DEFCA414B - Operate direct fire support weapon systems on operations

DEFCA414B
Operate direct fire support weapon systems on operations

This unit covers the competency required to safely handle, aim, fire, and maintain direct fire support weapon systems (such as the 84 mm Carl Gustaf) designed to destroy targets and provide battlefield effects. The weapon system is carried and operated by a team.All members of the team must be thoroughly familiar with target identification, the characteristics and capabilities of the weapon system and be competent in the application of fire in an operational environment.The team will usually operate under direct Orders for Opening Fire and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement. 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, and maintain direct fire support weapon systems designed to destroy targets and provide battlefield effects on operations 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 applying Orders for Opening Fire and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement, 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. Handle a direct fire support system	1.1 Weapon is safely handled and carried in accordance with standard procedures. 1.2 Ammunition is identified, selected and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures. 1.3 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 1.4 Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat. 1.5 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. 1.6 Ammunition is secured in accordance with standard procedures.
2. Apply fire with a direct fire support system	2.1 Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment are employed as required by the operational environment and in accordance with standard procedures. 2.2 Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with standard procedures.
3. Maintain and stow a direct fire support system	3.1 Operator maintenance is conducted in accordance with standard procedures. 3.2 Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 3.3 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

achieve the required effects of fire

apply battlecraft aggressively

apply fieldcraft skills

apply recognised safety precautions

hand eye coordination

handle weapon safely in an operational environment

manual dexterity

use binoculars

work in a team

Required Knowledge

battlecraft

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the weapon

characteristics, technical capabilities of the system

fieldcraft

fire control orders

WHS requirements

safety precautions associated with the equipment

target identification

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

accurately identify the target type

fire the weapon using high explosive ammunition

achieve the desired effect - destruction obscuration, illumination fire from any supported and unsupported position

recognise limit of own authority

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over time and across a range of simulated or actual workplace situations a range of actual live firing contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment Competency should be assessed using live ammunition.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a direct fire support system, 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-laws relevant state/territory or federal legislation routine orders standing operating procedures standing orders written and verbal orders
Ammunition may include:	high explosive high explosive anti tank high explosive dual purpose illumination practice rocket assist smoke sub calibre tracer
Weapon drills must include:	checking clearances degrees of weapon readiness immediate action and misfire safety precautions stripping and assembling
Fire positions may include:	supported or unsupported prone standing kneeling sitting squatting
Weapon sighting systems may include:	flare folding leaf night sights telescopic optical thermal/infra-red
Associated equipment may include:	bipod bore sight equipment cleaning equipment complete equipment schedule (CES) sling tripod
Identification of the target must may include:	differentiation between friend or foe vehicle type identification: main battle tanks and other armoured vehicles light armed vehicles light skin vehicles
Engagement of the target may include:	destruction illumination neutralisation obscuration
Defects may include:	broken cocking rod broken firing pin damaged cartridge guide damaged sighting system faulty extension system faulty firing mechanism

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.