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Unit of competency details

DEFCA201B - Operate indirect fire weapons (Release 2)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Superseded
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Is superseded by and equivalent to DEFMIL061 - Operate indirect fire weaponsUnit code updated. Content and formatting updated to comply with the new standards. All PC transitioned from passive to active voice. PC 1.3 and 1.4 removed. Elements 1 & 2 merged. 21/Oct/2015

Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
2 (this release) 24/Jan/2013
(View details for release 1) 15/Mar/2012

Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 030717 Plant And Machine Operations  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 030717 Plant And Machine Operations  03/Sep/2012 
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Modification History

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

DEF12 V2

Application added. Minor Range Statement changes. Evidence Guide updated.

1

DEF12 V1

First release.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the competency required to safely handle, aim, fire, manoeuvre and maintain indirect fire weapons.

The operator must be thoroughly familiar with characteristics and capabilities of the weapon and competent in the application of fire in an operational environment.

The operator will work as part of a gun detachment team, be under direct supervision and receive orders that dictate all actions.

This unit is not intended for missile systems, rocket systems or for small arms.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application of the Unit

This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to safely handle, aim, fire, manoeuvre and maintain indirect fire weapons in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators work as part of a team under direct supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Manoeuvre the weapon 

1.1 Weapon is moved into position as directed.

1.2 Weapon is prepared for firing in accordance with standard procedures. 

1.3 Weapon is prepared for movement in accordance with standard procedures.

1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Aim the weapon 

2.1 Ancillary equipment  is prepared for use and operated as required or directed.

2.2 Indirect fire weapon is aimed and adjusted as directed and in accordance with standard procedures.

2.3 Aiming calculations and recordings are maintained in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Fire the weapon 

3.1 Ammunition  is handled under supervision and in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Ammunition is visually inspected, defects  are reported to supervisor and defective ammunition is quarantined as directed.

3.3 Ammunition selected by the supervisor is prepared in accordance with orders. 

3.4 Ammunition is loaded and unloaded as directed.

3.5 Gun is fired in accordance with orders.

3.6 Misfire drills are completed as directed and in accordance with standard procedures.

3.7 Ammunition residue is unloaded or removed after firing.

4. Maintain the serviceability of the weapon 

4.1 Defects are reported to supervisor.

4.2 Operating maintenance  is conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills and Knowledge

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

  • hand eye coordination
  • manual dexterity
  • team work
  • use communication equipment
  • work in a stressful environment

Required Knowledge 

  • characteristics and technical capabilities of the system
  • WHS requirements
  • safety precautions associated with the equipment

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

  • work as part of a gun detachment team
  • use the ancillary equipment listed in the Range Statement
  • identify all ammunition defects listed in the Range Statement

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a period of time in either simulated or actual workplace situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational environment due to the high risk nature of the activity. The individual must be assessed as part of a team carrying out each of the individual functions required to operate an indirect fire weapon.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a live fire range, an indirect fire weapon and live ammunition.

Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Standard procedures  may include:

  • Australian Standards
  • defence instructions
  • doctrinal pamphlets
  • job guides, other publications
  • manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
  • WHS regulations
  • organisational policies and procedures
  • procedure manuals
  • relevant local government by-laws
  • relevant state/territory or federal legislation
  • routine orders
  • standing operating procedures
  • standing orders
  • written and verbal orders

Ancillary equipment  may include:

  • collimator/aiming devices
  • fuse setters
  • orientation and positioning equipment
  • weapon sights

Ammunition  may include:

  • anti personnel
  • anti tank
  • high explosive
  • illumination
  • improved conventional munitions
  • incendiary
  • marker
  • precision guided munitions
  • smoke base eject/ all colours
  • and may be used with fuse types:
  • delay
  • proximity
  • super quick (point detonating/graze)
  • time

Defects  must include:

  • corrosion
  • cracks
  • damage packaging
  • dented cartridge cases
  • fluting of the cartridge case
  • incorrect fuse projectile combinations
  • incorrect propellants
  • proud or recessed primer
  • rust
  • weeping

Orders  may include:

  • transmitted electronically
  • verbal
  • written

Operating maintenance  may include:

  • cleaning
  • lubricating

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.