Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 04/22 – Posting Regular Force Members to the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2022-11-18

Date of Modification: 2025-03-12

Application: This Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction (CAFMPI) applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Regular Force (Reg F) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The above members are identified in this Instruction as “members.” For attachment of Reserve Force (Res F) members to Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG), refer to CANFORGEN 166/22, Posting CAF Members to CAF TG, which provides guidance for both Res F and Reg F members. A separate instruction will also follow to cover the attachment of Res F members to CAF TG.

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP).

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC) for policy related enquiries, and the nearest Canadian Armed Forces Transition Centre (CAF TC) for individual specific enquiries.

2. Definitions

Attached posting (affectation temporaire)

The assignment of a CAF member, for more than 30 days but less than 365 days, from an establishment position in one organization to an establishment position in a different organization that has a different department identifier. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 696949)

Domain of well-being (domaine du bien-être)

A quality-of-life indicator that can be measured. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 696980)

Note – Domains of well-being are interdependent and include health, finances, housing and physical environment, social integration, purpose, life skills and preparedness, and cultural and social environment.

Posting (affectation)

The permanent transfer of a Regular Force member from an establishment position in one organization to an establishment position in a different organization with a different department identifier. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 18917)

Note – An organization may exist in two or more geographic locations, each location having a different department identifier. A permanent transfer between these locations is a posting.

Service Personnel Holding List (SPHL) (Liste des effectifs du personnel non disponible (LEPND))

The national-level accounting list of CAF members posted to the CAF Transition Group for return-to-duty purposes or transition to civilian life. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697008)

3. Policy Direction

Context

3.1 The CAF TG is a strategic CAF asset which contributes to operational effectiveness by both supporting ill and injured CAF personnel in their reintegration and supporting the readiness of CAF units. Consequently, the CAF TG is charged with maintaining effective posting policies within the transition framework which balance these imperatives.

Policy statement

3.2 This instruction provides information and guidance related to posting members to CAF TG where they will be provided a supportive environment to recover and return to being fit for general and operational duties. When this cannot be achieved, a posting to CAF TG will enhance their preparation for transition to post-military life.

4. Operating principles

4.1 Participation in a Return to Duty (RTD) program at unit level should normally be considered as the first option when there is a prognosis for potential recovery. Supporting RTD plans at unit level promotes loyalty to the CAF members, as well as providing the ill or injured members with support in a familiar setting, thereby increasing the potential of retention in the CAF. 

4.2 Posting a member to CAF TG for recovery should only be considered when unit level options, such as RTD program, requires greater support. When appropriate, a posting will allow members to focus on their recovery and rehabilitation while receiving appropriate support toward their return to being fit for general and operational duties or preparation for transition, based on their individual prognosis and circumstances.

Eligibility

4.3 Any member whose medical employment limitations (MELs) and prognosis would restrict their full-time employment in rank or occupation for a minimum period of six months may be considered for posting to CAF TG. A posting to CAF TG will significantly improve the member’s potential recovery and return to being fit general and operational duties, or to more effectively transition following their military career.

4.4 Examples include but are not limited to the following:

1. a member with MELs and an assigned temporary category (TCAT) or permanent category (PCAT) that restricts the full-time performance of their duties in their current occupation and unit;
2. based on an approved Integrated Transition Plan and an administrative review due to permanent MELs, a member with complex transition needs should be posted to CAF TG for an approved period of transition between six months to three years;
3. a member authorized to participate in a Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members (VRPSM), where a posting to a CAF TC in the same geographical location will positively enhance the member’s VRPSM plan; and
4. a member facing other health related concerns and exceptional circumstances.

Exceptional circumstances

4.5 Due to medical or exceptional circumstances, members who do not meet the eligibility criteria may still be recommended for posting to CAF TG. Possible exceptional circumstances where additional support for transition may be considered, include but are not limited to:

1. members in positions that are determined as essential and need to be backfilled for operational reasons should their MELs not be to the level indicated at section 4.3;
2. members with compelling circumstances which restrict employment for reasons other than a medical prognosis but are related to the domains of well-being and when the Director General Military Transition (DGMT) determines that a posting to CAF TG may enhance the members’ recovery or transition. 

4.6 The request for posting will be coordinated through the local CAF TC or through CAF TC Ottawa for members serving outside Canada (OUTCAN), using the standard application process.

4.7 For any circumstances that have not been outlined in this instruction, Commanding Officers (COs) are advised to approach their local CAF TC for more information.

Note – Members returning from OUTCAN does not in itself consist of an exceptional circumstance where a posting to CAF TG is warranted. Releasing members serving OUTCAN or at an Isolated Unit, relocate through a Change of Release Base (CORB) process pursuant to CANFORGEN 219/08 , Place of Release – Reg Force personnel serving OUTCAN and at Isolated units in Canada.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members

4.8 As indicated above at section 4.1, posting of members on VRPSM may be considered when there is compelling information that posting out of their current unit is in their best interest. In such cases, before a commanding officer (CO) initiates the request for a member’s posting to CAF TG who is on an approved VRPSM, the CO should consult with the member’s Career Manager (CM) to exhaust other options to retain the member in their current unit.

4.9 For members who apply to take part in a VRPSM at their Intended Place of Residence (IPR) vice within the geographical boundaries of their current place of duty, an attached posting to CAF TG may be considered if all the following conditions are met:

1. the member has requested, and the member’s CO has approved, an Early Move to IPR, in accordance with Chapter 14 of the Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive, to fund the relocation prior to the date of release;
2. the IPR is within the geographical boundaries of a Base/Wing CAF TG able to meet all of the member and family needs until the member’s date of release; and
3. the member waives the entitlement to the expenses reimbursement under the Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions (CFTDTI), in accordance with the Compensation Benefit Instruction 209.015, Exceptions and Limitations to Entitlements.

Note – The election of an IPR is final and the member therefore forfeits the option of choosing an IPR post-release.

Availability of Services from CAF Transition Centres

4.10 Support services available at CAF TCs for transitioning CAF members, as well as injured and ill CAF members during their treatment and recovery period, is available to all CAF members regardless of their current unit. A posting to CAF TG is not required to obtain support, information, and guidance. Primary points of contact at CAF TCs include Transition Advisors (TA) for transition services, and Services Coordinators (Svcs Coord) for casualty support services.

4.11 CAF TC support to releasing CAF members posted to isolated units or OUTCAN. In those circumstances when members are being released while posted to an isolated unit or OUTCAN, they may initiate the Military-to-Civilian Transition (MCT) process as soon as their release has been confirmed through a TA at CAF TC Ottawa. An assigned Transition Advisor (TA) will collaborate with a Veteran Service Agent from Veterans Affairs Canada, a Release Administrator (RA) from CAF and if being released for medical reasons, will collaborate with a CAF TC Services Coordinator. These organizations will provide transitioning personnel with an integrated and professional support network to ensure successful transition using the CAF TG Virtual Transition Centre and other electronic means. 

Authorities for Career Management

4.12 For personnel who have attained the Occupational Functional Point (OFP) and who are posted to CAF TG, Director Military Careers (D Mil C) Career Manager CAF TC Supported Members or the Director Senior Appointments (DSA) (Col/Capt(N) and above and CWO/CPO1) will provide dedicated CM services through the CAF TG to ill and injured Regular Force CAF members in support of the overall care of the ill and injured program.

4.13 When ill and injured personnel are posted to the CAF TG, the responsibility for the individual’s career management will shift from their occupation CM to CM CAF TC Supported Members or will remain with DSA if applicable. It will then be CM CAF TC Supported Members or DSA’s responsibility, in cooperation with the member’s CAF TG chain of command, the occupation CM, and the various service support providers represented in the CAF TC, to ensure that these members’ careers continue to fully progress given the limitations of their medical conditions.

4.14 Members who have not yet reached OFP are managed by the respective Basic Training List managers, under the authority of the respective Training Authority/Designated Training Authority, as outlined in DND 2794, Request for Posting to CAF TG (Regular Force Member).

4.15 The authority to post members to CAF TG remains with Commander (Comd) of CAF TG/DGMT.

Leave

4.16 Members posted to the CAF TG are subject to the normal administrative procedures of the CAF, and as such:

1. will use all annual leave in accordance with the DAOD 5060-0, Leave; and
2. are not permitted to accumulate annual leave unless there are necessary medical treatment conditions which prohibit the member from taking leave, and in that instance, they must not exceed the career maximum.

4.17 Although a member on sick leave cannot be ordered on annual leave, the CO must ensure that annual leave is taken between periods of sick leave, whenever possible. Members on the full-time VRPSM are not excused from taking annual leave, and they are obligated to expend their annual leave entitlement within the constraints of the program.

4.18 Should cash out of unused annual leave of Reg F members posted to CAF TG be required, the national financial coding to be used is: 2202ZA C103 0000001131. For more information, contact the local CAF TC.

Promotion while Posted to CAF Transition Group

4.19 In compliance with QR&O 11.02, Conditions Governing Promotion, an officer or non-commissioned member may not be promoted to a higher rank unless there is an appropriate vacancy in the total establishment for the member’s component. As members posted to CAF TG are in SPHL positions, which are not established positions in respect to an assigned rank or component, they may not be promoted while posted to CAF TG. Promotion for members who otherwise meet the required promotion criteria will be deferred until they are posted to an establishment position in the next higher rank and can perform the duties of that position. Seniority and entry to promotion zone (EPZ) dates will be protected. 

Note – This article does not apply to promotion to the ranks of Corporal/Sailor 1^st Class or Captain/Lieutenant (naval), which are not controlled ranks for promotion, providing that all pre-requisites have been met.

5. Process

5.1 A unit CO may initiate a request for a member’s posting to CAF TG based on a recommendation from:

1. the member’s direct supervisor;
2. the Base/Wing Surgeon (B/W Surg); or
3. the CO of a CAF Transition Unit (CAF TU) with input from the officer commanding (OC) of a CAF TC or the member’s CM.

Note – In cases enunciated at sub paragraphs a to c above, the member must be provided with an opportunity to make representations to the unit CO prior to the decision to initiate a request being made. Should the member not be available to make representation due to medical condition or other factors, the request may be made without member’s representation. The reason for not including a member’s representation must be indicated in the request.

Posting to a CAF Transition Group

5.2 A CO initiates the request for a member’s posting to CAF TG by completing Sections 1 and 2 of the form DND 2794. Once the recommendation to post a member to CAF TG is made, the unit should discuss the posting request with the proposed gaining CO CAF TU, and then forward the form to the B/W Surg to confirm current MELs, a prognosis in respect of their ability to perform their duties in occupation and rank and, if applicable, when the member may be able to return fit for general and operational duties. Following review by the B/W Surg and CO CAF TU, the request is then reviewed by the member’s CM and adjudicated by CAF TG HQ, before being submitted to Comd CAF TG/DGMT or a delegated authority.

Member’s Request for Posting to a CAF Transition Group

5.3 While a unit CO initiates a posting to CAF TG using form DND 2794 based on the member’s current MELs and prognosis, CAF members not being considered for posting to CAF TG by their chain of command may submit such a request on their own initiative, in writing, through their chain of command. Such requests should include how a posting to CAF TG will significantly enhance the member’s ability to complete a successful return to being fit for general and operational duties or transition to civilian life. The option to initiate a request for posting to CAF TG will remain a chain of command decision.

Duration of a Posting to CAF Transition Group

5.4 A member will remain posted to CAF TG until such time that:

1. the member is able to perform duties in occupation and rank, and is deemed fit for general and operational duties. The member’s CO CAF TU or OC CAF TC will initiate a request to post from CAF TG via DND 2795, Request for Posting from CAF TG (Regular Force Supported Member) to the member’s CM, which will include a statement from the B/W Surg, who can verify that the member’s MELs and prognosis no longer restrict the member’s employment;
2. the member is capable of working full-time with assigned MELs, and an administrative review (MEL) has confirmed that the member can continue to serve in the CAF, with or without career restrictions; and
3. when posted to CAF TG for transition to post-military life, the member is released.

Geographical location change

5.5 CAF members may request a posting from their home unit to a CAF TC that entails a change in their location to be closer to family and/or specific transition supports and services at a CAF TC providing that the location is within a Base/Wing geographical boundaries to ensure continued base level support and the CAF TC’s area of responsibility. These requests will be reviewed with significant consideration but are not guaranteed. The posting request, by a member and endorsed by a B/W Surg must show compelling evidence that the member’s relocation is based on medical needs – resources to support rehabilitation and recovery, and social supports that will have a direct impact on their expected outcomes.

6. Reporting and tracking

General

6.1 In order to prepare members to return to being fit for general and operational duties, or transition to post-military life, the current policy aims to offer eligible members sufficient support for recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Notwithstanding the reality that ill and injured CAF members demand an individualized level of support to meet the needs unique to each member, there may be trends which are more common where lessons learned can be used to develop more efficient service delivery methods within the CAF. An awareness of the proportion of members who can return to being fit for general and operational duties and those who transition out of the CAF after their posting may provide a way to better forecast attrition after a posting to CAF TG, as well as ensure the target population receives appropriate support. That is, support and services must be geared towards the demographics of the members being posted. Tracking the length of time members are posted to CAF TG will allow for an analysis of length of posting compared to reason(s) for posting.

6.2 The current policy identifies the collection of information on exceptional posting requests and postings as also important, including: the reason(s) for the request or posting and length of posting. An awareness of these members’ trajectory and circumstances after posting – return fit for general and operational duties or transition to post-military life – will also inform the provision of supports and services to this recipient group.

6.3 This instruction will be reviewed two years after promulgation to ensure it is efficacious and equitable, as well as to mitigate any unintended consequences.

7. Education and training

General

7.1 Members may consult the Guide for Posting Regular Force Personnel To / From CAF TG, which outlines the different scenarios and associated requirements for posting to and from CAF TG. For more information, members are encouraged to engage with their local CAF TC or TU, which can provide additional resources and support.

8. Responsibilities

Responsibilities table

8.1 The following identifies the responsibilities associated with this instruction:

9. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Associated DAOD

• QR&O Chapter 11.02, Conditions Governing Promotion
• QR&O Chapter 15, Release
• CBI Chapter 1, Introduction
• CBI Chapter 209, Transportation and Travelling Expenses
• CBI Chapter 211, Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members
• DAOD 5018-4, Return To Duty Program For CAF Members
• DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review
• DAOD 5023-1, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service
• DAOD 5060-0, Leave

Other References

• CANFORGEN 151/07, Interim Policy - Vocational Rehabilitation Program For Serving Members (VRPSM) (Only available on the DWAN)
• CANFORGEN 219/08, Place of Release - Reg Force personnel serving outside Canada (OUTCAN) and at isolated units in Canada (Only available on the DWAN)
• CANFORGEN 183/11, Career Transition Support Policy for Severely Injured or Ill CF Members (Only available on the DWAN)
• CANFORGEN 166/22, Posting Canadian Armed Forces (CAF Members) to CAF Transition Group (CAF TG) (Only available on the DWAN)
• Joint CDS/DM Directive, Operation TRANSITION, 7 December 2018 (Only available on the DWAN)
• Form DND 2794, Posting to CAF TG For Regular Forces Members (Only available on the DWAN)
• Form DND 2795, Request for Posting from CAF TG (Regular Force Supported Member) (Only available on the DWAN)
• Guide for Posting Regular Force Personnel to / from Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) (Only available on the DWAN)
• Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions
• Canadian Armed Forces Relocation Directive (CAFRD)