The Operator Weapon Locating Radar (OPRDR) is a member of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) Corps. The OPRDR can be employed as a member of a Weapon Locating Radar Troop (WLR Tp) or as part of a Surveillance Troop (Survl Tp).

The two major roles within a WLR Tp are Radar detachment and the Listening Post. The WLR is deployed to locate Guns, Mortars and Rockets in support of the task force. The WLR can be employed to support the counter battery battle within the task force. This is the only weapon locating radar capability within the ADF. The Listening Post is deployed in four man groups to que the WLR. 

Surveillance is generally defined as the systematic observation of aerospace, surface or subsurface areas, places, persons or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic or other means. It uses a suite of surveillance equipment including: Ground Surveillance radar, Thermal Surveillance System (TSS), Unattended Ground Sensor, Sniper Observation Kit, Image Capture and Transfer System, and Covert Local Area Sensor System for Intruder Classification.

Tasks.

The Operator Radar in an STA BTY is a member of a Radar Detachment, Command Post (CP), Listening Post (LP), Reconnaisance Party or Surveillance Section who may be required to act in infantry-like roles to defend against and repel enemy incursions. The task list for OpRDR may include (but is not limited to the following):

• deploy the radar into and out of action;
• fix and orientate the radar and LP using various survey equipments;
• inputs data into the radar;
• locates and tracks targets with the radar (in both friendly and hostile modes);
• assists in the ongoing maintenance requirements for the radar;
• assists in the preparation of the radar for deployment by land, sea and air;
• operates communication equipment;
• the operation of individual and crew served combat weapons;
• drives, services and maintains cross-country vehicles; and
• assists in the defence of the detachment position.

An Operator Radar soldier is a member of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) Corps whose mission is to provide the location of enemy artillery and subsequently directing friendly artillery onto it.

RAA uses a wide range of associated equipment including weapon locating radars to locate enemy guns and mortars.

The Operator Radar operates and maintains radar equipment used by the Surveillance Target Acquisition Battery.

Main Job Functions:

• Assists in bringing the radar into and out of action;
• Enters computer data into the radar;
• Operates survey instruments to assist in the orientation of the radar;
• Operates the radar;
• Assists in the day to day maintenance of the radar;
• Assists in the preparation of the radar for movement by land, sea and air;
• Operates communication equipment; and
• Drives, services and maintains cross-country vehicles .