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. Handle a light support weapon 

1.1 Light support weapon is safely handled and carried in accordance with standard procedures. 

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

1.3 Weapon drills  are conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

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

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

1.6 Ammunition is secured and maintained  in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Apply fire with a light support weapon 

2.1 Weapon sighting systems  and associated equipment  are employed as required by the operational environment  and in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Rules of Engagement and Orders for Opening Fire are complied with when firing a light support weapon on operations in accordance with operational requirements.

2.3 Targets are identified and engaged  as required by the operational environment and in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Maintain and stow a light support weapon 

3.1 Weapon and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced in all operational conditions.

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

3.3 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

3.4 Light support weapon is secured, in accordance with standard procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• achieve the required effects of fire
• apply battlecraft aggressively
• apply fieldcraft skills
• apply recognised safety precautions
• handle weapons safely in an operational environment
• interpret fire control orders
• work in a team

Required Knowledge 

• battlecraft
• characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the light support weapon and ammunition
• fieldcraft
• fire control orders
• WHS requirements
• recognised safety precautions
• team work
• weapon drills

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• carry out all weapon drills as listed in the Range Statement
• fire the weapon using, as a minimum, linked ball ammunition
• apply a variety of engagement techniques as described in the Range Statement
• work as part of a team
• recognise limit of own authority

The light support weapon operator must be able to achieve the standard of operation and marksmanship as stipulated in Training the Battle Shot Stage 5; MLW 2-9-1 Training the Battle Shot.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations in a range of actual live firing contexts based on a number of realistic operational scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace using live ammunition in a simulated operational threat environment on a firing range. The context of assessment is simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment.

Assessment must be conducted day and night and using night fighting equipment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a light support weapon, ammunition and an actual or simulated operational environment.

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 operating procedures
• standing orders
• written and verbal orders

Ammunition  may include:

• ball
• blank
• drill
• linked or individual
• simmunition
• trace

Weapon drills  must include:

• checking clearances
• degrees of weapon readiness
• immediate action and stoppage
• safety precautions
• stripping and assembling

Fire positions  may include:

• supported or unsupported
• with or without sling
• tripod mounted
• pintle mounted
• prone
• standing
• kneeling
• sitting
• squatting

Ammunition maintenance  may include:

• cleaning belts
• linking and de-linking belts

Weapon sighting systems  may include:

• electronic aiming devices
• iron
• night sights
• optical
• thermal/infra-red

Associated equipment  may include:

• blank firing barrel
• complete equipment schedule (CES)
• magazines
• slings

Engagement of the target  may include:

• suppression
• destruction
• fix
• neutralisation
• rates of fire

Defects  may include:

• cracks
• damaged firing pin
• damaged sighting system
• faulty trigger mechanism
• incorrect serial numbers