DAOD 5002-8, Reserve Entry Scheme – Officers

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Overview and Plan Framework
  3. Selection
  4. Career Administration
  5. Academic Degree Attainment
  6. Military Occupation Training and Duty
  7. Administration
  8. Consequences
  9. Responsibilities
  10. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2015-02-24

Application: This DAOD is an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members (NCMs) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF members).

Supersession:

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries: Director Personnel Generation Requirements (DPGR)

2. Overview and Plan Framework

Context

2.1 The CAF recognizes that the attainment of a baccalaureate degree:

  1. fulfils part of the professional development requirements for officers; and
  2. assists officers in the development of their leadership abilities to the required standard.

2.2 A baccalaureate degree is normally a prerequisite for the enrolment of an officer applicant or the promotion of an officer cadet/naval cadet to a commissioned officer rank. However, under certain conditions it is necessary for the CAF to accept applicants or promote CAF members who lack a baccalaureate degree but who are otherwise suitable for employment as an officer.

2.3 A suitable civilian or CAF member who lacks a baccalaureate degree may apply to become a Primary Reserve (P Res) officer under the Reserve Entry Scheme – Officers (RESO).

Purpose

2.4 The RESO is a P Res officer production plan. It enables the CAF to maintain the optimal trained effective strength and production levels of P Res officers in military occupations by enrolling civilians, or promoting or transferring CAF members, who are required to attain a baccalaureate degree suitable for the targeted officer military occupation prior to being promoted to the rank of major/lieutenant-commander.

2.5 In accordance with officer military occupation entry standards, the RESO may also be used to enrol specialist officers who are pursuing an advanced degree programme specified as the requirement for entry into the targeted officer military occupation.

Note – Officer military occupation entry standards are available on the DPGR intranet site.

RESO and Health Services Officer Military Occupations

2.6 Despite the flexibility inherent in this DAOD, all RESO applicants to health services officer military occupations, with the exception of health care administration, must be enrolled in full-time studies leading to the required academic degree for the officer military occupation.

RESO and the Chaplain Branch

2.7 Given the unique military occupation requirements, details of the RESO as it applies to the Chaplain Branch are set out in Canadian Forces Military Personnel Instruction (CAF Mil Pers Instr) 01/15, Reserve Entry Scheme – Officers, Chaplain Branch.

RESO Planning and Management

2.8 In order to select a civilian or CAF member as a RESO officer, a vacant establishment position must be available.

3. Selection

General

3.1 An applicant for the RESO normally does not hold an academic degree and may be:

  1. a civilian with or without prior CAF service;
  2. a P Res NCM;
  3. a Regular Force (Reg F) officer or NCM on component transfer; or
  4. an officer or an NCM from another Reserve Force (Res F) sub-component on sub-component transfer.

Note – While civilians are not subject to DAODs as directives or orders, this DAOD sets out the administrative process applicable to civilians entering the RESO.

3.2 An applicant who holds an academic degree that is not acceptable for the targeted officer military occupation as set out in the officer military occupation entry standards may also be enrolled under the RESO.

Eligibility Criteria

3.3 The following table identifies the standards and requirements an applicant must meet to be eligible for the RESO:

An applicant must … Amplification
  • meet the minimum operational standards set out in DAOD 5023-1, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service.
  • A CAF member who applies must hold a valid physical fitness evaluation result on the date of application for RESO and on the effective date of transfer.
  • meet the minimum medical standards for the targeted officer military occupation as set out in A-MD-154-000/FP-000, Medical Standards for the Canadian Forces, Annex E.
  • The medical category of a CAF member must be valid in accordance with CF Health Services Instruction 4000-21, Periodic and Other Health Assessments – Periods of Validity, on the date of application for RESO and on the effective date of transfer.
  • If a Reg F member has been assigned a medical category that does not meet the minimum medical standard for their military occupation, but has been retained without restrictions in their military occupation as the result of an administrative review – medical employment limitations, then the CAF member is eligible for component transfer to the same military occupation in the P Res.
  • meet the entry standards for the targeted officer military occupation.
  • See the entry standards under the “Recruiting & Selection” heading on the DPGR intranet site.
  • meet the special requirements identified in the officer military occupation specification for the targeted officer military occupation.
  • See the special requirements under the “Specifications” heading on the DPGR intranet site.
  • successfully complete selection processing to measure cognitive ability, attributes and competencies to assess suitability for the targeted officer military occupation.
  • Not applicable.
  • be enrolled either full-time, part-time or by distance learning in a baccalaureate degree programme leading to a degree suitable for the targeted officer military occupation, as specified in the officer military occupation entry standards.
  • At the time of application for the RESO, the applicant must, at a minimum, have a letter of acceptance for an appropriate academic programme. The applicant must be enrolled in the academic programme in order to be enrolled in the CAF or transferred, as applicable, as a RESO officer.
  • A student in the province of Québec who is enrolled in a pre-university diplôme d’études collégiales is eligible for the RESO, provided their academic programme leads to a suitable academic degree programme for the targeted officer military occupation.
  • A student enrolled at a college in a collaborative degree programme in partnership with a university is eligible for the RESO.
  • Some officer military occupations may require a RESO officer to be enrolled in full-time studies. In such cases, this is indicated in the officer military occupation entry standards.

3.4 An applicant must also meet the following additional requirements:

An applicant who is … must … Amplification
a civilian meet the conditions, standards and requirements for enrolment in the P Res. See DAOD 5002-1, Enrolment.
a CAF member of any component be recommended by their commanding officer (CO). An NCM must also be recommended for commissioning by their CO.
a member of the Reg F volunteer for and be able to complete a component transfer to the P Res upon acceptance in the RESO. See DAOD 5002-3, Component and Sub-Component Transfer, and CF Mil Pers Instr 03/08, Canadian Forces Component Transfer and Component Transfer Career Programs.
a member of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), the Canadian Rangers or the Supplementary Reserve (Supp Res)
  • volunteer for and be able to complete a sub-component transfer to the P Res upon acceptance in the RESO; and
  • meet the conditions, standards and requirements for enrolment in the P Res.
See DAODs 5002-1 and 5002-3 and CF Mil Pers Instr 03/08.

Selection Process

3.5 The following table outlines the RESO selection process:

Step Who does it? Action
1 Determine RESO intake requirements
  • Occupation authority (OA)
  • Determines the officer production requirement.
  • Advises unit COs of authorized intake.
2 Application
  • Applicant
  • Submits application and required supporting documentation, including a written learning plan (see paragraph 5.4), to the CO of the P Res unit.
3 Referral
  • CO of the P Res unit
  • Refers civilian applicants to the appropriate Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) or detachment.
  • Refers Reg F applicants who are changing their military occupation, P Res NCM applicants, and applicants from the COATS, Canadian Rangers or Supp Res, to the appropriate brigade, base or wing personnel selection officer (PSO).
4 Eligibility and suitability assessment
  • CFRC or detachment for civilian applicants.
  • A brigade, base or wing PSO for Reg F applicants who are changing their military occupation and for Res F applicants.
  • Assesses applicant eligibility for the RESO.
  • Briefs the applicant on the terms of service for RESO and the requirement to complete a baccalaureate degree prior to promotion to the rank of major/lieutenant-commander.
  • Confirms the applicant’s acceptance without condition in a baccalaureate degree programme, or a post-secondary programme that leads directly to a baccalaureate degree programme, that is congruent with the officer military occupation entry standards.
  • Conducts the suitability assessment of the applicant for the targeted officer military occupation, recommends an officer military occupation assignment and forwards the assessment to the CO of the P Res unit.
5 Recommendation
  • CO of the P Res unit
  • Recommends the most suitable applicants for selection by order of merit, based on the assessment scores assigned by the CFRC, detachment or PSO.
  • Forwards applicant files to the officer commanding a command for approval.
6 Offer
  • Officer commanding a command or delegated authority
  • Verifies that a vacant establishment position is available, reviews applicant files and approves selection.
  • Generates an enrolment offer (see DAOD 5002-1) or promotion, military occupation, component or sub-component transfer message (see CF Mil Pers Instr 03/08), which states the requirement to attain a baccalaureate degree.
  • Indicates on the offer:
    • the baccalaureate degree to be attained and the educational institution, if known (e.g. Bachelor of Military Arts and Science, Royal Military College of Canada); and
    • the requirement to attain the basic military officer qualification (BMOQ) if the applicant does not already hold the BMOQ or an equivalent.
7 Acceptance or refusal
  • Applicant
  • Either:
    • accepts the offer, provides proof of enrolment in a baccalaureate degree programme, or a post-secondary programme that leads directly to a baccalaureate degree programme, that is congruent with the officer military occupation entry standards, and proceeds to the next step; or
    • refuses the offer, which is the end of processing.
8 Enrolment, promotion, or military occupation, component or sub-component transfer
  • CO of the P Res unit
  • Performs the enrolment (in accordance with DAOD 5002-1) or change in rank ceremony, or conducts the military occupation, component or sub-component transfer, as applicable.
  • Ensures the applicant signs form DND 2996, Statement of Understanding, Reserve Entry Scheme – Officers.
9 BMOQ
  • RESO officer
  • Attains the BMOQ if applicable.
10 Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Initiation
  • RESO officer
  • Submits an ILP to the Canadian Defence Academy (CDA).

Note – The ILP is not approved prior to attainment of the BMOQ.

3.6 Annual deadlines for RESO applications may be established by the OAs or the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG).

3.7 Form DND 2996, which is signed by all successful applicants at the time of enrolment, change in rank or transfer, sets out expectations and obligations under the RESO.

3.8 All suitable applicants are normally accepted if sufficient vacant establishment positions exist. If the number of suitable applicants exceeds the number of vacant establishment positions, the CO recommends applicants for selection by order of merit using the assessment report scores from all fully processed and competitive applicants.

Personnel Records Management

3.9 A civilian who is enrolled or a CAF member who is promoted or transferred under the RESO must have the designation “RESO” entered in the commissioning plan field (i.e. Comm Plan) by the unit records support for purposes of the Human Resources Management System.

4. Career Administration

Rank and Promotion

4.1 A selected RESO applicant must be appointed as an officer cadet/naval cadet effective the date of enrolment, rank change, or military occupation, component or sub-component transfer, as applicable. Under CAF promotion policy, simultaneous promotions to a higher rank may occur.

4.2 Except as provided in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.3, a RESO officer holds the rank of officer cadet/naval cadet until the date that BMOQ or an equivalency is granted, upon which the RESO officer is eligible for promotion to the substantive rank of second lieutenant/acting sub-lieutenant. Promotion to commissioned officer rank must not be dated prior to the date the RESO officer is granted the BMOQ or an equivalency.

4.3 If an applicant has reached the minimum rank of corporal/leading seaman and has completed the equivalent of BMOQ upon acceptance to the RESO, then the applicant is appointed as an officer cadet/naval cadet with simultaneous promotion to the substantive rank of second lieutenant/acting sub-lieutenant. A request for a prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) must be submitted to the CDA by the unit, or by the CFRG in the case of a civilian applicant with prior service, in order for the CAF member to receive the BMOQ.

4.4 To be eligible for any promotion, a RESO officer must meet the conditions and standards specified in:

  1. CFAO 49-12, Promotion Policy – Officers – Primary Reserve; and
  2. CANFORGEN 087/06, New DAODs on Universality of Service, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service, and CF Physical Fitness Program.

4.5 A RESO medical officer follows the unique promotion pattern set out in A-PD-055-002/PP-001, Canadian Forces Manual of Military Employment Structure.

4.6 A RESO officer is not eligible for promotion to the substantive rank of major/lieutenant-commander until the officer has completed a baccalaureate degree. By exception, a waiver for promotion to the acting rank of major/lieutenant-commander may be approved by an officer commanding a command if a suitable officer in the rank of major/lieutenant-commander is not available to fill an essential position.

Military Occupation Transfer and Component Transfer

4.7 A RESO officer may apply for a voluntary military occupation transfer in accordance with CFAO 49-10, Terms of Service – Officers – Primary Reserve, provided that:

  1. the academic degree programme of the officer meets the requirements for the targeted officer military occupation; or
  2. the officer is able to change their academic degree programme to meet the requirements of the targeted officer military occupation.

4.8 A RESO officer may apply for component transfer to the Reg F in accordance with:

  1. DAOD 5002-3; and
  2. CF Mil Pers Instr 03/08.

4.9 A RESO officer who has not completed their academic degree or military training may be eligible for component transfer in accordance with:

  1. CFAO 9-12, Regular Officer Training Plan; or
  2. DAOD 5002-6, Continuing Education Officer Training Plan – Regular Force.

5. Academic Degree Attainment

Educational Institutions

5.1 Except as provided in paragraph 2.6, an academic degree must be completed through full-time, part-time or distance studies at:

  1. the Royal Military College of Canada;
  2. a Canadian university accredited by a provincial or territorial ministry or a federal government department;
  3. a Canadian college or educational institution that has degree-granting authority accredited by a provincial or territorial ministry or a federal government department; or
  4. any other degree-granting institution that has been accredited by a Canadian accrediting authority as having education standards and curriculum comparable to a Canadian university or college with degree-granting authority. It is the responsibility of the RESO officer to provide proof of accreditation by a Canadian accrediting authority.

Academic Degrees

5.2 In accordance with the entry standards published on the DPGR intranet site, a RESO officer is required to complete an academic degree appropriate to the assigned officer military occupation.

5.3 A RESO officer may be awarded academic credits by their educational institution for academic credits obtained at other educational institutions and through military training. It is the responsibility of the RESO officer to initiate a PLAR process with their educational institution.

Learning Plans

5.4 An applicant for the RESO is required to provide their CO with a written plan for completion of their academic degree. This may be a copy of the ILP filed with the CDA (see paragraph 7.4).

Changes to Learning Plans

5.5 A RESO officer is permitted to schedule one or more breaks from their academic training, subject to the policies of the educational institution in which the RESO officer is enrolled. Such breaks may be for service reasons such as a deployment, or for personal reasons. For any such break, a RESO officer is required to:

  1. advise their CO of:
    1. their intention to schedule the break; and
    2. their plan for resuming their studies; and
  2. revise their ILP.

5.6 Except as provided in paragraph 2.6, a RESO officer is permitted, subject to the policies of the educational institution in which the officer is enrolled, to change their academic programme from full-time to part-time studies. In such a case, the RESO officer is required to:

  1. advise their CO of any changes to their learning plan; and
  2. revise their ILP.

5.7 A RESO officer should request approval from their CO prior to changing their academic degree programme to a different degree programme. Prior to approving any change to the academic degree programme, the CO must ensure that the new academic degree satisfies the requirements of the military occupation of the officer. This may be done by consulting the officer military occupation entry standards or the brigade, base or wing PSO. If a RESO officer changes their academic degree programme to one which is unacceptable for their officer military occupation, the CO must conduct an administrative review (AR) in accordance with DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review, and CANFORGEN 134/12, Decentralization of Authorities Related to Remedial Measures and Administrative Actions. Possible actions as a result of the AR include:

  1. military occupation transfer to another officer military occupation for which the academic degree is acceptable;
  2. relinquishment of rank in accordance with QR&O 11.12, Relinquishment of Rank, and service as an NCM; or
  3. release.

Monitoring Academic Progress

5.8 The academic progress of RESO officers must be monitored by unit COs and reported on using the CF Personnel Appraisal System (CFPAS).

5.9 If a RESO officer fails to make academic progress in a manner consistent with their learning plan or does not maintain acceptable standing as defined by their educational institution, the RESO officer must notify their CO. The CO must interview the officer to determine:

  1. reasons for the lack of progress;
  2. whether modifications to the learning plan are possible to allow the officer to complete the academic degree or another degree suitable for the officer’s military occupation; and
  3. a course of action, including the use of remedial measures in accordance with DAOD 5019-4, Remedial Measures.

5.10 If a RESO officer withdraws from their academic programme or is unwilling or unable to complete an academic degree, the CO must conduct an AR in accordance with DAOD 5019-2 and CANFORGEN 134/12. Possible actions as a result of the AR include:

  1. retention with restriction in rank if permitted by the requirements of the officer’s military occupation;
  2. military occupation transfer to another officer military occupation, with restriction in rank, if an academic degree is not part of the requirements of that officer military occupation;
  3. relinquishment of rank in accordance with QR&O 11.12 and service as an NCM; or
  4. release.

6. Military Occupation Training and Duty

Military Occupation Training

6.1 Military occupation training for a RESO officer takes place at the P Res unit of the officer, at other units assigned by their CO, or at CAF training establishments during the summer training period or at other times depending on availability of the training. Until qualified in their officer military occupation, a RESO officer is expected to attend military occupation training, including that which is provided at CAF training establishments.

6.2 If a RESO officer is not progressing satisfactorily in military occupation training, the CO must interview the RESO officer with a view to facilitating progress. The CO may also consider the use of remedial measures in accordance with DAOD 5019-4. If, after being given a reasonable opportunity, the RESO officer fails to improve adequately, the CO must conduct an AR in accordance with DAOD 5019-2 and CANFORGEN 134/12. Possible actions as a result of the AR include:

  1. military occupation transfer;
  2. relinquishment of rank in accordance with QR&O 11.12 and service as an NCM; or
  3. release.

Duty and Training at Units

6.3 A RESO officer must participate in duty and training at assigned units and is paid for this participation. A RESO officer may request an exemption from duty and training (ED&T) in accordance with CF Mil Pers Instr 20/04, Administrative Policy of “Class A”, “Class B” and “Class C” Reserve Service.

7. Administration

Compensation and Benefits

7.1 A RESO officer is paid in accordance with CBI Chapter 204, Pay of Officers and Non-commissioned members.

7.2 Additional pay increments may be granted for any recognized period of qualifying service, academic or other special qualifications possessed by the RESO officer on enrolment or transfer (see CBI 204.511, Pay Increments – Reserve Force).

7.3 A RESO officer does not receive pay or subsidization for their attendance at post-secondary educational institutions nor are they obliged to serve in the Res F after graduation.

7.4 A RESO officer may be eligible for the partial reimbursement of education expenses related to academic training under the terms of CBI 210.801, Education Reimbursement – Primary Reserve. An ILP must be registered with the CDA prior to the RESO officer requesting any reimbursement under CBI 210.801, and prior to the completion of any course for which the RESO officer intends to submit a claim.

Non-Effective Strength

7.5 A RESO officer should be declared as non-effective when their unauthorized absence from duty exceeds the conditions set out in CF Mil Pers Instr 20/04. Procedures for declaring a Res F member non-effective are set out in The Military Human Resources Records Procedures (MHRRP). If attempts to encourage a RESO officer to become effective or to request an ED&T are unsuccessful, the CO must initiate release proceedings.

Release

7.6 The reasons, conditions and procedures pertaining to the release of officers, including those declared to be non-effective, are set out in QR&O Chapter 15, Release. Procedures for release of CAF members of the P Res are set out in detail in The Military Human Resources Records Procedures (MHRRP).

8. Consequences

Consequences of Non-Compliance

8.1 Non-compliance with this DAOD may have consequences for the CAF as an institution and for CAF members as individuals. Suspected non-compliance will be investigated. The nature and severity of the consequences resulting from actual non-compliance will be commensurate with the circumstances of the non-compliance.

9. Responsibilities

Responsibility Table

9.1 The following table identifies the responsibilities associated with this DAOD:

The … is or are responsible for …
OAs
  • identifying production requirements for their officer military occupations;
  • conducting PLARs on RESO applicants to assess qualifying service and identify courses, training and work experiences that are of value to the CAF; and
  • requesting determinations through the Director Pay Policy and Development for additional pay increments in accordance with CBI 204.511 for RESO officers upon enrolment or transfer.
officers commanding a command
  • monitoring RESO officer production;
  • approving the selection of applicants for the RESO; and
  • providing direction to COs that reinforces their organizational responsibility to mentor, provide support and be flexible in order to assist RESO officers with the attainment of a baccalaureate degree.
Commander, CDA
  • approving PLARs for leadership training for RESO officers;
  • reviewing and approving ILPs for RESO officers within designated authority levels; and
  • providing reimbursement for approved academic upgrading for RESO officers.
Commander, CFRG
  • processing requests for PLAR for civilian applicants for the RESO.
DPGR
  • reviewing and approving waivers to the officer military occupation entry standards in support of enrolment and in-service selection requirements for RESO officers;
  • maintaining the RESO policy and responding to questions concerning policy issues and interpretation; and
  • notifying the CMP of any non-compliance with this DAOD.
brigade, base, and wing PSOs
  • assessing and making recommendations on the suitability of Reg F applicants who are changing their military occupation and Res F applicants;
  • assisting COs in obtaining waivers of officer military occupation entry standards for RESO applicants; and
  • providing advice to COs and counselling RESO applicants as required on education and officer military occupation issues.
CFRCs or detachments
  • assessing civilian applicants, processing their files and making recommendations on their eligibility and suitability for the RESO;
  • counselling civilian applicants for the RESO as required on education and officer military occupation issues;
  • obtaining any required waivers of officer military occupation entry standards from the DPGR for civilian applicants for the RESO; and
  • forwarding, to the applicable enrolment authority, files for applicants that are eligible and suitable for enrolment into the CAF and selection for the RESO.
COs
  • obtaining any required waivers of officer military occupation entry standards from the DPGR for RESO applicants who are members of the CAF;
  • recommending RESO applicants for selection by order of merit based on assigned assessment scores;
  • ensuring successful RESO applicants sign Form DND 2996;
  • requesting, from the appropriate authorities, assessment of PLARs, qualifying service and pay increments for RESO officers;
  • providing support to RESO officers for the attainment of a baccalaureate degree;
  • monitoring the academic progress of RESO officers;
  • reporting on the academic progress of RESO officers using the CFPAS; and
  • conducting ARs if required and taking the appropriate administrative actions.
RESO officers
  • submitting a learning plan to their CO on application for the RESO;
  • submitting an ILP to the CDA prior to completing any course for which the RESO officer intends to submit a claim for reimbursement;
  • submitting a PLAR request to their educational institution for recognition of previous academic credits or military training, if applicable;
  • informing their CO of any changes to their academic programme;
  • participating in duty and training at assigned units;
  • completing required military occupation training;
  • providing an annual academic progress report to their CO; and
  • attaining a baccalaureate degree.

10. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other References

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