Application
This unit describes the skills required to select, set up, inspect, operate and maintain communications equipment prior to deployment and once in location. The unit also covers the ability to manage contingencies such as lost communications, jamming and interference, and implementing the necessary protocols to maintain or re-establish communications. The individual will also be responsible for establishing and maintaining communications. Compliance with radio telephone procedure, including authentication procedures, is an essential part of this unit.
This unit was developed for those working as combat arms personnel required to operate communications equipment in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.
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 independently and as part of a team, under direct and/or indirect supervision. They would use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs while performing specific tasks in a broad range of unpredictable contexts.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this 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. Use communications systems and equipment | 1.1 Select, inspect and test communication equipment appropriate to the task and report faults. 1.2 Set up and operate communication equipment using authorised radio telephone procedure. 1.3 Utilise communication systems to facilitate the transmission and reception of voice and data. 1.4 Acknowledge contact, confirm communication and take action as required. 1.5 Manage communication faults and deficiencies and utilise alternative communication strategies when required. 1.6 Process and record communications. |
2. Maintain communications equipment | 2.1 Apply fault finding techniques and conduct basic maintenance and routine servicing. 2.2 Identify faulty equipment, note for repair by completing documentation. |
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.
identifying basic equipment faults
operating current radio equipment, including secure equipment
reporting communications faults and deficiencies
using radio telephone procedure, including codes
utilising communications systems
setting up and operating the current in-service, secure and insecure, communications equipment
utilising correct radio telephone procedure
maintaining communications using alternative strategies when contact is lost
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.
classified material handling procedures
communications protocols, policy and procedures relevant to the operation of communications equipment
composition of teams and roles and responsibility of team members
message formats
principles of teamwork and teams, aims and objectives
radiation hazard (RADHAZ) awareness
radio telephone procedure, including the use of codes
range of communications equipment and accessories available
security procedures
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, 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.
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.
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