This unit specifies the skills and knowledge required to collect radio frequency emissions.

It includes the actions to search for, intercept (clandestinely or overtly) and report targeted radio frequency emissions.

It also includes preparing and operating collection equipment to search the electromagnetic spectrum and to collect target emissions.

This unit applies to Defence personnel working in electronic warfare and signals intelligence fields but may be applicable to any persons working in a similar role.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Typically, persons undertaking this unit work independently with indirect supervision, and perform complex tasks in unfamiliar contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for collection activities

1.1

Develop a collection plan, detailing key tasks and timelines in accordance with organisational procedures

1.2

Prepare collection equipment considering the task requirements and duration

1.3

Receive and clarify tasks and orders, as required

1.4

Undertake engagement with all identified stakeholders in accordance with task requirements

2

Search for radio frequency emission

2.1

Operate radio collection equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and organisational procedures

2.2

Apply search methodologies to meet task requirements

2.3

Search frequency spectrum for target activity in accordance with collection plan

2.4

Identify relevant legal requirements and apply to radio frequency emission collection activities

3

Intercept target emission

3.1

Intercept target radio emissions in accordance with collection plan

3.2

Complete target identity assessment by examining emission characteristics in accordance with organisational guidelines and protocols

3.3

Record target radio emission in accordance with organisational procedures

3.4

Review relevant radio emission recording/s in accordance with collection plan

4

Report intercept

4.1

Report intercept to relevant personnel in accordance with collection plan

4.2

Record and report intercept assessments to meet task requirements

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying legislation, statutory requirements and organisational policies, protocols and procedures relevant to radio frequency emissions

communicating effectively

following collection plan, instructions, protocols and directives when collecting radio frequency emissions

identifying, interpreting and analysing assessment requirements relevant to collecting radio frequency emissions

intercepting target radio frequency emission

listening effectively to radio frequency emissions

preparing for collection activities

reporting information and radio frequency intercepts appropriate to the situation

using organisational systems and equipment to conduct collection activities in accordance to manufacturer specifications

using current specialist sensor equipment and procedures across a range of relevant workplace situations, collection systems and target communications environments.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

collection plan including:

activity duration

activity parameters

organisational priorities

required equipment

situational considerations

software requirements

collection and compliance principles and procedures including:

compliance and privacy principles

collection systems and equipment

communication network systems and architecture

electromagnetic spectrum

international time zones and date lines

search methodology including:

channel

frequency band

search by selector including:

signal strength

spectrum surveys

target

radio frequency propagation

relevant equipment manufacturer specifications

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures including:

telecommunications

work health and safety/occupational health and safety

privacy principles.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and systems currently used in industry

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, guidelines, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Intelligence