DEFCA011
Operate defence communications equipment

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.

Application

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.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Use communications systems and equipment

1.1 Communication equipment appropriate to the task is selected, inspected, tested and faults are reported in accordance with standard procedures.

1.2 Communication equipment is set up and operated safely using authorised radio telephone procedure in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Appropriate communication systems are utilised to facilitate the transmission and reception of voice and data.

2. Transmit and receive communications

2.1 Information is transmitted in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Contact is acknowledged, communication is confirmed and action is taken as required in accordance with standard procedures.

2.3 Communication faults and deficiencies are managed and alternative communication strategies are utilised in accordance with standard procedures.

2.4 Communications are processed and recorded in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Maintain communications equipment

3.1 Fault finding techniques are applied and basic maintenance and routine servicing is conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Faulty equipment is identified, noted for repair and documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills

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

Evidence Required

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

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.

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

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.