Assessor Resource

DEFCA412B
Operate a mortar

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


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

The individual will be under direct 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 operate a mortar, including the 81mm mortar, in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

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

work as part of a team

fire the weapon using, as a minimum, high explosive ammunition

complete a variety of firing data calculations as listed in the Range Statement

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations conducting live firing missions by day and night using a variety of ammunition types.

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 in a simulated operational threat environment. The context of assessment would usually be simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a mortar, 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

achieve the required effects of fire

apply battlecraft

apply fieldcraft

apply recognised safety precautions

handle weapons safely in an operational environment

interpret fire control orders

Required Knowledge

battlecraft

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of mortars and ammunition

fieldcraft

WHS requirements

recognised safety precautions

target indication procedure

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.

Standard procedures may include:

Australian Standards

defence instructions

doctrinal 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

Ancillary equipment may include:

aiming devices

complete equipment schedule (CES)

night aiming devices

sighting systems

Firing data may include:

circular/rectangular sheath

coverage

datum

grids

intersection

linear

link shooting

location

polar

proving the belt

shift

Ammunition may include:

anti-tank

high explosive (he)

illumination

improved conventional munitions

precision guided munitions

smoke

white phosphorus

and may be used with fuse types:

delay

proximity

near surface burst super quick (point detonating/graze)

time

Ammunition defects may include:

corrosion

cracks

damaged charge bags

damaged packaging

rust

weeping

Weapon drills must include:

action

adjustment of scales

cease fire

firing

misfire

parallel

position aiming posts

Serviced may include:

calibrating sights

cleaning

lubricating

replacing broken firing pin

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 position is prepared for firing in accordance with standard procedures. 
Ancillary equipment is prepared for use and operated as required or directed. 
Weapon is prepared for firing in accordance with standard procedures. 
Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. 
Sighting equipment is prepared for use and operated as required or directed. 
Firing data is calculated both manually and electronically, and communicated to supervisor. 
Mortar is aimed and adjusted as directed in accordance with standard procedures. 
Ammunition is handled and prepared under supervision and in accordance with standard procedures. 
Ammunition is visually inspected and defects are reported to supervisor. 
Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 
Mortar is fired in an operational environment and in accordance with orders. 
Weapon and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required. 
Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 
Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. 
Mortar is secured in accordance with standard procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

DEFCA412B - Operate a mortar
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

DEFCA412B - Operate a mortar

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: