DEFCA433
Supervise the operation of direct fire support weapons

This unit covers the competency required to supervise and control all aspects of the operation of direct fire support weapons. 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 supervise and control all aspects of direct fire support weapons 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.


Prerequisites

DEFCA414B Operate direct fire support weapon systems on operations


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Prepare and deploy direct fire support weapons

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 Direct fire support weapons are deployed and the command post (where appropriate) is established and supervised 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 direct fire support weapons

2.1 Accuracy of all firing data is confirmed.

2.2 Lay of all weapons are correct before firing.

2.3 Appropriate firing orders are given to the direct fire support weapon operators.

2.4 Appropriate ammunition is selected in accordance with orders.

2.5 Direct fire support weapons operations are directed and controlled in accordance with orders and standard procedures.

3. Ensure direct fire support weapons 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.

Required Skills

Required Skills

interpret orders

Required Knowledge

ammunition identification:

type

colour

hazard band

labelling

markings

lot/batch numbers

packaging

nomenclature

safety precautions associated with the task

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to effectively direct and control the direct fire support weapon crew; to supervise both sustained fire machine gun and medium direct fire support weapons; to supervise command post activities when established; and to supervise sight testing supervise nontechnical inspections.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a simulated operational environment over time while firing live high explosive and ball link 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 at least two direct fire support weapons of each type such as sustained fire machine gun and medium direct fire support weapons; competent direct fire support weapon crews; live 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.

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 bylaws

Relevant state/territory or federal legislation

Routine Orders

Standing Operating Procedures

Standing Orders

Written and verbal orders

Direct fire support weapons may include:

M72

84 mm Carl Gustaf

GMG

Ammunition may include:

High explosive

High explosive anti-tank

High explosive dual purpose

Illumination

Practice

Rocket assist

Smoke

Sub calibre

Tracer

Maintenance of direct fire support weapons may include:

Bore sighting

Nontechnical inspection

Sight testing


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.