DEFCA412B
Operate a mortar

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.

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 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


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.