SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of Defensive Urban Operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
376362  Demonstrate an understanding of Defensive Urban Operations 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Special Combat Capabilities 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for policing officials or military personnel that need to understand the roles, structures and process that occur during the execution of urban operations.
Persons credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Discuss defensive urban operations.
  • Discuss the command and control of defensive urban operations.
  • Prepare equipment for use in defensive urban operations.
  • Discuss the role of the Hostage Negotiation Team during.

    It is preferred that the following unit standard be presented simultaneously with this unit standard:
  • Operate as a member of an assault team during building assaults.

    Through the application of these skills learners will enhance the capabilities of security organisations to maintain peace and security in the community. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Use firearms in military and law enforcement environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Unit Standard Range:

    Day and night.
    Prevailing environmental conditions. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Discuss defensive urban operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
  • The principles of defensive urban operations are described in accordance with approved urban operation tactics. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
  • The principles of defensive urban operations are applied during the application of a defensive urban operation. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
  • Differentiation is made between the types of targets in order to determine the personal equipment and support requirements. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of defensive urban operations targets include but are not limited to buildings, aircraft, vehicles, trains and ships.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
  • The role players found in defensive urban operations are identified in order to determine their influence on the given mission. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Urban role players include but are not limited to NGO's, the UN, AU and foreign military forces.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
  • The profile of the urban operator is discussed in terms of how it is influenced by defensive urban operations. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
  • The influence of the urban population on operations is determined in terms of the potential risks and limiting collateral damage. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
  • A defensive urban operation is explained in phases in order to demonstrate understanding of the actions that must take place in each phase. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
  • The sequence of events that takes place during the execution of a defensive urban operation is explained in order to demonstrate situational awareness. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
  • Differentiate between the types of defensive urban assaults in relation to the threat, time limitations, planning and assets available. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
  • The composition and tasks of the defensive urban force are recognised and discussed in accordance with the given mission. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
  • The types of hostage takers are discussed in order to determine the potential threat to the hostage release team and hostages. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of hostage takers include but are not limited to criminals, domestic, fanatical, terrorists, mentally disturbed persons, reluctant and deliberate.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal framework for defensive urban operations in order to ensure compliance and the chain of evidence. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Legal framework includes but is not limited to the Criminal Procedures Act, Constitution and Rules of Engagement.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Discuss command and control of defensive urban operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
  • The levels of authority for the authorisation of the final assault are discussed in order to demonstrate an understanding of the processes that need to be followed during defensive urban operations. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
  • The tactical chain of command for defensive urban operations is discussed in terms of the command and control of the various elements within the deployed force. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
  • Tactical means of communication used during defensive urban operations is discussed in order to interpret commands. 
    		•
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Means of tactical communications include by are not limited to radios, flags, lights, whistles, hand signals and pyrotechnics.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare personal equipment for use in defensive urban operations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Personal equipment includes but is not limited to coveralls, helmet, goggles, bullet-proof vest, personal load bearing equipment, extraction harness and individual weapons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
  • Personal equipment is selected based upon the type of defensive target and type of hostage taker. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
  • Personal equipment is selected for a specific method of infiltration and target according to its functions and use. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
  • Personal equipment is packed into the load bearing equipment according to a standard layout. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
  • Personal equipment is maintained in order to ensure serviceability. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Discuss the role of the Hostage Negotiation Team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
  • The hostage negotiation process is explained in order to demonstrate situational awareness. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
  • The composition, role and tasks of the hostage negotiation team during defensive urban operations are explained in order to demonstrate an understanding of its impact on the execution of the operation. 
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate securing hostages and hostage takers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
  • Hostages are searched and secured in order to limit possible threats to the assault force. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
  • Hostage takers are searched and secured whilst ensuring that the chain of evidence is kept and maintained. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
  • The evacuation process for the hostages is discussed in accordance with the mission plan. 
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through Recognition of prior learning) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when the learner is capable of selecting and preparing personal and team equipment for the given task. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when using time efficiently to prepare for a specific operation or task. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Environmental factors must be analysed continually to ensure the safe outcome of any activity. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral, written and/or signals (hand/radio) when the learner has to cooperate and communicate with the rest of the team. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when applying weapons and tactics during special operations to ensure the safety of friendly forces. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78263   National Higher Certificate: Special Combat Capabilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.