^

 
 

Unit of competency details

DEFCA432 - Supervise the operation of mortars (Release 1)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Superseded
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Supersedes and is equivalent to DEFCA425B - Supervise the operation of mortars1 Pre-requisite removed. Application added. 23/Jan/2013
Is superseded by and equivalent to DEFMIL135 - Supervise the operation of mortarsUnit code updated. Content and formatting updated to comply with the new standards. All PC transitioned from passive to active voice. PC 1.4, 2.1 and 3.3 removed. Assessment Requirements created drawing upon specified assessment information from superseded unit 21/Oct/2015

Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
1 1 (this release) 24/Jan/2013

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  06/May/2013 
The content being displayed has been produced by a third party, while all attempts have been made to make this content as accessible as possible it cannot be guaranteed. If you are encountering issues following the content on this page please consider downloading the content in its original form

Modification History

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

DEF12 V2

First release. Replaces and is equivalent to DEFCA425B. Supervise the operation of mortars. 1 Pre-requisite removed. Application added.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the competency required to supervise and control all aspects of the operation of mortars.

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 supervise and control all aspects of the operation of a mortar in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically supervisors work independently and lead a team under direct and/or indirect 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

DEFCA412B Operate a mortar

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

1. Prepare and deploy mortars 

1.1 Resources  required for the performance of the task are determined and organised in accordance with orders.

1.2 Identified problems/shortfalls are reported to immediate supervisor in accordance with standard procedures .

1.3 Mortars are deployed and the command post is established in accordance with orders.

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

2. Engage targets with mortars 

2.1 Command post is effectively supervised.

2.2 Accuracy of all firing data is confirmed.

2.3 Lay of all weapons are correct before firing.

2.4 Appropriate firing orders are given to the direct fire support weapon operators.

2.5 Appropriate ammunition  is selected in accordance with orders.

2.6 Minor incidents  are rectified in accordance with standard procedures.

2.7 Major incidents  beyond own level of authority or competence are reported to manager and action is taken as directed.

3. Ensure mortars are maintained 

3.1 Operator maintenance activities are supervised.

3.2 Reported defects are rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor.

3.3 Maintenance  activities are completed 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 

  • interpret orders

Required Knowledge 

  • ammunition identification:
  • type
  • colour
  • hazard band
  • labelling
  • markings
  • lot/batch numbers
  • packaging
  • safety precautions associated with the task

Evidence Guide

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to effectively direct and control the mortar operating crew supervise command post activities; to conduct sight testing; and to conduct non-technical inspection.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated on operations or in simulated operational environments over time while firing live high explosive ammunition.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a live firing range, mortar crews, at least two mortars 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.

Resources  required may include:

  • ammunition
  • any allocated support
  • materials
  • personnel
  • stores
  • vehicles
  • weapons

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:

  • anti-armour
  • high explosive
  • illumination
  • improved conventional munitions
  • precision guided munitions
  • smoke
  • white phosphorus
  • and may be used with following fuse types:
  • super quick (point detonating /graze)
  • delay
  • proximity
  • time
  • near surface burst

Minor incidents  may include:

  • damage to ancillary equipment
  • damage to firing mechanism
  • damage to sighting equipment
  • injury to personnel
  • jammed ammunition

Major incidents  may include:

  • loss of personnel
  • exposure to direct or indirect attack from hostile forces unintended explosive ordnance detonation

Maintenance of mortars  may include:

  • bore sighting
  • non-technical inspection
  • sight testing

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.