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