DEFCA201B - Operate indirect fire weapons

DEFCA201B
Operate indirect fire weapons

This unit covers the competency required to safely handle, aim, fire, manoeuvre and maintain indirect fire weapons.The operator must be thoroughly familiar with characteristics and capabilities of the weapon and competent in the application of fire in an operational environment.The operator will work as part of a gun detachment team, be under direct supervision and receive orders that dictate all actions.This unit is not intended for missile systems, rocket systems or for small arms.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 safely handle, aim, fire, manoeuvre and maintain indirect fire weapons in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators work as part of a team under direct 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. Manoeuvre the weapon	1.1 Weapon is moved into position as directed. 1.2 Weapon is prepared for firing in accordance with standard procedures. 1.3 Weapon is prepared for movement in accordance with standard procedures. 1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures.
2. Aim the weapon	2.1 Ancillary equipment is prepared for use and operated as required or directed. 2.2 Indirect fire weapon is aimed and adjusted as directed and in accordance with standard procedures. 2.3 Aiming calculations and recordings are maintained in accordance with standard procedures.
3. Fire the weapon	3.1 Ammunition is handled under supervision and in accordance with standard procedures. 3.2 Ammunition is visually inspected, defects are reported to supervisor and defective ammunition is quarantined as directed. 3.3 Ammunition selected by the supervisor is prepared in accordance with orders. 3.4 Ammunition is loaded and unloaded as directed. 3.5 Gun is fired in accordance with orders. 3.6 Misfire drills are completed as directed and in accordance with standard procedures. 3.7 Ammunition residue is unloaded or removed after firing.
4. Maintain the serviceability of the weapon	4.1 Defects are reported to supervisor. 4.2 Operating maintenance is conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

hand eye coordination

manual dexterity

team work

use communication equipment

work in a stressful environment

Required Knowledge

characteristics and technical capabilities of the system

WHS requirements

safety precautions associated with the equipment

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

work as part of a gun detachment team

use the ancillary equipment listed in the Range Statement

identify all ammunition defects listed in the Range Statement

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over a period of time in either simulated or actual workplace situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational environment due to the high risk nature of the activity. The individual must be assessed as part of a team carrying out each of the individual functions required to operate an indirect fire weapon.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a live fire range, an indirect fire weapon and live ammunition.

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.
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 by-laws relevant state/territory or federal legislation routine orders standing operating procedures standing orders written and verbal orders
Ancillary equipment may include:	collimator/aiming devices fuse setters orientation and positioning equipment weapon sights
Ammunition may include:	anti personnel anti tank high explosive illumination improved conventional munitions incendiary marker precision guided munitions smoke base eject/ all colours and may be used with fuse types: delay proximity super quick (point detonating/graze) time
Defects must include:	corrosion cracks damage packaging dented cartridge cases fluting of the cartridge case incorrect fuse projectile combinations incorrect propellants proud or recessed primer rust weeping
Orders may include:	transmitted electronically verbal written
Operating maintenance may include:	cleaning lubricating

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.