This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to operate communications equipment in a deployed 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.

This unit covers the competency required to select, set up, operate and maintain communications equipment.

The individual will be responsible for inspecting the communications equipment prior to deployment and once in location, establishing and maintaining communications.

Compliance with radio telephone procedure, including authentication procedures, is an essential part of this unit. The unit also covers the ability to manage contingencies such as lost communications, jamming and interference, and implementing the necessary protocols to maintain or re establish communications.

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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Assessment must confirm the ability to: set up and operate the current in-service, secure and insecure, communications equipment utilise correct radio telephone procedure maintain communications using alternative strategies when contact is lost Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to: Defence communications publications Defence security publications specific workplace operating procedures task specific communications equipment

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Required Skills

clean and service communications equipment employ alternative communications strategies follow instructions/directives and report information handle classified material correctly identify basic equipment faults operate current radio equipment, including secure equipment provide timely and accurate reports read and implement written or verbal orders and procedures report communications faults and deficiencies use radio telephone procedure, including codes utilise communications systems

Required Knowledge

classified material handling procedures communications protocols, policy and procedures relevant to the operation of communications equipment composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members message formats principles of teamwork and teams, aims and objectives radiation hazard (RADHAZ) awareness radio telephone procedure, including the use of codes range of communications equipment and accessories available security procedures

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.
Communication equipment may include:	HF, VHF and UHF communications systems, accessories and equipment manpack and vehicle mounted configurations range of antennas
Standard procedures may include:	communications protocols, policy and procedures manufacturer’s handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions procedures manuals, job guides, communications pamphlets and other publications written and verbal orders and instructions
Radio telephone procedure may include:	call signs emergency procedures phonetic alphabet submission of routine reports and returns use of abbreviations use of codes voice procedure
Alternative communication strategies may include:	changing aerials changing equipment changing frequencies transmitting on another band or frequency use of landline

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice	Yes	No	Comments/feedback
Communication equipment appropriate to the task is selected, inspected, tested and faults are reported in accordance with standard procedures.
Communication equipment is set up and operated safely using authorised radio telephone procedure in accordance with standard procedures.
Appropriate communication systems are utilised to facilitate the transmission and reception of voice and data.
Information is transmitted in accordance with standard procedures.
Contact is acknowledged, communication is confirmed and action is taken as required in accordance with standard procedures.
Communication faults and deficiencies are managed and alternative communication strategies are utilised in accordance with standard procedures.
Communications are processed and recorded in accordance with standard procedures.
Fault finding techniques are applied and basic maintenance and routine servicing is conducted in accordance with standard procedures.
Faulty equipment is identified, noted for repair and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCA011 - Operate defence communications equipment

Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

DEFCA011 - Operate defence communications equipment

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: