Application
This unit describes the skills required to observe and direct machine gun fire onto targets in accordance with standard procedures in the Defence Force.
This unit applies to those working as combat arms personnel required to observe and direct machine gun fire 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 work under the commander’s direction, and must also have authority to act independently. They will perform specific 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. Occupy and prepare a location | 1.1 Occupy appropriate vantage point and maintain concealment throughout operation. 1.2 Establish occupied position. 1.3 Establish and document reference points. 1.4 Monitor possible threats and prepare an appropriate plan of action. |
2. Plan the engagement of firepower | 2.1 Use standard terminology so that clear communication with all stakeholders is maintained. 2.2 Establish target position. 2.3 Determine altitude of target from map. 2.4 Maintain communications with stakeholders throughout the operation and ensure personnel safety in the target area. 2.5 Describe target to stakeholders. 2.6 Determine type of engagement and convey instructions to the gun line. |
3. Direct fire onto target | 3.1 Transmit planning information to the command post. 3.2 Transmit direction to fire to the gun line. 3.3 Complete target analysis after impact and if appropriate refer to supervisor. 3.4 Complete or terminate adjustments of fire. |
4. Withdraw from an occupied location | 4.1 Recondition occupied position and remove all evidence of occupation. 4.2 Withdrawal from the occupied position. |
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.
maintaining safety of friendly personnel at all times
recognising and applying own level of authority
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.
characteristics, technical capabilities, effects, employment and limitations of the weapon
communication procedures
safety associated with operations
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.
Candidates should complete a minimum of two live fire missions using sustained fire machine guns to engage the target.
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