Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to apply offensive and defensive operational procedures as a member of a team (e.g. a section) within a threat environment.

These operational methods are based on principles that support the conduct of any mission carried out in a threat environment.

Application of the Unit 

This unit was developed for arms soldiers working within an operational zone in Defence but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work as individuals and as part of 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.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

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 Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Apply fieldcraft 

1.1 Orders and instructions are received, interpreted and carried out in accordance with standard procedures 

1.2 Fieldcraft  techniques are applied in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Tasks  are carried out in accordance with standard procedures

2. Employ defensive measures 

2.1 Defensive measures  are employed in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Enemy offensive measures  and tactics are dealt with in accordance with standard procedures

3. Employ offensive measures 

3.1 Offensive measures are employed in accordance with standard procedures

3.2 Enemy defensive measures and tactics are dealt with in accordance with standard procedures

4. Comply with the conventions of armed conflict 

4.1 Laws of armed conflict are complied with in accordance with standard procedures

4.2 Rules of Engagement, Orders for Opening Fire and Orders for Use of Force are followed

4.3 Prisoners of war are guarded in accordance with the laws of armed conflict and operational requirements

4.4 Prisoners of war, captured persons, detainees and non combatants are cared for, protected and processed 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 

• apply obstacle crossing drills
• apply mine and booby trap incident drills
• dig fighting pits to directed specifications
• erect wire obstacles under supervision
• fire and movement
• handle detainees, prisoners of war and non combatants
• harden fighting positions
• tactical movement on foot

Required Knowledge 

• application of principles of fieldcraft
• application of Rules of Engagement
• detection avoidance techniques
• duties and responsibilities of an individual member of a tactical team
• field routine within a tactical environment
• Laws of Armed Conflict
• Orders for Opening Fire
• Orders for the Use of Force
• tactical terminology and orders
• use of field equipment: webbing, hoochie, rope, military pack

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• operate in a range of environments such as day and night operations, different terrain and weather conditions and under a simulated operational threat environment
• work as a team member under supervision while employing fieldcraft, offensive and defensive measures
• comply with the laws of armed conflict.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of contexts. The operational activity is to take place over time allowing the individual to be assessed in a number of realistic operational scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in a replicated operational threat environment.

The person should be exposed to the extremes of the operational environment under physical and mental stress. The context of assessment is simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• team
• simulated operational environment that replicates the extremes and stress of a threat environment
• rifle and ammunition
• variety of equipment as listed in the Range Statement..

Method of assessment 

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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

Doctrine pamphlets

Job guides, other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Occupational health and safety (OH&S) 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

Fieldcraft may include 

Adopting fire positions

Applying individual camouflage and concealment measures to minimise detection

Applying individual movement techniques

Assembling, adjusting, wearing and maintaining field equipment

Following fire control orders

Identifying and indicating targets

Judging distances

Living in the field

Maintaining individual health and hygiene in the field

Moving in patrol formations

Observing the battle field by day and night

Understanding why things are seen

Using field signals to communicate with other team members

Using range cards to document distances to discernible features

Using individual fire and movement

Tasks may include 

Collecting information

Participating in defensive operations

Participating in offensive operations

Relaying information to others

Responding to an enemy threat or enemy actions

Defensive measures may include 

Acting as sentry

Assisting in the employment of early warning and area protection devices

Construction of elementary field defences and obstacles under guidance and direction

Employing weapons within defined arcs

Following defensive area routine by day and night

Occupying a defensive position

Participating in patrols

Withdrawing from engagement with the enemy under supervision using fire and movement

Offensive measures may include participating in 

Assisting in battle field clearance

Basic contact drill

Confirming that threat areas are clear of hostile elements

Counter ambush drill

Fire and movement under direction

Immediate ambush drill

Maintaining security at the halt

Mine incident action drill

Obstacles crossings

Tactical movement on foot