Assessor Resource

DEFCA407B
Operate a sustained fire machine gun

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to operate a sustained fire machine gun in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators usually work 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 operate a sustained fire machine gun.

Operating a sustained fire machine gun involves the ability to safely handle, safely maintain, safely operate and safely fire the sustained fire machine gun.

A sustained fire machine gun is normally fired from a tripod utilising a sighting system enabling direct and indirect fire.

The individual will be under supervision, usually as part of a team and will usually operate under direct orders.

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)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

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

conduct all weapon drills as listed in the Range Statement

fire the weapon using, as a minimum, ball ammunition

fire the weapon mounted on a tripod

recognise the limit of own authority

confirm that operators meet the specified minimum requirements as laid down by the relevant Service Chief

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 using live ammunition on a live firing range. This would include ‘dry’ assessment to ensure that a safe environment is maintained.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a sustained fire machine gun, ammunition and a live firing range.


Submission Requirements

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)


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

aim the sustained fire machine gun

apply immediate action and stoppage drills

apply recognised safety precautions

Required Knowledge

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the sustained fire machine gun and ammunition

degrees of weapon readiness

WHS requirements

marksmanship principles

range safety

safety precautions of the sustained fire machine gun

types of targets

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.

Sustained fire machine gun may include:

MAG 58

12.7 Quick Change Barrel (QCB)

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 orders

standing operating procedures

written and verbal orders

Ammunition may include:

armour piercing

blank

ball

dummy

incendiary

tracer

Defects may include:

cracks

damaged feeding mechanism

damaged sighting system

faulty trigger mechanism

incorrect serial numbers

out of date or missing fully functional classification label

Weapon drills may include:

safety precautions (e.g. checking clearances)

degrees of weapon readiness

immediate action and stoppage

Marksmanship principles may include:

position and hold must be firm enough to support the weapon

weapon must point naturally at the target without undue physical effort

shot must be released and followed through without disturbance to the firer’s position

aiming must be correct

Fire positions may include:

pintle mounted

tripod mounted

Weapon equipment may include:

complete equipment schedule (ces)

tripod

weapon sighting systems; such as:

C2 sight

night sights

thermal/infrared

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
Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. 
Sustained fire machine gun is handled and carried safely in accordance with standard procedures. 
Ammunition is identified and selected, and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures. 
Sustained fire machine gun is secured in accordance with standard procedures. 
Sustained fire machine gun is stripped and assembled in accordance with standard procedures. 
Sustained fire machine gun and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required and in accordance with standard procedures. 
Ammunition is cleaned, inspected, carried and secured in accordance with standard procedures. 
Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 
Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. 
Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 
Marksmanship principles are applied in accordance with standard procedures. 
Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat. 
Weapon equipment is employed as required in accordance with standard procedures. 
Sustained fire machine gun is safely fired in accordance with standard procedures. 
Range Safety Brief and Practice Brief are complied with when firing a sustained fire machine gun on a range, in accordance with standard procedures. 
Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with standard procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCA407B - Operate a sustained fire machine gun
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

DEFCA407B - Operate a sustained fire machine gun

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: