Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to support the conduct of sub-unit (60-130 persons) level defensive operations.

It is primarily focussed on the duties of the sub-unit's warrant officer who, in many cases will act as a member of the sub-unit operational planning and coordination team providing technical advice and direct support to the commander and second in command of the sub-unit. Many duties are also administrative in nature.

In the absence of the commander or second in command the person may be required to supervise the sub-unit requiring independent action and leadership by example.

Defensive operations are characterised by own forces delaying, accepting decisive engagement or withdrawing from action against hostile forces and are typically fluid and demanding environments.

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 

Nil

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. Prepare and plan for operations 

1.1 Orders are received and clarified in accordance with the commander's intent

1.2 Assistance is provided in the planning of defensive operations, in accordance with standard procedures 

1.3 Planning decisions are made based on a logical process  to solve operational problems

1.4 Outline-plans to support sub-unit level defensive operations are prepared and presented as required

2. Support sub-unit level defensive activities 

2.1 Orders are prepared and delivered in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Combat support  and combat service support  are coordinated and integrated into operational plans

2.3 Assistance  is provided in the execution of sub -unit defensive operations 

2.4 Defensive routine is coordinated as directed

2.5 Patrol activity is coordinated as directed

2.6 Occupation of an echelon in a defensive position is coordinated

2.7 Early warning and security measures are coordinated

3. Coordinate sub-unit administrative activities 

3.1 Sub-unit level battlefield clearance  is planned and executed

3.2 Sub-unit re -supply  and maintenance is coordinated

3.3 Sub-unit is supervised within an echelon in defence

3.4 Combat service support to the sub-unit is coordinated

3.5 Sub-unit morale, welfare and discipline are supported and fostered when required

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• apply administrative procedures
• apply OH&S requirements
• apply recognised safety precautions
• conduct liaison
• conduct the Individual Military Appreciation Process
• control risk
• display initiative
• display leadership
• employ equipment tactically
• employ weapons tactically
• manage resources
• navigate
• prepare reports

Required Knowledge 

• administrative processes
• basis for security operations
• defensive tactics, techniques and procedures
• employment of battlespace operating systems
• employment of weapons and equipment
• Individual Military Appreciation Process
• laws of Armed Conflict
• liaison requirements
• military law
• navigation techniques
• OH&S requirements
• orders for Opening Fire
• orders for the Use of Force
• principles of defensive operations
• principles of leadership
• recognised safety precautions
• resource management
• risk control processes
• Rules of Engagement
• security tactics, techniques and procedures
• service writing
• training processes

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to work as part of a team.

Consistency in performance 

Competency must be demonstrated over time in a simulated operational environment, either as part of a holistic assessment activity where individuals rotate through specified appointments, or as a number of separate assessment activities such as Tactical Exercises Without Troops.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the context of supporting defensive operations and leading the group when required.

Assessment is in a simulated environment due to the nature of this high-risk environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to operating areas, stores, doctrine and other publications.

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.

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

Logical process may include 

Combat Appreciation Process

Individual Military Appreciation Process

Combat support 

Airborne offensive support

Armoured support

Artillery support

Engineers support

Combat service support may include 

Air lift support

Amphibious lift support

Combat supplies

Medical support

Vehicle transport

Assistance executing sub-unit defensive operations may include 

Coordinating all-round defence of the position and boundaries with other units/sub-units

Coordinating camouflage and concealment, and counter-surveillance measures

Providing advice on the layout, siting and occupation of a sub unit defensive position including the headquarters

Supervising and advising on the construction of field defences, including obstacles and surveillance, and early warning devices to protect the position

Battlefield clearance may include 

Coordinating casualty evacuation

Coordinating the marking or clearing of mines, booby traps and unexploded ordnance

Coordinating the removal of unwanted material from the defensive position

Processing prisoners of war and other detainees

Re-supply may include 

Distributing maintenance items and new equipment

Issuing combat supplies

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil