wear the illustrious brown uniform.
I am no expert at prompt building, but I’ve read somewhere that telling ChatGPT to ‘imagine’ something had good results. I didn’t really test anything else, because this was just a whim. Here’s what the response was:
In this hypothetical world, UPS has decided to implement a rigorous bootcamp program for selecting new drivers, similar to the US Navy Seals. The goal is to ensure that only the best candidates make it through the selection process and earn the right to wear the illustrious brown uniform.
The selection process for the UPS driver bootcamp program is as follows:
- Application and Screening: Prospective candidates submit an application online, which includes basic information such as their name, contact information, and work experience. The application also includes a series of questions designed to assess the candidate’s aptitude and fitness for the program.
- Physical Fitness Test: Candidates who pass the initial screening are then invited to take a physical fitness test. This test is designed to measure the candidate’s endurance, strength, and overall physical fitness. The test includes activities such as running, push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises that are commonly used in military-style bootcamp programs.
- Psychological Evaluation: Candidates who pass the physical fitness test are then required to undergo a psychological evaluation. This evaluation includes a series of tests and interviews designed to assess the candidate’s mental fortitude, resilience, and ability to handle stress.
- Bootcamp Training: Candidates who pass the physical and psychological evaluations are then invited to attend the bootcamp training program. This program is modeled after the US Navy Seals training program and is designed to push candidates to their physical and mental limits. The program includes intense physical training, mental exercises, and team-building activities.
- Final Evaluation: After completing the bootcamp training program, candidates are evaluated one last time to determine if they are fit to become UPS drivers. This evaluation includes a series of driving tests and simulations, as well as a final interview with UPS management.
Only those candidates who pass all of these selection criteria and demonstrate the necessary physical and mental abilities to become a UPS driver are offered the coveted brown uniform.
Okay. Well, that is interesting information. But it doesn’t tell me if I made the cut! Time for a followup:
Imagine the final evaluation, and provide a first-person narrative of a recruit going through this final day
Now, to sit back and discover my fate:
As a recruit in the UPS driver bootcamp program, I had been pushed to my limits over the past few weeks. The bootcamp training had been grueling, both physically and mentally, and I had doubted myself more than once during the process. But today was the final evaluation day, the day that would determine whether or not I had what it takes to become a UPS driver.
I woke up early, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I had trained hard for this day, but I knew that anything could happen. I ate a quick breakfast, put on my brown uniform, and headed out to the evaluation site.
When I arrived, I was greeted by a group of evaluators who gave me a quick briefing on what to expect for the day. They explained that I would be going through a series of driving tests and simulations, designed to test my ability to handle a UPS delivery truck in a variety of situations.
I felt confident in my driving skills, but I also knew that this was not going to be easy. The first test was a simple driving test, but with a twist. I had to navigate through a course filled with obstacles, such as cones, and make several deliveries in a limited amount of time. I felt the pressure mounting as I started the engine and began the course. But I focused on my training, made quick decisions, and executed each delivery flawlessly.
The next test was a simulation of a busy city street, with traffic, pedestrians, and unexpected obstacles popping up at every turn. I had to use all of my driving skills, quick reflexes, and situational awareness to avoid accidents and make timely deliveries. The simulation felt so real, and the pressure was immense, but I kept my cool and delivered the packages on time.
The final test was a role-playing exercise, where I had to interact with customers and handle various customer service scenarios. This test was designed to evaluate my communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and overall customer service attitude. I had to diffuse a few tense situations, handle customer complaints, and demonstrate my knowledge of UPS policies and procedures.
When the tests were over, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I had done my best, and I hoped that it was enough. The evaluators gave me a quick debriefing, and then it was time for the final interview with UPS management.
During the interview, I was asked about my experience in the bootcamp program, my motivation for becoming a UPS driver, and my overall suitability for the job. I answered each question honestly, drawing on my past experiences and my passion for customer service.
After what felt like an eternity, the UPS management team announced their decision. They congratulated me on passing the final evaluation and awarded me the coveted brown uniform. I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment that I had never felt before, knowing that I had earned the right to become a UPS driver.
Whew! I made it. I shared the information (and the story) in discord, and then had another thought.
Bing Chat is on the scene
I recently (yesterday) gained access to Bing chat and thought I would give it a try. I get everything set up head to the chat interface. Fist thing I am greeted with is an option:
Imagine a world where UPS needs to implement a bootcamp program similar to the US Navy Seals in order to select new drivers. Describe the process of a recruit going through selection. You decide if they make the cut to wear the illustrious brown uniform.
Text starts streaming back (faster than with ChatGPT) and I can’t keep up. But then, suddenly it disappears and is replaced with a message about how Bing isn’t sure about how to answer the question. I repeated this a few times with the same result (but didn’t take a screenshot), and then decided to go on with my day. But I came back later and tried again with a surprise. This time it worked!
The UPS Bootcamp
Jack had always dreamed of becoming a UPS driver. He admired their professionalism, efficiency, and dedication to delivering packages on time. He applied online and was invited to attend a four-week bootcamp program at a remote location. He packed his bags and boarded a bus with 49 other hopefuls.
The bootcamp was nothing like he expected. It was a grueling test of physical, mental, and emotional endurance. The instructors were former UPS drivers who had seen it all and demanded nothing but the best. They woke up the recruits at 4 a.m. every day and put them through a series of challenges, such as:
- Running 10 miles with a 50-pound backpack full of packages
- Navigating a simulated urban route with traffic, obstacles, and angry customers
- Loading and unloading a truck in record time while maintaining accuracy and safety
- Solving complex math problems and puzzles related to logistics and delivery
- Facing mock interviews, customer complaints, and ethical dilemmas
- Surviving a week of isolation in a dark room with only a radio and a map
Jack struggled at first, but he was determined to prove himself. He pushed himself to the limit, made friends with his fellow recruits, and learned from his mistakes. He also developed a respect and admiration for the instructors, who taught him valuable skills and tips. He realized that being a UPS driver was not just a job, but a lifestyle and a mission.
After four weeks, only 10 recruits remained. Jack was one of them. He felt a mix of pride and relief as he stood in front of the instructors for the final ceremony. They congratulated him and handed him a brown uniform and a badge. He had made it. He was a UPS driver.
He smiled and thanked them, then boarded a bus to his assigned location. He couldn’t wait to start his first day on the job. He knew it would be hard, but he also knew he was ready. He had survived the UPS bootcamp.
Whoa…
That is intense. Unfortunately, it happened to Jack and not to me, so I guess it doesn’t quite complete my dream. There was a button now to create another story with a different outcome. Sure, why not?
The UPS Bootcamp
Lisa had always wanted to be a UPS driver. She loved the idea of traveling around the country, meeting new people, and delivering happiness. She applied online and was accepted to a four-week bootcamp program at a secret location. She packed her bags and boarded a plane with 49 other candidates.
The bootcamp was a nightmare. It was a brutal test of physical, mental, and emotional torture. The instructors were former UPS drivers who had been fired or retired for various reasons and had a grudge against the company. They treated the candidates like dirt and put them through a series of challenges, such as:
- Running 10 miles with a 50-pound backpack full of bricks
- Navigating a simulated rural route with wild animals, landmines, and hostile locals
- Loading and unloading a truck in record time while being sprayed with water and paintballs
- Solving impossible math problems and puzzles related to logistics and delivery
- Facing mock interviews, customer complaints, and ethical dilemmas
- Surviving a week of isolation in a dark room with only a radio and a map
Lisa hated every minute of it, but she was determined to quit. She endured the pain, the humiliation, and the boredom. She also made enemies with her fellow candidates, who competed and sabotaged each other. She despised the instructors, who taught her nothing but lies and tricks. She realized that being a UPS driver was not a dream, but a nightmare.
After four weeks, only 10 candidates remained. Lisa was not one of them. She had failed the final challenge, which was to deliver a package to a remote cabin in the woods. She had gotten lost, attacked by a bear, and bitten by a snake. She was rescued by a helicopter and taken to a hospital.
She felt a mix of anger and relief as she lay in her bed. She had failed. She was not a UPS driver.
She smiled and thanked the doctors, then called her lawyer. She was going to sue the UPS for everything they had. She had survived the UPS bootcamp.
That is certainly a different outcome. Poor Lisa.
Regardless, this has been an interesting little experiment. Who knows, maybe more ideas will come from this process!