DEFCA408B Operate sustained fire machine guns on operations

Release: 2

DEFCA408B Operate sustained fire machine guns on operations

Modification History

Release	TP Version	Comments
2	DEF12 V2	Unit descriptor updated. Application added. Minor Range Statement change. Evidence Guide updated.
1	DEF12 V1	Release

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the competency required to effectively conduct battle shooting on operations with sustained fire machine guns, including but not limited to MAG 58 and 12.7 Quick Change Barrel (QCB, in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

This Unit of Competency describes similar outcomes to DEFCA407A Operate a sustained fire machine gun, except it requires the operation of additional equipment and is only assessed in an operational environment for example, as a member of a direct fire support weapons platoon.

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 operate a sustained fire machine on operations in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

The individual will be under supervision, usually as part of a team and will usually operate under Direct Orders for Opening Fire and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

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

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Handle a sustained fire machine gun	1.1 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 1.2 Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat. 1.3 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. 1.4 Ammunition is secured in accordance with standard procedures.
2. Apply fire with a sustained fire machine gun	2.1 Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment are employed as required by the operational environment, in accordance with standard procedures. 2.2 Rules of Engagement and Orders for Opening Fire are complied with when firing a sustained fire machine gun on operations, in accordance with operational requirements. 2.3 Targets are identified and engaged as required by the operational environment, in accordance with standard procedures.
3. Maintain and stow a sustained fire machine gun	3.1 Sustained fire machine gun and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required by the operational conditions. 3.2 Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 3.3 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. 3.4 Sustained fire machine gun is secured 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
achieve the required effects of fire apply battlecraft aggressively apply fieldcraft skills apply recognised safety precautions handle weapons safely in an operational environment interpret fire control orders work in a team
Required Knowledge
battlecraft characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the sustained fire machine gun and ammunition fieldcraft fire control orders WHS requirements recognised safety precautions team work weapon drills

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Assessment must confirm the ability to carry out all weapon drills as listed in the Range Statement fire the weapon using, as a minimum, linked ball ammunition apply a variety of engagement techniques as described in the Range Statement fire, as a minimum, from any unsupported position recognise limit of own authority. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations in a range of actual live firing contexts based on a number of realistic operational scenarios.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in a simulated workplace environment using live ammunition. The context of assessment is simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to a sustained fire machine gun, ammunition and a simulated operational environment.

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.
Weapon drills must include :	action checking clearances degrees of weapon readiness dismount firing immediate action and stoppage mounting parallel safety precautions scales adjustment sight calibration stripping and assembling
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 bylaws relevant state/territory or federal legislation routine orders standing operating procedures standing orders written and verbal orders
Fire positions may include:	antiair high mount low mount
Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment may include:	aiming posts C2 sight clinometer complete equipment schedule (CES) firing tables navigation equipment night aiming devices tripod
Engagement of the target may include:	destruction fixing harassing neutralisation suppression varied rates of fire
Defects may include:	cracks damaged feeding mechanism damaged sighting system faulty gas system faulty trigger mechanism incorrect serial numbers loose tripod head loose tripod legs

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.