DEFCM133
Supervise a section during defensive operations

This unit covers the competency required to command, lead and manage groups of up to 12 personnel during defensive operations.Defensive operations are characterised by extreme environmental conditions with high levels of risk of serious injury or death from hostile action. Supervision during defensive operations requires supervisors to be incisive in a fluid and demanding environment, to act independently, and to lead by example.Command is the authority a commander in the military service lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment. 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 command, lead and manage groups of up to 12 personnel during defensive operations in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, individuals work as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision, but also must be prepared to act independently, 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. Prepare and plan for defensive operations

1.1 Ability of subordinates to complete the task is confirmed and maintained in accordance with standard procedures.

1.2 Personnel administration is actioned in accordance with standard procedures.

1.3 Orders are received and clarified in accordance with the higher commander’s intent.

1.4 Constraints and risks relevant to the task are determined and managed in accordance with standard procedures.

1.5 Appropriate resources for the task are assembled, and any shortfalls that limit capability are reported to the chain of command.

1.6 Occupational health and safetyWork health and safety (OH&SWHS) and environmental requirements are recognised and applied throughout the operation, in accordance with standard procedures.

1.7 Planning decisions are made based on a logical process to solve operational problems.

1.8 Battle procedures are conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Conduct defensive operations

2.1 Orders are prepared and delivered in accordance with standard procedures.

2.2 Liaison is conducted in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

2.3 Support from outside agencies is coordinated.

2.4 Technical advice is provided to the chain of command or supported agencies.

2.5 All unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response are recognised and responded to, in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

2.6 Command authority is exercised.

2.7 Subordinates are led by example in accordance with standard procedures.

2.8 Mission and tasks are carried out in accordance with orders.

2.9 Communication is maintained with the chain of command as required.

3. Finalise defensive operations

3.1 Debriefs are conducted in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Post activity analysis is conducted and subsequent recommendations are made in accordance with standard procedures.

3.3 Equipment, stores and ammunition are reconditioned, replaced or returned as applicable.

3.4 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

3.5 Soldiers’ health and wellbeing is monitored and any anomalies are referred or fixed.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

apply administrative requirements

apply WHS requirements

apply recognised safety precautions

apply the principles of command

conduct defensive operations

conduct liaison

conduct security operations

conduct the Individual Military Appreciation Process

conduct training

control risk

display initiative

display leadership

employ equipment tactically

employ weapons tactically

manage resources

navigate

prepare reports

Required Knowledge

administrative processes

defensive tactics, techniques and procedures

employment of battlespace operating systems

employment of weapons and equipment

Individual Military Appreciation Process

liaison requirements

laws of Armed Conflict

military law

navigation techniques

WHS requirements

orders for Opening Fire

orders for the Use of Force

principles of leadership

recognised safety precautions

resource management

Rules of Engagement

risk control processes

security tactics, techniques and procedures

service writing

training processes

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to perform the following missions:

allocating arcs of fire

coordination and siting of defensive measures

coordination of direct and indirect fire

cordons and search

counterambushes

deployment of security and defensive devices

fighting from a defended location

key point security

occupation of defensive positions

patrols

siting weapons

vehicle check points

withdrawals

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.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a group of up to 12 personnel, weapons and equipment, and appropriate operating areas.


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

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

Personnel administration may include:

career management

counselling

maintenance of health and hygiene

pay

welfare

Constraints may include:

environmental conditions

experience of subordinates

health

morale

operational tempo

resources

terrain

troops to task

welfare

Risks may include:

injury

loss of equipment

loss of personnel

security and information compromise

threat

Logical process may include:

Combat Appreciation Process

Individual Military Appreciation Process

Battle procedure may include:

back loading unnecessary equipment and material

concurrent activity

inspections

preliminary moves

rehearsals

requests for additional equipment and combat supplies

thorough reconnaissance

warning orders

Support from outside agencies may include:

armour

artillery

engineers

logistics

medical

rotary and fixed wing aircraft

Mission and tasks may include:

allocating arcs of fire

battlefield clearance

collecting information

coordination of direct and indirect fire

coordination and siting of defensive measures

coordination with flanking organisations

construction of field defences including obstacles to protect the position

deployment and employment of security & defensive devices

detainee handling and evacuation

fighting from a defended location

identifying and indicating section targets

individual and area camouflage

issuing section fire control orders

key point security

layout, siting of a defensive position

occupation of defensive positions

patrols

posting sentries

section fire and movement in a defensive environment

section defensive routine by day and night

security operations

siting weapons

vehicle check points

withdrawals


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.