DEFMIL135
Supervise the operation of mortars


Application

This unit describes the skills required to supervise and control all aspects of the operation of mortars.

This unit applies to combat arms personnel who are required to supervise and control all aspects of the operation of a mortar 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. They would perform routine tasks in a range of 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. Prepare and deploy mortars

1.1 Determine and organise resources required.

1.2 Report identified problems/shortfalls to immediate supervisor.

1.3 Deploy mortars and establish and supervise the command post.

2. Engage targets with mortars

2.1 Confirm accuracy of all firing data.

2.2 Check lay of all weapons are correct before firing.

2.3 Give appropriate firing orders to the mortar operators.

2.4 Select appropriate ammunition.

2.5 Rectify minor incidents.

2.6 Report major incidents beyond own level of authority or competence to manager and take action as directed.

3. Maintain mortars

3.1 Supervise operator maintenance activities.

3.2 Rectify reported defects within limits of authority or report to supervisor.

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.

interpreting orders

directing and controlling the mortar operating crew

supervising command post activities

conducting sight testing

conducting non-technical inspection


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.

ammunition identification:

type

colour

hazard band

labelling

markings

lot/batch numbers

packaging

safety precautions associated with the task


Assessment Conditions

Competency should be demonstrated on operations or in simulated operational environments over time while firing live high explosive ammunition. Specifically, access is required to the following resources:

a live firing range

mortar crews

at least two mortars

live ammunition

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