The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Safely handle a direct fire support weapon

1.1 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation

1.2 Direct fire support weapon is handled and carried safely in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Ammunition is identified and selected, and safely handled in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Direct fire support weapon is secured in accordance with standard procedures

2. Safely maintain a direct fire support weapon

2.1 Direct fire support weapon is stripped and assembled in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Direct fire support weapon and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced as required, in accordance with standard procedures

2.3 Ammunition is cleaned, inspected, carried and secured in accordance with standard procedures

2.4 Defects are identified and rectified within limits of authority or reported to supervisor

2.5 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

3. Safely operate a direct fire support weapon

3.1 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures

3.2 Marksmanship principles are applied in accordance with standard procedures

3.3 Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat

3.4 Weapon equipment is employed as required in accordance with standard procedures

4. Safely fire a direct fire support weapon

4.1 Direct fire support weapon is safely fired in accordance with standard procedures

4.2 Range Safety Brief and Practice Brief are complied with when firing a direct fire support weapon on a range, in accordance with standard procedures

4.3 Targets are identified and engaged in accordance with standard procedures

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

adopt appropriate firing position

aim the direct fire support weapon

apply immediate action and stoppage drills

apply recognised safety precautions

Required Knowledge

characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the direct fire support weapon and ammunition

degrees of weapon readiness

OH&S requirements

marksmanship principles

range safety

safety precautions of the direct fire support weapon

types of targets

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to conduct all weapon drills as listed in the Range Statement; to fire the weapon; to act as part of a team; and to recognise the limit of own authority.

Assessment must also confirm that operators meet the specified minimum requirements as laid down by the relevant Service Chief.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated on a live firing range.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed using live ammunition on a live firing range.

Note: In Defence the assessment and training are conducted in accordance with the current weapons pamphlet. This would include 'dry' assessment to ensure that a safe environment is maintained.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a direct fire support weapon, ammunition and a live firing range.

Guidance information for assessment

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Direct fire support weapon may include

Any in service 66 mm or 84 mm direct fire support weapon

Standard procedures may include

Australian Standards

Defence Instructions

Doctrine pamphlets

Job guides, other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

OH&S regulations

Organisational policies and procedures

Procedure manuals

Relevant local government by-laws

Relevant state/territory or federal legislation

Routine Orders

Standing Orders

Standing Operating Procedures

Written and verbal orders

Ammunition may include

Dummy

High explosive

High explosive anti tank

High explosive dual purpose

Illumination

Smoke

Practice

Sub calibre

Defects may include

Broken firing pin

Broken cocking rod

Burrs

Bulging

Corrosion

Cracks

Damaged sighting system

Faulty extension system

Faulty firing mechanism

Incorrect serial numbers

Out of date or missing fully functional classification label

Weapon drills must include

Safety precautions (e.g. checking clearances)

Degrees of weapon readiness

Immediate action and stoppage

Marksmanship principles may include

Position and hold must be firm enough to support the weapon

Weapon must point naturally at the target without undue physical effort

Shot must be released and followed through without disturbance to the firers position

Aiming must be correct

Fire positions may include

Kneeling

Prone

Sitting

Squatting

Standing

Supported or unsupported

Weapon equipment may include

Complete Equipment Schedule (CES), such as:

cleaning equipment

slings

Weapon sighting systems

Engaging a target means

The correct target is identified and engaged by fire

This unit contains employability skills.