DEFMIL140
Supervise platoon level defensive operations


Application

This unit describes the skills required to command, lead and administer groups of between 15 and 35 personnel during the conduct of defensive operations. Defensive operations are characterised by own forces delaying, accepting decisive engagement or withdrawing from action against hostile forces. It is primarily focused on the duties of a platoon second in command who, while mainly employed to administer the group, may be required to supervise group members in a dynamic environment, often acting independently and leading by example.

This unit applies to combat arms personnel involved in the conduct of defensive operations 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 typically work as part of a team under direct and/or indirect supervision, but also must be prepared to act independently. They use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform routine tasks in a broad 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 plan for operations

1.1 Confirm ability of subordinates to complete the tasks.

1.2 Action personnel administration.

1.3 Receive and clarify orders in accordance with the commander’s intent.

1.4 Determine and manage constraints and risks relevant to the mission or task.

1.5 Assemble appropriate resources for the task and report any shortfalls that limit capability to the chain of command.

1.6 Base planning decisions on a logical process to solve operational problems.

1.7 Conduct battle procedures.

2. Conduct operations

2.1 Prepare and deliver orders.

2.2 Conduct liaison in accordance with operational requirements.

2.3 Coordinate support from outside agencies.

2.4 Provide technical advice to the chain of command or supported agencies as required.

2.5 Recognise and respond to unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response.

2.6 Exercise command authority as appropriate.

2.7 Lead subordinates by example.

2.8 Carry out tasks and administration in accordance with orders.

2.9 Maintain communication with the chain of command as required.

3. Finalise operations

3.1 Conduct debriefs.

3.2 Conduct post activity analysis and make recommendations.

3.3 Recondition, replace or return equipment, stores and ammunition.

3.4 Complete documentation.

3.5 Monitor soldiers’ health and wellbeing and take appropriate action.

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 administrative requirements

applying recognised safety precautions

applying the principles of command

controlling risk

employing equipment tactically

employing weapons tactically

managing resources

preparing reports

resupplying and redistributing supplies


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.

administrative processes

tactics, techniques and procedures

employment of battlespace operating systems

employment of weapons and equipment

Individual Military Appreciation Process

laws of Armed Conflict

navigation techniques

orders for Opening Fire

orders for the Use of Force

principles of defensive operations

recognised safety precautions

resource management

risk control processes

Rules of Engagement


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