This competency was developed for combat arms personnel required to supervise and control all aspects of the operation of a mortar in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.
Typically supervisors work independently and lead 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.
DEFCA412B Operate a mortar
1. Prepare and deploy mortars | 1.1 Resources required for the performance of the task are determined and organised in accordance with orders. 1.2 Identified problems/shortfalls are reported to immediate supervisor in accordance with standard procedures. 1.3 Mortars are deployed and the command post is established in accordance with orders. 1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation. |
2. Engage targets with mortars | 2.1 Command post is effectively supervised. 2.2 Accuracy of all firing data is confirmed. 2.3 Lay of all weapons are correct before firing. 2.4 Appropriate firing orders are given to the direct fire support weapon operators. 2.5 Appropriate ammunition is selected in accordance with orders. 2.6 Minor incidents are rectified in accordance with standard procedures. 2.7 Major incidents beyond own level of authority or competence are reported to manager and action is taken as directed. |
3. Ensure mortars are maintained | 3.1 Operator maintenance activities are supervised. 3.2 Reported defects are rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 3.3 Maintenance activities are completed in accordance with standard procedures. |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
interpret orders |
Required Knowledge |
ammunition identification: type colour hazard band labelling markings lot/batch numbers packaging safety precautions associated with the task |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to effectively direct and control the mortar operating crew supervise command post activities; to conduct sight testing; and to conduct non Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated on operations or in simulated operational environments over time while firing live high explosive ammunition. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational environment. Specific resources for assessment Access to a live firing range, mortar crews, at least two mortars and live ammunition. |
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. | |
Resources required may include: | ammunition any allocated support materials personnel stores vehicles weapons |
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 relevant state/territory or federal legislation routine orders standing operating procedures standing orders written and verbal orders |
Ammunition may include: | anti-armour high explosive illumination improved conventional munitions precision guided munitions smoke white phosphorus and may be used with following fuse types: super quick (point detonating /graze) delay proximity time near surface burst |
Minor incidents may include: | damage to ancillary equipment damage to firing mechanism damage to sighting equipment injury to personnel jammed ammunition |
Major incidents may include: | loss of personnel exposure to direct or indirect attack from hostile forces unintended explosive ordnance detonation |
Maintenance of mortars may include: | bore sighting non sight testing |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Not applicable.