Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics

Introduction

This qualification is appropriate for individuals working in the security sector specialising in close protection. It demonstrates that a candidate has displayed the knowledge, understanding and skills learners need to be employed in a hostile country, armed.

It allows opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life along with the safe operation and understanding of weapon systems

The awarding organisation for this qualification is ProQual Awarding Body and the regulatory body is the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

Entry Requirements

Candidates must be aged 18+ and hold or be working towards a level 3 qualification in close protection. It is advised that learners have a basic level of written and verbal literacy in English.

Qualification Profile

Qualification: ProQual Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics
Ofqual qualification number:603/0893/X
Level: 4
Total qualification time: 100 hours
Assessment: Pass or fail Internally assessed and verified by centre staff External quality assurance by ProQual verifiers

Qualification Structure

Candidates must complete the 4 Mandatory units.

T/615/4234 Foot Tactics
A/615/4235 Vehicle Tactics
F/615/4236 Weapon Tactics
J/615/4237 Carbine Tactics

Centre Requirements

Centres must be approved to offer this qualification. If your centre is not approved please complete and submit form ProQual Additional Qualification Approval Application.

Staff
Staff delivering this qualification must be appropriately qualified and occupationally competent.

Tutors/Trainers are required to:
• hold or be working towards a Level 3 Award in Education and Training or an equivalent;
• hold a Level 3 Close Protection Qualification; and
• have a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a police or military driver.

Assessors/Internal Quality Assurance
For each competence-based unit centres must be able to provide at least one assessor and one internal verifier who are suitably qualified for the specific occupational area. Assessors and internal verifiers for competence-based units or qualifications will normally need to hold appropriate assessor or verifier qualifications, such as:

• ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Teaching, Training and Assessing
• Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
• Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
• Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement • Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices
• Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices

Assessors and IQA Verifiers are required to: hold or be working towards a Level 3 Award in Education and Training or an equivalent; hold a Level 3 Close Protection Qualification; and have a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a police or military driver.

Support for Candidates

Materials produced by centres to support candidates should:

• enable them to track their achievements as they progress through the learning
outcomes and assessment criteria;
• provide information on where ProQual’s policies and procedures can be viewed;
• provide a means of enabling Internal and External Quality Assurance staff to authenticate evidence

Assessment

Candidates must demonstrate the level of knowledge and skill described in the units. Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and performance against the standards set in the qualification.

Each candidate is required to produce evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.
Evidence can include:
– assignments/projects/reports
– worksheets
– portfolio of evidence
– portfolio of evidence
– record of oral and/or written questioning
– candidate test papers

Learning outcomes set out what a candidate is expected to know, understand or be able to do. Assessment criteria specify the standard a candidate must meet to show the learning outcome has been achieved.
There must be valid, authentic and sufficient for all the assessment criteria. However, one piece of evidence may be used to meet the requirements of more than one learning outcome or assessment criterion.r

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria for this qualification can be found from page 8 in this document.

Internal Quality Assurance

An internal quality assurance verifier confirms that assessment decisions made in centres are made by competent and qualified assessors, that they are the result of sound and fair assessment practice and that they are recorded accurately and appropriately.

Adjustments to Assessment

Adjustments to standard assessment arrangements are made on the individual needs of candidates. ProQual’s Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Special Consideration Policy sets out the steps to follow when implementing reasonable adjustments and special considerations and the service that ProQual provides for some of these arrangements.
Centres should contact ProQual for further information or queries about the contents of the policy.

Results, Enquiries and Appeals

All enquiries relating to assessment or other decisions should be dealt with by centres, with reference to ProQual’s Enquiries and Appeals Procedures.

Certification

Candidates who demonstrate achievement of the qualification will be awarded a certificate giving the full qualification title – ProQual Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics

Claiming certificates 
Centres may claim certificates for candidates who have been registered with ProQual and who have successfully achieved the required number of credits for a qualification. All certificates will be issued to the centre for successful candidates.

Replacement certificates
If a replacement certificate is required a request must be made to ProQual in writing. Replacement certificates are labelled as such and are only provided when the claim has been authenticated. Refer to the Fee Schedule for details of charges for replacement certificates.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Unit T/615/4234
Foot Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to differentiate between and deal with aggressive/non aggressive subjects

1.1 Carry out appropriate actions taken when dealing with:
• non aggressive subjects
• aggressive subjects

2 Be able to carry out foot formations in a hostile environment

2.1 Adopt closed and open v, box and diamond foot
formations
2.2 Adapt the profile of the formation suitable for the
situation
2.3 Provide cover when moving a VIP on foot

3 Be able to adopt multiple firing positions and stances and shoot from cover

3.1 Adopt recognised positions that are appropriate to
the cover and ground available, such as:
• prone
• kneeling unsupported
• kneeling supported
• crouching
• sitting
• standing
3.2 Adopt recognised stances to aid the marksmanship
principles with any weapon:
• weaver
• modified weaver
• isosceles
• modified isosceles
3.3 Identify manmade and natural obstacles that can be used to aid the cover and support fire position

4 Be able to extract and support someone in danger

4.1 Remove a principle from a direct threat via the safest route
4.2 Remove a casualty from the scene of an incident via the safest means
4.3 Provide emergency evacuation drills to team members and casualties during these incidents

5 Be able to react to attacks from different areas

5.1 Recognise enemy contact from all angles
5.2 React to enemy fire
5.3 Suppress the enemy by returning fire and extract the VIP via the quickest and safest means

6 Be able to demonstrate the ability to provide body cover to a VIP

6.1 Identify a substantial threat that requires immediate action
6.2 Demonstrate techniques to move and provide vital
cover to a VIP in:
• standing
•  kneeling
• lying positions

7 Be able to disable armed aggressors and how to retain a weapon


7.1 Demonstrate how to disable an armed aggressor using taught hand to hand combat methods
7.2 Demonstrate taught hand to hand combat techniques to retain their personal weapon system from a potential aggressor

Unit A/615/4235
Vehicle Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to carry out embus and debus drills

1.1 Adapt the profile of embus and debus dependant on the environment and operatives
1.2 Provide body cover when entering and exiting vehicles
1.3 Deal with potential aggressors when getting in and out of the vehicle

2 Be able to carry out vehicle movements

2.1 Demonstrate the ability to react to enemy fire with the use of the vehicle
2.2 Demonstrate how to evade enemy road blocks/check points
2.3 Demonstrate manoeuvring a vehicle whilst under enemy fir to act as cover and support to other team members

3 Be able to carry out vehicle extraction

3.1 Evacuate a casualty from a vehicle to a safe place
3.2 Demonstrate the ability to evacuate a vehicle with multiple casualty’s into an alternative vehicle whilst maintaining safety

4 Be able to store weapons inside a vehicle

4.1 Store (conceal) a weapon so as to not arouse suspicion at check points
4.2 Demonstrate successfully reacting to fire whilst weapons are stored

5 Be able to react to attack whilst driving

5.1 Recognise enemy fire from all angles
5.2 React to enemy fire when static
5.3 React to enemy fire whilst in transit
5.4 Extract in the vehicle via the safest route

Unit F/615/4236
Weapon Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to use a weapon safely

1.1 Demonstrate the safe use of the weapon system, suchas:
• safety mechanisms
• safe direction and aspects of range safety
• misfires / breaches
• safe loading and unloading

2 Be able to maintain a weapon system

2.1 Demonstrate the ability to correctly disassemble the weapon system using correct methods and tools (where applicable)
2.2 Demonstrate the correct method of cleaning to ensure the weapon functions correctly
2.3 Demonstrate the correct method of re assembly including weapon safety and function checks

3 Be able to complete firingtechniques at:
• long range
• close range
• multiple targets

3.1 Demonstrate the safe identification of:
• long range targets only
• close range targets only
• long and close range targets
3.2 Identify the safety aspects of firing at:
• close range
• long range
• left and right on a range
3.3 Fire a weapon at centre mass of the target at short andlong range
3.4 Adopt varied stances to effectively shoot:
• in confined spaces
• at a distance
3.5 Carry out tactical turns to engage a target emerging from your immediate left or right

4 Be able to carry out tactical reloads

4.1 Demonstrate safe weapon handling whilst on the range
4.2 Adopt a variety of methods to aid in effective reload for:
• tactical
• speed

5 Demonstrate how to give body cover to a VIP whilst firing

5.1 Carry out all relevant drills to remove a VIP from danger so the candidate can accurately and safety engage the target
5.2 Adopt all the following different methods to aid in the effective protection of the VIP:
•  linking
• hipping
• collar grab

Unit J/615/4237
Carbine Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to use a weapon safely

1.1 Demonstrate the safe use of the weapon system, such as:
• safety mechanisms
• safe direction and aspects of range safety
misfires / breaches
• safe loading and unloading

2 Be able to maintain a weapon system 2.1 Demonstrate the ability to correctly disassemble the weapon system using correct methods and tools (where applicable)

2.2 Demonstrate the correct method of cleaning to ensure the weapon functions correctly
2.3 Demonstrate the correct method of re assembly including weapon safety and function checks

3 Be able to complete firing techniques: long range, close range, from behind cover

3.1 Demonstrate the safe identification of:
• close range targets
• long range targets
3.2 Identify the safety aspects at firing at:
• close range
• long range
• behind cover
3.3 Fire a weapon at a target aiming at centre of mass
3.4 Adopt the following stances to aid in the effectiveness of shooting at a distance:
• prone
• kneeling (supported / unsupported)
• standing
3.5 Demonstrate engagement of targets from behind cover

4 Be able to fire from alternative firing positions

4.1 Demonstrate weapon handling whilst on the range
4.2 Identify which fire position is best for the
• environment
• distance
4.3 Adopt and accurately acquire targets so aimed shots at centre mass are being applied

5 Be able to tactically withdraw from contact

5.1 Demonstrate identification of targets at
• long range
• close range
5.2 Identify the safety aspects at firing in close proximity to other candidate whilst in motion
5.3 Fire a weapon with aimed shots at centre mass of the target ProQual, December 2016 Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics
5.4 Adopt varied positions, stances and tactical turns in order to safely and accurately return fire
5.5 Retreat back to safe area successfully

6 Be able to carry out tactical reloads

6.1 Demonstrate safe weapon handling whilst on the range with another candidate
6.2 Identify the safety aspects at firing in close proximity to another candidate
6.3 Carry out all relevant drills and reload the weapon as to give the enemy a lower amount of time to engage the student
6.4 Adopt variety of methods to aid in the effective
reload for
• tactical
• speed

7 Be able to switch from a primary to a secondary weapon

7.1 Demonstrate safe weapon handling whilst on the range
7.2 Identify which fire position is best for the environment and distance
7.3 Adopt and accurately acquire targets and shoot with a damaging effect
7.4 Demonstrate the ability to holster or sling the primary and safely draw the pistol and carry on engaging the target

Introduction

This qualification is appropriate for individuals working in the security sector specialising in close protection. It demonstrates that a candidate has displayed the knowledge, understanding and skills learners need to be employed in a hostile country, armed.

It allows opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life along with the safe operation and understanding of weapon systems

The awarding organisation for this qualification is ProQual Awarding Body and the regulatory body is the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

Entry Requirements

Candidates must be aged 18+ and hold or be working towards a level 3 qualification in close protection. It is advised that learners have a basic level of written and verbal literacy in English.

Qualification Profile

Qualification: ProQual Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics
Ofqual qualification number:603/0893/X
Level: 4
Total qualification time: 100 hours
Assessment: Pass or fail Internally assessed and verified by centre staff External quality assurance by ProQual verifiers

Qualification Structure

Candidates must complete the 4 Mandatory units.

T/615/4234 Foot Tactics
A/615/4235 Vehicle Tactics
F/615/4236 Weapon Tactics
J/615/4237 Carbine Tactics

Centre Requirements

Centres must be approved to offer this qualification. If your centre is not approved please complete and submit form ProQual Additional Qualification Approval Application.

Staff
Staff delivering this qualification must be appropriately qualified and occupationally competent.

Tutors/Trainers are required to:
• hold or be working towards a Level 3 Award in Education and Training or an equivalent;
• hold a Level 3 Close Protection Qualification; and
• have a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a police or military driver.

Assessors/Internal Quality Assurance
For each competence-based unit centres must be able to provide at least one assessor and one internal verifier who are suitably qualified for the specific occupational area. Assessors and internal verifiers for competence-based units or qualifications will normally need to hold appropriate assessor or verifier qualifications, such as:

• ProQual Level 3 Certificate in Teaching, Training and Assessing
• Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
• Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement
• Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement • Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices
• Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices

Assessors and IQA Verifiers are required to: hold or be working towards a Level 3 Award in Education and Training or an equivalent; hold a Level 3 Close Protection Qualification; and have a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a police or military driver.

Support for Candidates

Materials produced by centres to support candidates should:

• enable them to track their achievements as they progress through the learning
outcomes and assessment criteria;
• provide information on where ProQual’s policies and procedures can be viewed;
• provide a means of enabling Internal and External Quality Assurance staff to authenticate evidence

Assessment

Candidates must demonstrate the level of knowledge and skill described in the units. Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s knowledge, understanding and performance against the standards set in the qualification.

Each candidate is required to produce evidence which demonstrates their achievement of all of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.
Evidence can include:
– assignments/projects/reports
– worksheets
– portfolio of evidence
– portfolio of evidence
– record of oral and/or written questioning
– candidate test papers

Learning outcomes set out what a candidate is expected to know, understand or be able to do. Assessment criteria specify the standard a candidate must meet to show the learning outcome has been achieved.
There must be valid, authentic and sufficient for all the assessment criteria. However, one piece of evidence may be used to meet the requirements of more than one learning outcome or assessment criterion.r

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria for this qualification can be found from page 8 in this document.

Internal Quality Assurance

An internal quality assurance verifier confirms that assessment decisions made in centres are made by competent and qualified assessors, that they are the result of sound and fair assessment practice and that they are recorded accurately and appropriately.

Adjustments to Assessment

Adjustments to standard assessment arrangements are made on the individual needs of candidates. ProQual’s Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Special Consideration Policy sets out the steps to follow when implementing reasonable adjustments and special considerations and the service that ProQual provides for some of these arrangements.
Centres should contact ProQual for further information or queries about the contents of the policy.

Results, Enquiries and Appeals

All enquiries relating to assessment or other decisions should be dealt with by centres, with reference to ProQual’s Enquiries and Appeals Procedures.

Certification

Candidates who demonstrate achievement of the qualification will be awarded a certificate giving the full qualification title – ProQual Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics

Claiming certificates 
Centres may claim certificates for candidates who have been registered with ProQual and who have successfully achieved the required number of credits for a qualification. All certificates will be issued to the centre for successful candidates.

Replacement certificates
If a replacement certificate is required a request must be made to ProQual in writing. Replacement certificates are labelled as such and are only provided when the claim has been authenticated. Refer to the Fee Schedule for details of charges for replacement certificates.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Unit T/615/4234
Foot Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to differentiate between and deal with aggressive/non aggressive subjects

1.1 Carry out appropriate actions taken when dealing with:
• non aggressive subjects
• aggressive subjects

2 Be able to carry out foot formations in a hostile environment

2.1 Adopt closed and open v, box and diamond foot
formations
2.2 Adapt the profile of the formation suitable for the
situation
2.3 Provide cover when moving a VIP on foot

3 Be able to adopt multiple firing positions and stances and shoot from cover

3.1 Adopt recognised positions that are appropriate to
the cover and ground available, such as:
• prone
• kneeling unsupported
• kneeling supported
• crouching
• sitting
• standing
3.2 Adopt recognised stances to aid the marksmanship
principles with any weapon:
• weaver
• modified weaver
• isosceles
• modified isosceles
3.3 Identify manmade and natural obstacles that can be used to aid the cover and support fire position

4 Be able to extract and support someone in danger

4.1 Remove a principle from a direct threat via the safest route
4.2 Remove a casualty from the scene of an incident via the safest means
4.3 Provide emergency evacuation drills to team members and casualties during these incidents

5 Be able to react to attacks from different areas

5.1 Recognise enemy contact from all angles
5.2 React to enemy fire
5.3 Suppress the enemy by returning fire and extract the VIP via the quickest and safest means

6 Be able to demonstrate the ability to provide body cover to a VIP

6.1 Identify a substantial threat that requires immediate action
6.2 Demonstrate techniques to move and provide vital
cover to a VIP in:
• standing
•  kneeling
• lying positions

7 Be able to disable armed aggressors and how to retain a weapon


7.1 Demonstrate how to disable an armed aggressor using taught hand to hand combat methods
7.2 Demonstrate taught hand to hand combat techniques to retain their personal weapon system from a potential aggressor

Unit A/615/4235
Vehicle Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to carry out embus and debus drills

1.1 Adapt the profile of embus and debus dependant on the environment and operatives
1.2 Provide body cover when entering and exiting vehicles
1.3 Deal with potential aggressors when getting in and out of the vehicle

2 Be able to carry out vehicle movements

2.1 Demonstrate the ability to react to enemy fire with the use of the vehicle
2.2 Demonstrate how to evade enemy road blocks/check points
2.3 Demonstrate manoeuvring a vehicle whilst under enemy fir to act as cover and support to other team members

3 Be able to carry out vehicle extraction

3.1 Evacuate a casualty from a vehicle to a safe place
3.2 Demonstrate the ability to evacuate a vehicle with multiple casualty’s into an alternative vehicle whilst maintaining safety

4 Be able to store weapons inside a vehicle

4.1 Store (conceal) a weapon so as to not arouse suspicion at check points
4.2 Demonstrate successfully reacting to fire whilst weapons are stored

5 Be able to react to attack whilst driving

5.1 Recognise enemy fire from all angles
5.2 React to enemy fire when static
5.3 React to enemy fire whilst in transit
5.4 Extract in the vehicle via the safest route

Unit F/615/4236
Weapon Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to use a weapon safely

1.1 Demonstrate the safe use of the weapon system, suchas:
• safety mechanisms
• safe direction and aspects of range safety
• misfires / breaches
• safe loading and unloading

2 Be able to maintain a weapon system

2.1 Demonstrate the ability to correctly disassemble the weapon system using correct methods and tools (where applicable)
2.2 Demonstrate the correct method of cleaning to ensure the weapon functions correctly
2.3 Demonstrate the correct method of re assembly including weapon safety and function checks

3 Be able to complete firingtechniques at:
• long range
• close range
• multiple targets

3.1 Demonstrate the safe identification of:
• long range targets only
• close range targets only
• long and close range targets
3.2 Identify the safety aspects of firing at:
• close range
• long range
• left and right on a range
3.3 Fire a weapon at centre mass of the target at short andlong range
3.4 Adopt varied stances to effectively shoot:
• in confined spaces
• at a distance
3.5 Carry out tactical turns to engage a target emerging from your immediate left or right

4 Be able to carry out tactical reloads

4.1 Demonstrate safe weapon handling whilst on the range
4.2 Adopt a variety of methods to aid in effective reload for:
• tactical
• speed

5 Demonstrate how to give body cover to a VIP whilst firing

5.1 Carry out all relevant drills to remove a VIP from danger so the candidate can accurately and safety engage the target
5.2 Adopt all the following different methods to aid in the effective protection of the VIP:
•  linking
• hipping
• collar grab

Unit J/615/4237
Carbine Tactics

Learning Outcome - The learner will: Assessment Criterion - The learner can:

1 Be able to use a weapon safely

1.1 Demonstrate the safe use of the weapon system, such as:
• safety mechanisms
• safe direction and aspects of range safety
misfires / breaches
• safe loading and unloading

2 Be able to maintain a weapon system 2.1 Demonstrate the ability to correctly disassemble the weapon system using correct methods and tools (where applicable)

2.2 Demonstrate the correct method of cleaning to ensure the weapon functions correctly
2.3 Demonstrate the correct method of re assembly including weapon safety and function checks

3 Be able to complete firing techniques: long range, close range, from behind cover

3.1 Demonstrate the safe identification of:
• close range targets
• long range targets
3.2 Identify the safety aspects at firing at:
• close range
• long range
• behind cover
3.3 Fire a weapon at a target aiming at centre of mass
3.4 Adopt the following stances to aid in the effectiveness of shooting at a distance:
• prone
• kneeling (supported / unsupported)
• standing
3.5 Demonstrate engagement of targets from behind cover

4 Be able to fire from alternative firing positions

4.1 Demonstrate weapon handling whilst on the range
4.2 Identify which fire position is best for the
• environment
• distance
4.3 Adopt and accurately acquire targets so aimed shots at centre mass are being applied

5 Be able to tactically withdraw from contact

5.1 Demonstrate identification of targets at
• long range
• close range
5.2 Identify the safety aspects at firing in close proximity to other candidate whilst in motion
5.3 Fire a weapon with aimed shots at centre mass of the target ProQual, December 2016 Level 4 Award in Close Protection in a Hostile Environment – Firearms and Tactics
5.4 Adopt varied positions, stances and tactical turns in order to safely and accurately return fire
5.5 Retreat back to safe area successfully

6 Be able to carry out tactical reloads

6.1 Demonstrate safe weapon handling whilst on the range with another candidate
6.2 Identify the safety aspects at firing in close proximity to another candidate
6.3 Carry out all relevant drills and reload the weapon as to give the enemy a lower amount of time to engage the student
6.4 Adopt variety of methods to aid in the effective
reload for
• tactical
• speed

7 Be able to switch from a primary to a secondary weapon

7.1 Demonstrate safe weapon handling whilst on the range
7.2 Identify which fire position is best for the environment and distance
7.3 Adopt and accurately acquire targets and shoot with a damaging effect
7.4 Demonstrate the ability to holster or sling the primary and safely draw the pistol and carry on engaging the target