Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version  

Comments 

2

DEF12 V2

Unit descriptor updated. Application added. Minor Range Statement change. Evidence Guide updated.

1

DEF12 V1

Release

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Safely handle a shotgun 

1.1 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation.

1.2 Shotgun is handled and carried safely in accordance with standard procedures. 

1.3 Ammunition  is identified and selected, and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures.

1.4 Shotgun is secured in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Safely maintain a shotgun 

2.1 Shotgun is stripped and assembled in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Shotgun and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required, in accordance with standard procedures.

2.3 Ammunition is cleaned, inspected, carried and secured in accordance with standard procedures.

2.4 Defects  are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor.

2.5 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Safely operate the shotgun 

3.1 Shotgun magazine is filled and emptied in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Weapon drills  are conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Marksmanship principles  are applied in accordance with standard procedures.

3.4 Fire positions  are adopted as required by environment and threat.

3.5 Weapon equipment  is employed as required in accordance with standard procedures.

4. Safely fire a shotgun 

4.1 Shotgun is safely fired in accordance with standard procedures.

4.2 Range Safety Brief and Practice Brief are complied with when firing a shotgun on a range, in accordance with standard procedures.

4.3 Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with standard procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• adopt appropriate firing position
• aim the shotgun
• apply immediate action and stoppage drills
• apply recognised safety precautions

Required Knowledge 

• characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the shotgun and ammunition
• cycle of operation of the shotgun
• degrees of weapon readiness
• WHS requirements
• marksmanship principles
• range safety
• safety precautions of the shotgun
• types of targets

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to

• conduct all weapon drills as listed in the Range Statement
• to fire the weapon
• to recognise the limit of own authority
• meet the specified minimum reuirements as laid down by the relevant Service Chief.

Assessment must also confirm that operators meet the specified minimum requirements as laid down by the relevant Service Chief.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations on a live firing range.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment using live ammunition on a live firing range including a ‘dry’ assessment to ensure that a safe environment is maintained.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a shotgun, ammunition and a live firing range.

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
• doctrine 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 orders
• standing operating procedures
• written and verbal orders

Ammunition  may include:

• blank
• ball
• dummy
• tracer

Defects  may include

• broken cocking handle
• burrs
• bulging
• corrosion
• cracks
• damaged firing pin
• damaged sighting system
• faulty trigger mechanism
• incorrect serial numbers
• out of date or missing fully functional classification label

Weapon drills  must include:

• safety precautions (e.g. checking clearances)
• degrees of weapon readiness
• immediate action and stoppage

Marksmanship principles  may include:

• position and hold must be firm enough to support the weapon
• weapon must point naturally at the target without undue physical effort
• shot must be released and followed through without disturbance to the firer's position
• aiming must be correct

Fire positions  may include:

• kneeling
• prone
• sitting
• squatting
• standing
• supported or unsupported

Weapon equipment  may include:

• complete equipment schedule (CES), such as:

• magazines
• slings

• weapon sighting systems