PUADEFCA420B
Operate a light support weapon on operations

This unit covers the competency required to effectively conduct battle shooting on operations with a light support weapon in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).This unit of competency describes similar outcomes to PUADEFCM102B Operate a light support weapon, except it requires a higher level of marksmanship and proficiency, and is only assessed in an operational environment for example as an infantry soldier.The individual will be under supervision, usually as part of a team and will usually operate under direct Orders for Opening Fire and in accordance with the Rules of Engagement.

Application

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.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Handle a light support weapon

1.1 Light support weapon is safely handled and carried in accordance with standard procedures

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

1.3 Weapon drills are conducted in accordance with standard procedures

1.4 Fire positions are adopted as required by environment and threat

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

1.6 Ammunition is secured and maintained in accordance with standard procedures

2. Apply fire with a light support weapon

2.1 Weapon sighting systems and associated equipment are employed as required by the operational environment and in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Rules of Engagement and Orders for Opening Fire are complied with when firing a light support weapon on operations in accordance with operational requirements

2.3 Targets are identified and engaged as required by the operational environment and in accordance with standard procedures

3. Maintain and stow a light support weapon

3.1 Weapon and associated equipment are cleaned and serviced in all operational conditions

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

3.3 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

3.4 Light support weapon is secured, in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

achieve the required effects of fire

apply battlecraft aggressively

apply fieldcraft skills

apply recognised safety precautions

handle weapons safely in an operational environment

interpret fire control orders

work in a team

Required Knowledge

battlecraft

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

fieldcraft

fire control orders

OH&S requirements

recognised safety precautions

team work

weapon drills

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to carry out all weapon drills as listed in the Range Statement; to fire the weapon using, as a minimum, linked ball ammunition; to apply a variety of engagement techniques as described in the Range Statement; to work as part of a team; and to recognise limit of own authority.

The light support weapon operator must be able to achieve the standard of operation and marksmanship as stipulated in Training the Battle Shot Stage 5; MLW 2-9-1 Training the Battle Shot.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual live firing contexts. The operational activity is to take place over time allowing the individual to be assessed in a number of realistic operational scenarios.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency must be assessed using live ammunition and should simulate an operational threat environment. The light support weapon operator should be exposed to the extremes of the operational environment where a person is under physical and mental stress. The context of assessment is simulated due to the nature of this high-risk environment.

Marksmanship will usually be demonstrated by firing on a range.

Assessment must be conducted in a simulated operational environment by day and night.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to a light support weapon, ammunition and an actual or simulated operational environment.

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.


Range Statement

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.

Light support weapon may include

F89 Minimi

Operational environment may include

All seasons weather and terrain

Day

Extreme stress

Night

Primitive conditions

Under threat

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 Operating Procedures

Standing Orders

Written and verbal orders

Ammunition may include

Ball

Blank

Drill

Linked or individual

Simmunition

Trace

Weapon drills must include

Checking clearances

Degrees of weapon readiness

Immediate action and stoppage

Safety precautions

Stripping and assembling

Fire positions may include

Supported or unsupported

With or without sling

Tripod mounted

Pintle mounted

Prone

Standing

Kneeling

Sitting

Squatting

Ammunition maintenance may include

Cleaning belts

Linking and de-linking belts

Weapon sighting systems may include

Electronic aiming devices

Iron

Night sights

Optical

Thermal/infra-red

Associated equipment may include

Blank firing barrel

Complete Equipment Schedule (CES)

Magazines

Slings

Engagement of the target may include

Suppression

Destruction

Fix

Neutralisation

Rates of fire

Defects may include

Cracks

Damaged firing pin

Damaged sighting system

Faulty trigger mechanism

Incorrect serial numbers


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.