DEFMIL132
Undertake defensive actions


Application

This unit describes the skills required to operate as a team member during the conduct of defensive actions in the Australian Defence Force. For the purpose of this unit of competency, a team is defined as a group of up to approximately 30 personnel (for infantry this would be a section or platoon).

This unit was developed for those working in Defence as combat arms personnel required to deploy in an 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. They would perform 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. Prepare for defensive actions

1.1 Interpret defensive action orders and clarify where required.

1.2 Conduct battle procedure.

1.3 Select and fit personal and task specific equipment.

2. Conduct defensive actions

2.1 Occupy defensive position.

2.2 Construct defences.

2.3 Conduct defensive routine.

2.4 Conduct drills and routines.

2.5 Withdraw from the defensive position.

3. Finalise defensive action activities

3.1 Conduct post operation activities.

3.2 Conduct post action administration.

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 navigation techniques

applying operational safety

constructing defences such as:

shell scrapes

weapon pits

obstacles

fire lanes

weapon stakes

adhering to all defensive routines as detailed below:

applying weapon readiness states

camouflage maintenance

clearing patrols

maintaining communications between individual/groups

maintaining hygiene plan

maintaining obstacles

monitoring surveillance devices

observing arcs

range cards

rehearsals

searching ground

stand to/down

standing patrols

track discipline

using the ground


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 equipment

fire control orders

orders for open fire


Assessment Conditions

Competency should be assessed in a simulated operational threat environment. The person should be exposed to the extremes of the operational environment under physical and mental stress. The context of assessment would usually be simulated due to the nature of this high risk environment. Competency should be demonstrated over time and in a range of contexts that could be expected in the workplace.

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