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Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 03/23 – Naval Experience Program

Table of Contents

  1. Identification
  2. Abbreviations
  3. Policy Direction
  4. Process
  5. Assignment of an Occupation and Selection Process
  6. Responsibilities
  7. References

   

Chef of Military Personnel Crest

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2023-09-28

Date of Modification: 2024-12-01

Application: This instruction applies to Regular Force (Reg F) Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)

2. Abbreviations

Abbreviations Complete Word or Phrase
BMQ Basic Military Qualification
BOSN Boatswain
CA Canadian Army 
CAF Canadian Armed Forces
CAF TG Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group
CDS Chief of Defence Staff 
CEMS Common Enrolment Medical Standard
CFAT Canadian Forces Aptitude Test
CFRC Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre
CMP Chief of Military Personnel
Comd CFRG Commander Canadian Forces Recruiting Group
COT Compulsory Occupation Transfer
LD Learning Disability
NEP Naval Experience Program
NCM Non-Commissioned Member
NETP Naval Environmental Training Program
NRD Naval Reserve Divisions
OJE On Job Experience
PSO Personnel Selection Officer
RCAF Royal Canadian Air Force
RCN Royal Canadian Navy
Reg F Regular Force
SIP Strategic Intake Plan 
Supp Res Supplementary Reserve
TOS Terms of Service
TSD-PI Trait Self-Descriptive Personality Inventory
VIE Variable Initial Engagement 

3. Policy Direction

Context

3.1 The RCN is experiencing challenges with recruiting resulting in significant shortages in skilled trades. This is affecting the RCN’s ability to force generate and meet their employment commitments.

3.2 The introduction of the NEP will facilitate the CDS’ intent to revitalize RCN recruitment and modernization efforts to attract and enroll sailors.

Purpose

3.3 The NEP will provide naval experiential training, encourage more Canadians to join the RCN, and entice graduates of the program to choose a career in the RCN. While the aim of the program is to increase RCN recruiting efforts, the overall goal is to augment CAF wide recruiting for the Reg F.

3.4 The NEP is designed to offer an opportunity for participants to experience the culture of the RCN so they can make an informed decision regarding the naval environment and occupation selection, resulting in increased job satisfaction and overall CAF retention.

3.5 The NEP will include the following training and professional development opportunities:

  1. Basic Military Qualification (BMQ);
  2. Naval Environmental Training Programme (NETP); and
  3. On-the-job experience (OJE) both aboard a ship and on shore.

3.6 Prior to the completion of the NEP, the member may apply for a Compulsory Occupation Transfer (COT) to an occupation for which they are found eligible and suitable. The occupation may be in the RCN, or any other CAF environment. The member may also choose to transfer to the Reserve Force or release from the CAF.

Policy Statement

3.7 This policy details the procedures with respect to the NEP management of recruits.

Management

3.8 The Comd CFRG is the enrolment authority for Reg F applicants and may designate additional officers in accordance with DAOD 5002-1, Enrolment.

3.9 Naval Reserve Divisions (NRDs) will assist with the processing of applicants.

3.10 Members will be paid in accordance with CBI 204, Pay of Officers and Non-Commissioned Members.

3.11 Release, if applicable, will be in accordance with QR&O Chapter 15, Release.

Conditions of Service

3.12 All applicants must meet the minimum standard for enrolment set out in DAOD 5002-1.

3.13 Applicants will be enrolled at the rank of Sailor third class (S3) into the MOSID 00402 SAILOR.

3.14 The TOS will be a VIE 12 months. Additional fixed TOS maybe offered by Director Military Careers Administration (DMCA) to accommodate individual circumstances.

Note – All accommodation requests will be handled in accordance with the applicable CAF policies.

4. Process

Expedited Enrolment (Phase 1)

4.1 The following table identifies the expedited enrolment processes for this plan:

Process Amplification
Application
  • Applicant will submit an online application or DND 2170 indicating MOSID 00402 SAILOR.
CAF Selection process
  • Write the CFAT and TSD-PI and meet the cut-off for the program.
  • Undergo an abbreviated selection interview.
Medical
  • Full medical (Parts 1 and 2) will be completed prior to enrolment.
  • Must meet the CEMS and the medical category for 00402 SAILOR.
Reliability Screening/Security
  • Screening will be done to ensure the applicant meets the reliability requirements.
  • Screening beyond that level will be deferred until later.
Offer
  • CFRCs and NRDs will enroll applicants into the Reg F RCN.

Professional Development (Phase 2)

4.2 Enrollees into the NEP will attend the BMQ and NETP.

4.3 Upon BMQ and NETP qualification, the CAF member will be employable aboard any HMC Ship as a general duty sailor and will be assigned to a ship or a shore position on either the east or west coast.

4.4 The CAF member will rotate through routine tasks throughout the departments of the ship, subject to security and safety requirements, and may be deployed within Canada or abroad. The focus will be on the core duties and requirements of each occupation within the RCN.

4.5 Should a CAF member wish to cease training or release from the NEP prior to completion, they will be referred to a PSO for career counselling for a potential transfer or be released in accordance with QR&O Chapter 15.

End of Terms of Service (Phase 3)

4.6 Upon completion of the NEP, the CAF member has the following options:

  1. remain within the RCN and receive a COT into an occupation for which they have been found eligible and suitable;
  2. remain within the CAF and receive a COT into any CAF occupation for which they have been found eligible and suitable;
  3. remain in the CAF and formally apply to transfer to another component of the CAF; or
  4. exercise their right to release in accordance with subsection 30(1) of the National Defence Act and be assigned an appropriate release item.

5. Assignment of an Occupation and Selection Process

5.1 The following table identifies the requirements in assigning an occupation upon successful completion of the NEP: 

Standards and Requirements Amplification
Entry Standards Meet the entry standards for the targeted military occupations listed on the Director Personnel Generation Requirements (DPGR) intranet site
Medical Fitness

Meet the minimum assigned medical standards, as set out in Annex E of A-MD-154-000/FP-000, for the targeted military occupations
Selection Process

Complete the selection process in accordance with DAOD 5002-5, Canadian Forces Personnel Selection

5.2 Prior to the completion of the NEP, a PSO must conduct a selection assessment to:

  1. determine the CAF member’s eligibility and suitability for the target military occupation(s) and occupation transfer program;
  2. make recommendations or comments on military occupation transfers; and, as appropriate, further service; and
  3. inform the CAF member of any issues related to restricted release periods as a result of the requirement to undertake training in the target military occupation.

5.3 The following table provides a summary of the compulsory occupation transfer process upon completion of the NEP:

Step Who does it? Action
1 The CAF member Completes the application form DND 4495, Application for In-Service Selection Programme
2 The CO

Completes the recommendation portion of DND 4495 and sends completed application to the PSO for selection assessment
3 PSO

Conducts a selection assessment in accordance with DAOD 5002-5
4 PSO Sends the completed file to the Director Military Careers Policy and Grievances (DMCPG) 5
5 DGMC/DMCPG 5

Conducts the selection process.

Sends transfer instruction message to the selected CAF members through the RCN.
6 BTL Manager Coordinates TOS for member as they are transferred into their new MOSID.

6. Responsibilities

Responsibilities

6.1 The following table identifies the responsibilities associated with the instruction:

The... has or have the responsibility to…
Comd CFRG
  • managing all activities for selection and enrolment into the SAILOR occupation as part of NEP (i.e. enrolment offers, ETP messages, BMQ course loading);
  • implementing the expedited recruiting process for the SAILOR occupation and providing oversight to NRDs and CFRC collaboration;
  • providing waivers;
  • processing accommodations;
  • conducting SAV and quality audits to CFRCs and NRDs; and
  • maintaining the data analytics for the NEP.
CFRCs/NRDs
  • managing all files for the NEP.
CFHS
  • providing support to CFRCs and NRDs to conduct recruitment medical screening;
  • providing guidance with respect to health service screening processes; and
  • conducting the medical screening for SAILOR applicants.
CFLRS
  • synchronizing BMQ for SAILOR; and
  • processing accommodations.
DGDS
  • analyzing reliability/security requirements; and
  • conducting CRNC and credit checks within NEP expedited processing timelines and service standards.
DPGR
  • developing and maintaining the NEP policy;
  • approving waivers, as required;
  • establishing Entry Standards for the SAILOR occupation;
  • conducting selection interviews for COT;
  • processing LD accommodations;
  • developing occupation specifications
  • establishing the SIP and assessing production requirements for the Reg F in consultation with appropriate occupation authorities and advisors;
  • developing and maintaining the NCM general specifications;
  • developing military occupation specifications; and
  • implementing and supporting CAFITS at the NRDs.
DGMC/DMCPG
  • conducting the selection process (i.e., the COT/VOT); and
  • sending transfer instruction messages.
PSO
  • administering the CFAT and TSD-PI retests, if applicable;
  • assessing and making recommendations on the suitability of SAILOR applicants for COT, CT, or release;
  • providing PSO-related support to the Program;
  • providing career counselling to SAILOR members; and
  • conducting Release/Retention Interviews, if required.
RCN/MARPAC
  • employing the SAILOR members on an OJE period on a HMC Ship;
  • managing SAILOR personnel upon enrolment in the CAF;
  • processing accommodations; and
  • collaborating with CFRG HQ to identify and develop delta training for the RCN recruiting personnel.
BTL
  • coordinating TOS for SAILOR members.
Base/Wing
  • administering the release process.
CAF TG
  • providing assistance with the Military to Civilian Transition Process.
SAILOR applicant/member
  • completing the online application or form DND 2170 employment application;
  • providing all required documentation;
  • voluntarily report any accommodation requests;
  • completing the required selection process;
  • accepting/refusing the NEP offer;
  • completing the attestation and enrolment ceremony; and
  • accepting/refusing the COT.

7. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other references

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