DEFCA406B
Operate a service pistol

This unit covers the competency required to operate a service pistol.Operating a service pistol involves the ability to safely handle, safely maintain, safely operate and safely fire the service pistol.The service pistol operator will operate independently or as part of a group usually in self defence. 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 a service pistol 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. Safely handle a service pistol

1.1 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation.

1.2 Service pistol is handled and carried safely in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Ammunition is identified and selected, and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures.

1.4 Service pistol is secured in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Safely maintain a service pistol

2.1 Service pistol is stripped and assembled in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Service pistol and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required.

2.3 Ammunition is cleaned, inspected, carried and secured in accordance with standard procedures.

2.4 Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor.

2.5 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

3. Safely operate a service pistol

3.1 Service pistol magazine is filled and emptied in accordance with standard procedures

3.2 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Marksmanship principles are applied in accordance with standard procedures.

3.4 Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat.

3.5 Weapon equipment is employed as required in accordance with standard procedures.

4. Safely fire a service pistol

4.1 Service pistol is safely fired in accordance with standard procedures.

4.2 Range Safety Brief and Practice Brief are complied with when firing a service pistol on a range, in accordance with standard procedures.

4.3 Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with standard procedures.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

achieve the required effects of fire

apply recognised safety precautions

Required Knowledge

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the pistol and ammunition

WHS requirements

practice brief

range safety brief

recognised safety precautions

weapon drills

Evidence Required

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 and to recognise the limit of own authority.

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 using live ammunition usually on a live firing range.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a service pistol, ammunition and a live firing range.

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.

Service pistol may include:

9MM Browning

H&K

Service automatic pistol or revolver

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 by-laws

relevant state/territory or federal legislation

routine orders

standing orders

standing operating procedures

written and verbal orders

Ammunition may include:

blank

ball

dummy

tracer

Defects may include:

burrs

bulging

corrosion

cracks

damaged sighting system

out of date or missing fully functional classification label

Weapon drills must 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:

kneeling

prone

sitting

squatting

standing

supported or unsupported

Weapon equipment may include:

Complete Equipment Schedule (CES)

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.