DEFCA429 Undertake defensive actions

Release 1

DEFCA429 Undertake defensive actions

Modification History

Release	TP Version	Comments
1	DEF12 V2	First release. Replaces is and equivalent to DEFCA402B. Undertake defensive actions. Completely revised. Changes throughout the unit to meet current language. Outcomes unchanged.

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the competency required to operate as a team member during the conduct of defensive actions in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

For the purpose of this unit of competency, a team is defined as a group of up to approximately 30 personnel (for infantry this would be a section or 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 deploy in an operational environment, but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically operators work independently 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.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
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

1. Prepare for defensive actions	1.1 Defensive action orders are received and clarified where required. 1.2 Battle procedure is conducted. 1.3 Appropriate personal and task specific equipment is selected and fitted as directed and/or required by the operational environment.
2. Conduct defensive actions	2.1 Defensive position is occupied as ordered. 2.2 Defences are constructed as ordered in accordance with standard procedures. 2.3 Defensive routine is conducted as ordered in accordance with standard procedures. 2.4 Drills and routines are conducted in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures. 2.5 Withdrawal from the defensive position is conducted as ordered.
3. Finalise defensive action activities	3.1 Post operation activities are conducted in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures. 3.2 Post action administration is conducted in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required Skills

apply battlecraft aggressively

apply navigation techniques

apply operational safety

apply recognised safety precautions

assimilate orders

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 equipment

cultural awareness

fire control orders

navigation techniques

WHS requirements

orders for open fire

recognised safety precautions

team work

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 by day and night in a simulated operational environment that replicates the extremes and stress of a threat environment. Assessment must also confirm the ability to construct the following defences: shell scrapes weapon pits obstacles fire lanes weapon stakes Assessment must also confirm the ability to adhere to all defensive routines as detailed in the Range Statement. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and in a range of contexts that could be expected in the workplace.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational threat environment. The person should be exposed to the extremes of the operational environment under physical and mental stress. The context of assessment would usually be simulated due to the nature of this highrisk environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to a team; a simulated operational environment that replicates the extremes and stress of a threat environment; a rifle and ammunition; and a variety of equipment as listed in the 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.
Defensive actions may include:	area defence delaying defence mobile defence withdrawal
Battle procedures may include:	cleaning weapons conducting rehearsals receiving confirmatory orders removing nonessential items test firing weapons testing or checking equipment, which may include: ammunition load carrying equipment personal protective equipment day and night vision equipment infrared lights rations task specific equipment specialist equipment early warning devices communication equipment
Defences may include:	bunkers early warning fire lanes hardening of facilities illumination plan obstacles reinforcement of buildings shell scrapes weapon pits weapon stakes
Standard procedures may include:	Australian Standards defence instructions doctrinal pamphlets job guides, other publications manufacturers’ handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions work health and safety (WHS) regulations organisational policies and procedures procedure manuals reengagement procedures relevant local government bylaws relevant state/territory or federal legislation routine orders standing operating procedures standing orders written and verbal orders
Defensive routine must include:	applying weapon readiness states camouflage maintenance clearing patrols maintaining communications between individual/groups maintaining hygiene plan maintaining obstacles monitoring surveillance devices observing arcs range cards rehearsals searching ground stand to/down standing patrols track discipline using the ground
Drills and routines may include:	counter attack procedure counter penetration drill marryup procedures relief in place withdrawal
Post operation activities may include:	confirming weapon state handover evacuees handover non combatants handover prisoners of war participating in debriefs preparing for subsequent operations psychological debrief
Post action administration may include:	assisting with resupply and redistribution completing all documentation equipment cleaning maintenance of personal hygiene returning specialist equipment weapon cleaning

Unit Sector(s)

Not applicable.