Army Reserve

Careers

Direct Fire Support Weapons Gunner

The Job

As a member of the Direct Fire Support Weapons (DFSW) Platoon, you and the other members of the platoon provide direct fire support to Companies of your Battalion. "Direct Fire" is the term used to describe the fire provided by medium machine guns and medium anti-armour weapons. The additional firepower provided by the DFSW Platoon is critical to the success of the battalion's mission.

You will perform these duties as part of a close-knit team, in diverse situations both on operations and in training. But that is not all you will do. In addition to being trained as an infantry rifleman where you will to shoot the F88 Austeyr and the F89 Minimi Light Support Weapon, you will also participate in unit sport and adventurous training activities such as abseiling and white water rafting.

The Training

After you have completed Common Recruit Training (CRT) at Kapooka in New South Wales, you will be ready to start your Initial Employment Training (or IET as we call it). The infantry IET course is three 2-week courses with on the job training. After completion of your Infantry courses you will be eligible to commence the Basic Direct Fire Support Weapons course.

The Basic Direct Fire Support Weapons course is a two-week course. The training is conducted at the Combined Arms Training Centre at Puckapunyal in Victoria. This training teaches you all about the Sustained Fire Machine Gun (MAG 58) and the 84mm Carl Gustaf Anti-Armour Weapon. You will be taught how the weapons work, stripping and assembling, operating drills, safety precautions and the procedures for maintenance. All your travel, accommodation and meals are free. Plus you get TAX FREE pay while you are gaining your new skills.

The Skills

As a member of the DFSW Platoon, you will gain and develop a wide range of personal skills and experience that will be invaluable in any career you choose. You will develop skills in personnel management, communications, teamwork and leadership. You will enhance your personal organisation and learn the ability to problem solve.

More importantly, will these qualifications under your belt, you will gain considerable confidence in your own ability and develop your teamwork skills. As an infantryman in a DFSW Platoon, you know you can get the job done regardless of the challenges.