DEFCA414B Operate direct fire support weapon systems on operations

Release: 1

DEFCA414B Operate direct fire support weapon systems on operations

Modification History

Not applicable.

Unit Descriptor

Unit Descriptor	This unit covers the competency required to safely handle, aim, fire, and maintain direct fire support weapon systems designed to destroy targets and provide battlefield effects. The weapon system is carried and operated by a team. All members of the team must be thoroughly familiar with target identification, the characteristics and capabilities of the weapon system and be competent in the application of fire in an operational environment. The team will usually operate under direct Orders for Opening Fire and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement.

Application of the Unit

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.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Prerequisite Unit/s	Nil

Employability Skills Information

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

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1. Handle a direct fire support system	1.1 Weapon is safely handled and carried in accordance with standard procedures 1.2 Ammunition is identified, selected and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures 1.3 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures 1.4 Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat 1.5 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation 1.6 Ammunition is secured in accordance with standard procedures
2. Apply fire with a direct fire support system	2.1 Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment are employed as required by the operational environment and in accordance with standard procedures 2.2 Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with standard procedures
3. Maintain and stow a direct fire support system	3.1 Operator maintenance is conducted in accordance with standard procedures 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

Required Skills and Knowledge

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 hand eye coordination handle weapon safely in an operational environment manual dexterity use binoculars work in a team
Required Knowledge
battlecraft characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the weapon characteristics, technical capabilities of the system fieldcraft fire control orders OH&S requirements safety precautions associated with the equipment target identification team work weapon drills

Evidence Guide

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; to accurately identify the target type; to fire the weapon using high explosive ammunition; to achieve the desired effect - destruction obscuration, illumination fire from any supported and unsupported position; and to recognise limit of own authority. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time in a range of actual live firing 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 using live ammunition and should simulate an operational threat environment. The team should be exposed to the extremes of the operational environment where the team is 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 to a direct fire support system, ammunition and a live firing range.

Range Statement

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.
Direct fire support weapon systems may include	84 mm Carl Gustaf
Standard procedures may include	Australian Standards Defence Instructions Doctrinal pamphlets Job guides, other publications Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions 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
Ammunition may include	High explosive High explosive anti tank High explosive dual purpose Illumination Practice Rocket assist Smoke Sub calibre Tracer
Weapon drills must include	Checking clearances Degrees of weapon readiness Immediate action and misfire Safety precautions Stripping and assembling
Fire positions may include	Supported or unsupported Prone Standing Kneeling Sitting Squatting
Weapon sighting systems may include	Flare Folding leaf Night sights Telescopic optical Thermal/infra-red
Associated equipment may include	Bipod Bore sight equipment Cleaning equipment Complete Equipment Schedule (CES) Sling Tripod
Operational environment may include	All seasons weather and terrain Day Extreme stress Night Primitive conditions Under threat
Identification of the target must may include	Differentiation between friend or foe Vehicle type identification: main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles light armed vehicles light skin vehicles
Engagement of the target may include	Destruction Illumination Neutralisation Obscuration
Defects may include	Broken cocking rod Broken firing pin Damaged cartridge guide Damaged sighting system Faulty extension system Faulty firing mechanism

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.

Corequisite Unit/s

Co-requisite Unit/s	Nil