Application
This unit describes the skills required to safely handle, aim, fire, and maintain direct fire support weapon systems (such as the 84 mm Carl Gustaf) designed to destroy targets and provide battlefield effects. The weapon system is carried and operated by a team.
All members of the team must be thoroughly familiar with target identification, the characteristics and capabilities of the weapon system and be competent in the application of fire in an operational environment. The team will usually operate under direct Orders for Opening Fire and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement.
This unit applies to those working in Defence as combat arms personnel.
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 supervision, usually as part of a team and will usually operate under direct orders. 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. Handle a direct fire support system | 1.1 Handle and carry weapon. 1.2 Identify, select, handle and secure ammunition. 1.3 Conduct weapon drills. 1.4 Adopt fire positions as required by environment and threat. |
2. Apply fire with a direct fire support system | 2.1 Employ weapon sighting systems and associated equipment as required by the operational environment. 2.2 Identify and engage targets. |
3. Maintain and stow a direct fire support system | 3.1 Conduct maintenance. 3.2 Identify and rectify defects within limits of authority or reported to supervisor. 3.3 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.
applying battle craft
applying fieldcraft skills
applying recognised safety precautions
using binoculars
carrying out weapon drills including:
checking clearances
degrees of weapon readiness
immediate action and misfire
safety precautions
stripping and assembling
identify the target type
firing the weapon using high explosive ammunition
achieving the desired effect of fire – destruction, obscuration, illumination fire - from any supported or unsupported position
recognising limit of own authority
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.
battle craft
characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the weapon
characteristics, technical capabilities of the system
fieldcraft
fire control orders
safety precautions associated with the equipment
target identification
weapon drills
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