DEFCA431
Undertake sniper tasks

This unit covers the competency required to operate as a two man team during the conduct of sniper tasks in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).Sniper operations require soldiers to operate in close proximity to the enemy in order to hit targets with rifle fire and gather information to inform their commanders.The sniper must be thoroughly familiar with characteristics and capabilities of the weapon and competent in the application of fire in an operational environment. 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 as a two man team during the conduct of sniper tasks in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators work as part of a two man 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

1. Prepare for sniper tasks

1.1 Sniper orders are received and clarified where required.

1.2 Battle procedure is conducted.

1.3 Appropriate equipment is selected, checked for serviceability and fitted as directed and/or required by the operational environment.

2. Conduct a sniper patrol

2.1 Movement is completed to ensure that detection is avoided.

2.2 Standard of operation and marksmanship as stipulated in the relevant doctrinal publication is achieved.

2.3 Sniper patrol techniques are performed in accordance with standard procedures.

2.4 Drills and procedures are conducted in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

2.5 Sniper tasks are completed in accordance with standard procedures.

2.6 Patrol debrief is conducted in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

apply battlecraft aggressively

apply navigation techniques

apply operational safety

apply recognised safety precautions

assimilate orders

handle weapons safely in an operational environment

interpret fire control orders

work in a team

Required Knowledge

battlecraft

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of equipment

cultural awareness

fire control orders

navigation techniques

WHS requirements

Orders for Opening Fire

recognised safety precautions

team work

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to perform:

sniper tasks as listed in the Range Statement

drills and procedures as listed in the Range Statement

sniper techniques 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.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace 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 team, weapons and ammunition and a variety of equipment as listed in the Range Statement.


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.

Equipment may include:

binoculars

camera

camouflage nets

communications equipment

gillies suit

navigation equipment

recording devices

rifle

telescopes

yowie suit

Sniper patrol techniques must include:

advanced firing positions which may include:

tripod mounted

hawkins

‘Hide’ construction

marksmanship

observation and judging distance

stalking

tracking

Standard procedures may include:

Australian Standards

defence Instructions

doctrinal pamphlets

job guides, other publications

manufacturers’ handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

work health and safety (WHS) regulations

organisational policies and procedures

procedure manuals

reengagement procedures

relevant local government bylaws

relevant state/territory or federal legislation

routine Orders

standing Operating Procedures

standing Orders

written and verbal orders

Drills and procedures must include:

basic drill

contact drills

counter ambush drills

harbour drills

hide drills

layingup drills

marryup procedure

mine incident drills

observation drills

obstacle crossing drills

rendezvous procedures

Sniper tasks must include:

area observation

collecting demographic and infrastructure intelligence

collecting topographical information

locating enemy positions

shooting


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.