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 direct fire support weapon 

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

1.2 Direct fire support weapon 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 Direct fire support weapon is secured in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Safely maintain a direct fire support weapon 

2.1 Direct fire support weapon is stripped and assembled in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Direct fire support weapon 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 a direct fire support weapon 

3.1 Weapon drills  are conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Marksmanship principles  are applied in accordance with standard procedures.

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

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

4. Safely fire a direct fire support weapon 

4.1 Direct fire support weapon is safely fired in accordance with standard procedures.

4.2 Range Safety Brief and Practice Brief are complied with when firing a direct fire support weapon 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 direct fire support weapon
• apply immediate action and stoppage drills
• apply recognised safety precautions

Required Knowledge 

• characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the direct fire support weapon and ammunition
• degrees of weapon readiness
• WHS requirements
• marksmanship principles
• range safety
• safety precautions of the direct fire support weapon
• 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
• fire the weapon
• act as part of a team
• recognise the limit of own authority

Consistency in performance 

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed using live ammunition on a live firing range.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a direct fire support weapon, 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:

• dummy
• high explosive
• high explosive anti tank
• high explosive dual purpose
• illumination
• smoke
• practice
• sub calibre

Defects  may include:

• broken firing pin
• broken cocking rod
• burrs
• bulging
• corrosion
• cracks
• damaged sighting system
• faulty extension system
• faulty firing 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 firers 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:

• cleaning equipment
• slings

• weapon sighting systems