Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to observe targets remotely from the firepower locations and to provide advice so that firepower can be employed to engage targets.

Firepower will normally be limited to the following assets:

• small arms
• indirect weapons.

While this work will be undertaken as part of a team and under the commander's direction, the individual must also have the authority to act independently.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

PUADEFCA205B Observe targets and direct single asset firepower on a single target

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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. Occupy and prepare a location 

1.1 An appropriate vantage point is occupied and concealment is maintained throughout the operation

1.2 Occupied position is established

1.3 Reference points are established and information is documented

1.4 Possible threats are observed and monitored so an appropriate plan of action can be prepared

2. Plan the engagement of firepower 

2.1 Advice is received on overall operational plan which will inform the planning process

2.2 A warning order  for intent of operations is transmitted to the command post

2.3 Requests for resources outside own organisation are made to the command post when required

2.4 Target data  is established and recorded

2.5 Rate of movement of own personnel is calculated from available data

2.6 Resources for effective fire on targets  and rates of fire are calculated

2.7 Targets are prioritised

2.8 Schedule  is developed and transmitted to the command post or direct liaison is conducted with other agency to organise engagement schedule

3. Monitor fire on target 

3.1 Communications are maintained with stakeholders throughout the operation

3.2 Own actions ensure personnel safety in target area

3.3 Target analysis  is completed after impact and if necessary, appropriate agency command centre is referred to

3.4 Schedule is amended, as required, after analysis and is transmitted to the command post

3.5 Advice to terminate is provided as required

3.6 Records  are maintained in accordance with standard procedures 

4. Withdraw from an occupied location 

4.1 Occupied position is reconditioned and all evidence of occupation is removed

4.2 A secure withdrawal from the occupied position is conducted

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• allocate appropriate resources to the operation
• communicate effectively
• interpret orders
• liaison skills
• maintain situational awareness
• provide reports and appropriate documentation
• work in a team

Required Knowledge 

• characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of weapons and weapon platforms
• communication procedures
• reporting requirements and procedures for multi agency operations
• safety associated with the operations
• safety distances for various situations
• standard procedures and special requirements
• teamwork principles

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to maintain awareness of safety of friendly personnel at all times; to achieve the task using a number of simulations and at least one live fire plan using firepower from at least one outside agency; and to recognise but not exceed own level of authority.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a number of simulations and at least one live fire activity

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an operational or simulated operational environment. The simulation should replicate the live environment where stress and fatigue are key features. The individual must be assessed as part of a team.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to simulation, and live fire areas, indirect fire support weapons, ammunition, and personnel to operate simulation and fire support weapons.

Guidance information for assessment 

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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.

Warning orders may include 

Written, verbal or transmitted instructions that explain the:

• administrative arrangements
• coordinating instructions
• higher authorities intent
• mission and outline tasks
• requirement to achieve specific effects
• schemes of manoeuvre

Target data may include 

Altitude of targets

Bearing to targets

Grid reference

Target description

Resources for effective fire on targets may include 

Ammunition

Number and type of weapons to complete task

Time allocation of weapons

Schedule may include 

Fire effects

Target locations

Target numbers

Timings

Target analysis may include 

Calculations for correction of fire

Damage to the target

Determination of complexity of situation

Position of the projectile in relation to the target

Value of the target

Records may include 

Bomb damage assessment

Fire plan proforma

Observation post log

Signals log book

Situation reports

Target records

Standard procedures may include 

Australian Standards

Defence Instructions

Doctrinal 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

Reengagement procedures

Routine Orders

Standing Operating Procedures

Standing Orders

Written and verbal orders

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil