Application
This unit describes the skills required to plan and direct obstacle. Obstacle reduction is the creation of a safe path through an obstacle which may be widened to the boundaries/extremities for the complete removal of the obstacle, and can be accomplished by the use of explosive or non-explosive methods, including the tasking of purpose designed clearance vehicles and plant equipment.
This unit applies to combat engineer personnel who are required to plan and direct high risk search tasks as part of an obstacle reduction to provide an unhindered and safe path in a deployed operational environment.
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 lead a team under indirect supervision. They use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs, while performing complex tasks in a broad range of highly unpredictable contexts.
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. Plan area and route clearance | 1.1 Interpret and confirm requirements with higher authority as necessary. 1.2 Identify resource availability and serviceability and determine constraints. 1.3 Conduct reconnaissance. 1.4 Develop clearance plan in accordance with design, resources, risks and environmental considerations. 1.5 Refer problems that cannot be resolved locally to higher authority. 1.6 Confirm and monitor competence of team members. 1.7 Brief clearance team. 1.8 Liaise with outside agencies as required. |
2. Supervise area and route clearance | 2.1 Direct and supervise clearance team in accordance with the clearance plan. 2.2 Recognise and respond to unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response. 2.3 Check safety signage, lane marking and fencing. 2.4 Record information throughout operation and report to outside agencies as necessary. 2.5 Organise and direct support from outside agencies. 2.6 Provide technical advice to the chain of command or support agencies. |
3. Finalise the task | 3.1 Notify higher authority that clearance is complete. 3.2 Conduct post activity analysis and make recommendations. 3.3 Recondition, replace or return equipment and stores. 3.4 Complete 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.
compiling minefield records
analysing the threat – tactics, techniques and procedures
collecting and reporting information for intelligence
destroying malfunctioned explosive ordnance
employing chemical detectors
employing clearance methods
employing hazard marking
employing RRAMNS
employing Rules of Evidence
employing Rules of Engagement
enforcing explosive safety distances
laying, arming, neutralising and disarming mines and booby traps
navigating with compass and GPS
planning road and route repair
calculating blast effects
using electronic metal detector
coordinating clearance of at least a 50 metre route, containing obstacles of explosive ordnance that as a minimum includes mines and booby traps
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.
blast effects
breaching techniques
characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of electronic metal detectors, chemical detectors
characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of mines, booby traps and battlefield ordnance
clearance methods
destruction of malfunctioned explosive ordnance
explosive safety distances
GPS
intelligence collection and reporting
navigation techniques
obstacle effects and obstacle construction
recording requirements including minefield records
relevant WHS regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements
road and route repair techniques
supervision requirements of explosive users/workers
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed over time in simulated work environment that replicates the operational threat environment. The context of assessment is simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment. Specifically, access is required to the following resources:
cranes
earth moving equipment
electronic metal detectors
explosives and ancillary equipment
hand held prodder
personal protective equipment
rapid route and area mine neutralisation system
remote positioning devices
signage
suitable site clearance team
communications equipment
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