Application
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.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Position the weapon | 1.1 Weapon position is prepared for firing in accordance with standard procedures. 1.2 Ancillary equipment is prepared for use and operated as required or directed. 1.3 Weapon is prepared for firing in accordance with standard procedures. 1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. |
2. Aim the weapon | 2.1 Sighting equipment is prepared for use and operated as required or directed. 2.2 Firing data is calculated both manually and electronically, and communicated to supervisor. 2.3 Mortar is aimed and adjusted as directed in accordance with standard procedures. |
3. Fire the mortar | 3.1 Ammunition is handled and prepared under supervision and in accordance with standard procedures. 3.2 Ammunition is visually inspected and defects are reported to supervisor. 3.3 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 3.4 Mortar is fired in an operational environment and in accordance with orders. |
4. Maintain and stow the mortar | 4.1 Weapon and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required. 4.2 Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 4.3 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures. 4.4 Mortar is secured 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 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 |
Evidence Required
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. |
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 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 |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.