Application
This unit describes the skills required to command, lead and manage groups of up to twelve personnel during defensive operations. Defensive operations are characterised by extreme environmental conditions with high levels of risk of serious injury or death from hostile action. Supervision during defensive operations requires supervisors to be incisive in a fluid and demanding environment, to act independently, and to lead 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 defensive operations | 1.1 Confirm ability of subordinates to complete the task. 1.2 Action personnel administration. 1.3 Receive and clarify orders in accordance with the higher commander’s intent. 1.4 Determine and manage constraints and risks relevant to the 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 defensive 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. 2.5 Recognise and respond to unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response. 2.6 Exercise command authority. 2.7 Lead subordinates by example. 2.8 Carry out mission and tasks in accordance with orders. 2.9 Maintain communication with the chain of command as required. |
3. Finalise defensive 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
conducting defensive operations
employing equipment tactically
employing weapons tactically
managing resources
navigating
preparing reports
performing missions, including at least two of:
allocating arcs of fire
coordination and siting of defensive measures
coordination of direct and indirect fire
cordons and search
counter ambushes
deployment of security and defensive devices
fighting from a defended location
key point security
occupation of defensive positions
patrols
siting weapons
vehicle check points
withdrawals
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
defensive tactics, techniques and procedures
employment of battlespace operating systems
employment of weapons and equipment
Individual Military Appreciation Process
liaison requirements
laws of Armed Conflict
navigation techniques
WHS requirements
resource management
Rules of Engagement
risk control processes
security tactics, techniques and procedures
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