Assessor Resource

DEFCA408B
Operate sustained fire machine guns on operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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
Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 
Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat. 
Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. 
Ammunition is secured in accordance with standard procedures. 
Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment are employed as required by the operational environment, in accordance with standard procedures. 
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. 
Targets are identified and engaged as required by the operational environment, in accordance with standard procedures. 
Sustained fire machine gun and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required by the operational conditions. 
Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 
Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. 
Sustained fire machine gun is secured in accordance with standard procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCA408B - Operate sustained fire machine guns on operations
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

DEFCA408B - Operate sustained fire machine guns on operations

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: