Application
This unit describes the skills required to operate a light support weapon. This includes handling, maintaining, operating and firing the light support weapon and obtaining satisfactory engagement accuracy. The light support weapon would usually be carried and fired from the shoulder.
This unit applies to those working as a member of the Australian Defence Force.
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.
Those undertaking this unit would work under direct supervision, in accordance with the Rules of Engagement. They would perform specific tasks, in a broad range of contexts that could be unpredictable, focussing on applying safety requirements.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Handle a light support weapon | 1.1 Handle and carry light support weapon. 1.2 Identify, select and handle ammunition. 1.3 Secure light support weapon. |
2. Maintain a light support weapon | 2.1 Strip and assemble light support weapon. 2.2 Clean light support weapon and associated equipment. 2.3 Clean, inspect, carry and secure ammunition. 2.4 Identify and rectify defects within limits of authority or report to supervisor. 2.5 Complete documentation. |
3. Operate a light support weapon | 3.1 Fill and empty light support weapon magazine. 3.2 Conduct weapon drills. 3.3 Apply marksmanship principles. 3.4 Adopt fire positions according to environment and threat. 3.5 Employ weapon equipment. |
4. Fire a light support weapon | 4.1 Fire light support weapon. 4.2 Identify and engage targets. 4.3 Comply with safety brief and/or practice brief when firing the weapon. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
adopting appropriate firing position
aiming the light support weapon
applying immediate action and stoppage drills
applying recognised safety precautions
conducting weapon drills
firing the weapon using, as a minimum, ball ammunition
recognising the limit of own authority
passing the weapon training test
passing the qualification practice
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the light support weapon and ammunition
cycle of operation of the light support weapon
degrees of weapon readiness
WHS requirements
marksmanship principles
range safety
safety precautions of the light support weapon
types of targets
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed using live ammunition on a live firing range, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations in accordance with the current weapons pamphlet. This would include ‘dry’ assessment to ensure that a safe environment is maintained.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
ACSF levels indicative of performance:
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Military Skills