DAOD 5023-1, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service


1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2006-05-19

Effective Date: 2006-05-08

Date of Last Modification: 2025-04-01

Date of Last Review: 2025-04-01

Application: This DAOD is an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Regular Force (Reg F) and the Primary Reserve (P Res).

Note 1 – This DAOD does not apply to members of the Supplementary Reserve (Supp Res) as they are not required to perform military or any other form of duty or training as members of that sub-component.

Note 2  This DAOD does not apply to members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) as the nature of their duties does not engage the principle of universality of service.

Note 3 – This DAOD does not apply to members of the Canadian Rangers (CR) as the nature of their duties does not engage the principle of universality of service.

In this DAOD, the term “CAF members” is used to identify the members of the CAF to whom this DAOD applies.

This DAOD is also a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND employees) solely for the purpose of supervisory duties when they supervise CAF members.

Supersession:

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Policy Office of Primary Interest: Director Military Careers Policy and Grievances (DMCPG)

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)

2. Abbreviations

Abbreviation Complete Word of Phrase

AR (EA)

administrative review

CBRN (CBRN)

chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear

CMTFE (ÉCPTMC) Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation
CoC (C de C) chain of command
Comd (Cmdt) commander
CPR (RCR) cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
BMOQ (QMBO) basic military officer qualification
BMQ (QMB) basic military qualification
DGMPRA (DGRAPM) Director General Military Personnel Reasearch and Analysis
FA (PS) first aid
FORCE (FORCE) Fitness for Operational Requirements of Canadian Armed Forces Employment
FP (PF) force protection
MEL (CERM) medical employment limitation
U of S (U du S) universality of service

3. Minimum Operational Standards

Context

3.1 The standards associated with the duties at para 3.3 describe the baseline requirements for all CAF members regardless of their environment and occupation in order to comply with the principle of U of S.

3.2 The minimum operational standards described in paras 3.3 and 3.4 are the result of research and summarize the minimum that is acceptable to ensure the CAF’s operational effectiveness.

Duties

3.3 The table below summarizes the minimum operational standards related to the duties that CAF members must be able to perform. The research to develop the minimum operational standards can be found in R-01-007-000-AG-000, Body of Research for Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service.

  CAF members are required to... which is described as... for which the mechanism of assessment is primarily informed by..
1 Execute CBRN drills and procedures 
  • Being able to don and doff the entire CAF issued CBRN protective ensemble including CBRN respiratory protection, while ensuring an effective fit, and conduct all necessary drills and procedures

Training Standards:

  • Training requirement in accordance with B-GL-005-380-FP-101, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defence Operations

Physical Demands:

  • FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2, Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198 
2 Erect a temporary shelter
  • Being able to unload the equipment for the shelter from a DND vehicle by hand and carry to a set-up point. Erecting the temporary shelter including connecting poles, stitching, lifting the frame and then securing to the ground with stakes and sandbags

Physical Demands:

  • Additional demands to CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2 para 4.1 Notes 1 and 2

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198
3 Perform sentry duties
  • Being able to perform sentry duties while wearing fighting order and carrying the service rifle while understanding and following Rules of Engagement

Physical Demands:

  • FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198

Human Right:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2, Conscientious Objection
4 Provide initial firefighting response
  • Being able to react to a fire by conducting the necessary initial drills using the available initial firefighting tools to attempt to extinguish the fire

Physical Demands:

  • FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198
5 Administer FA and CPR
  • Being able to recognize someone in medical distress and provide assistance in the form of FA and CPR until relieved by Emergency Medical Services

Physical Demands:

  • FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198
6 Safely maintain and operate a personal service rifle
  • Being able to safely manipulate the service rifle, conduct the necessary drills and actions to load and fire the rifle as required

Training Standards:

  • Training requirement in accordance with B-GL-382-001/FP 001 CAF Operational Shooting Program

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5

Human Rights:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2
7 Meet the CMTFE Standards
  • Being able to meet the standard for each of the following six common military tasks:

o   Escape to Cover

o   Vehicle Extrication

o   Picking and Digging

o   Stretcher Carry

o   Sandbag Fortification

o   Pickets and Wire Carry

Physical Demands:

  • FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
8 Travel as a passenger in various modes of transportation
  • Being able to be transported to and from various locations as a passenger in the back of a heavy wheeled logistic transporter vehicle. This includes being able to climb in and out of the vehicle while wearing a day pack

Physical Demands:

  • Additional demands to CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2 para 4.1 Notes 1 and 2

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
9 Perform duties wearing fighting order
  • Being able to don, doff and perform duties while wearing fighting order

Physical Demands:

  • FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE in accordance with DAOD 5023-2
10 Understand and apply FP measures
  • Being able to understand the concept of FP and apply the appropriate mitigation measures. This encompasses all measures taken to contribute to mission success by preserving freedom of action and operational effectiveness through managing risks and minimizing vulnerabilities to personnel, information, materiel, facilities, and activities

Training Standards:

  • Training and exercises conducted in accordance with NDSOD chapter 13 and B-GJ-005-501 FP 001 Use of Force for CF Operations

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198

Human Rights:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2
11 Understand and apply the use of force continuum
  • Being able to understand and apply the use of force continuum. This encompasses defensive and offensive uses of force employed in a military context. This can include low levels of presence (e.g., being visible and armed), verbal commands (e.g., cautionary orders given to a possible threat) up to and including lethal force

Training Standards:

  • Training and exercises conducted in accordance with authorized orders and B-GJ-005-501 FP 001

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198

Human Rights:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2
12 Understanding information and being able to communicate it to others in either official language
  • Being able to maintain the ability to read, write and verbally communicate in either French or English   

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
13 Follow lawful authority and instructions
  • Being able to follow lawful commands, orders and instructions for efficient command and control

CoC Assessment:

  • Adherence to QR&O 19.015 Lawful Commands and Orders

Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:

  • in accordance with scientific letter DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198

Human Rights:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2
14 Conduct and/or support operations domestically and internationally as required by the CAF
  • Being able to deploy to any geographical location and to perform duties as required by the CAF and as per the NDA

         Personnel Readiness:

  • Completion of the personnel verification process in accordance with DAOD 5009-1, Personnel Readiness Verification Screening
  • Determination of compassionate status in accordance with DAOD 5003-6, Contingency Cost Moves for Personal Reasons, Compassionate Status and Compassionate Posting

Human Rights:

  • Determination on restriction of duty in accordance with DAOD 5516-4, Restrictions of Duty
  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2

Working Conditions

3.4 The table below sets out the minimum operational standards related to the working conditions under which CAF members might be called upon to perform the duties listed in the table above.

  CAF members are required to… which is described as… for which the mechanism of assessment is primarily informed by…
1 Perform duties in a variety of threatening and hazardous environments
  • Being able to perform duties in a variety of threatening and hazardous environments; directly or indirectly facing and responding to a range of hostile and/or unpredictable environments and situations

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5

Human Rights:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2
2 Perform duties in a military environment
  • Being able to perform duties in the workplace
  • Being able to wear a uniform, be in the presence of others in uniform, be a member of the CoC, and work in and around military equipment and defence establishments

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5

Human Rights:

  • Conscientious objection in accordance with DAOD 5516-2
3 Perform duties under irregular, unpredictable, and prolonged working hours
  • Being able to work irregular hours: schedule that is uneven in duration or pattern
  • Being able to work unpredictable hours: hours that can be extended by unforeseen events 

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
4 Perform duties in an austere environment for a minimum of 48 hours
  • Being able to perform duties in an area of operations using only issued kit and rations

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
5 Perform duties in any climatic conditions
  • Being able to perform duties in any climatic conditions either indoors or outdoors, within limits of issued equipment

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
6 Perform duties with minimal or no medical support
  • Being able to perform duties with minimal medical support if the annual risk of exacerbation for a chronic medical condition does not exceed 5% and the level of care, in the event of an exacerbation, does not exceed the need to have access to a physician with diagnostic equipment for a period of up to 24 hours

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
7 Perform duties effectively without critical medication
  • Being able to perform duties without medication the absence of which is likely to result in sudden incapacitation or permanent harm after 48 hours
  • Being able to safely perform duties without a requirement for life-saving medication in the event of an exacerbation of a chronic medical condition

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5
8 Perform duties under limited meal conditions
  • Being able to perform duties in various environments and conditions in which meals may be delayed, limited or unavailable

Medical Fitness:

  • MEL in accordance with para 4.5

Human Rights:

  • Religious or spiritual beliefs in accordance with DAOD 5516-3, Religious or Spiritual Accommodation

 

4. Process and Administrative Requirements

Intent

4.1 The CAF is committed to applying and enforcing the principle of U of S, to assessing a CAF member’s ability to meet U of S and to providing supportive actions to enable CAF members to meet the minimum operational standards. CAF members and DND employees who supervise CAF members must support this commitment. Unless restricted by one or more MELs or other restrictions apply as set out in section 5, CAF members must train for and meet the established standards. COs, the CoC and DND employees who supervise CAF members are all responsible for enabling and promoting training activities to enable meeting the minimum operational standards as well as providing diligent support and administrative follow-up action in accordance with this DAOD.

Assessments

4.2 Assessments inform a determination by an authority on whether a CAF member meets the standards for the duties in para 3.3 and the working conditions in para 3.4.

4.3 Assessments should be conducted in a manner that incorporates an interdisciplinary approach with the appropriate subject matter experts to ensure a fair, equitable and repeatable process with an aim to provide recommendations based on a holistic approach.

4.4 When a CO or a supervisor of a CAF member suspects that a CAF member may not be able to meet one or more minimum operational standards, they must take the following actions:

Step Action
1
Gather relevant information regarding the nature of the circumstance: health-related, family status, performance deficiency, etc.
2 Seek subject matter expertise, such as medical or legal advice, as well as policy direction and guidance pertaining to the circumstances and determine if supportive actions can be provided. If supportive actions cannot be provided, go to step 5.
3 Provide supportive actions in accordance with para 4.8.
4 Reassess to determine if standards are met. If not, determine if further supportive actions can be provided, as per step 2. If no further supportive actions can be provided, go to step 5.
5 Recommend that an AR or AR(MEL) be initiated, in accordance with DAOD 5019-2, if the member no longer meets standards and supportive actions have been exhausted or the member has been assessed as having one or more permanent employment limitations.
6 Support a CAF member who, after an AR or AR(MEL), is deemed permanently unable to meet one or more minimum operational standards related to U of S through the transition process in accordance with the provisions of transition to post-military life policies.
  Note – Record every step in the appropriate official administrative system of record as per para 4.13.

Flow chart version – U of S Process and Administrative Requirements

Medical Employment Limitations

4.5 When a medical concern arises, a CAF member must seek medical attention, follow treatment guidelines, respect MELs issued and report them to their CoC. In turn, COs must respect MELs assigned by CAF medical care providers and notes from civilian health care providers for CAF members not entitled to care under QR&O article 34.07, Entitlement to Medical Care. DND employees who supervise CAF members must report immediately to a military supervisor when a CAF member is assigned one or more MELs.

4.6 MELs can be temporary or permanent. A temporary MEL is not considered an inability to meet the minimum operational standards. However, if a CAF member has been assessed as restricted by one or more permanent MELs, the CAF member must be subject to an AR(MEL) by the appropriate authority, in accordance with DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review.

Other Employment Limitations

4.7 Similarly to a health-related condition warranting temporary MELs, other temporary circumstances could arise, for instance based on family status, and warrant the need for a temporary employment limitation. Temporary employment limitations are not considered an inability to meet minimum operational standards. When such circumstances arise, COs and DND employees who supervise CAF members must provide supportive actions.

Supportive Actions

4.8 The CAF offers multiple supportive actions that can assist a CAF member cope with temporary circumstances, as well as help attain and maintain the ability to meet the minimum operational standards related to U of S. Supportive actions are captured in various policy instruments, programs and services available to CAF members. They include but are not limited to:

Inability to Meet Minimum Operational Standards

4.9 A CAF member will be deemed permanently unable to meet U of S only when CAF supportive actions have been exhausted and the CAF member is no longer able to meet one or more of the minimum operational standards. This can happen for multiple reasons including but not limited to:

Administrative Review and Transition

4.10 If a CAF member has been assessed as having one or more permanent employment limitations, which could indicate an inability of that CAF member to meet one or more of the minimum operational standards, the CAF member must be subject to an AR by the appropriate authority, in accordance with DAOD 5019-2.

4.11 If it is determined after an AR that a CAF member is deemed permanently unable to meet one or more of the minimum operational standards, this will result in a transition out of the Reg F and P Res. CAF members will be supported throughout their transition in accordance with the provisions of transition to post-military life policies.

4.12 CAF members who are transitioning out of the Reg F and P Res may be considered for a component or sub-component transfer to the COATS or CR, if they meet the requirements for the desired component or sub-component.

Administrative Requirements

4.13 The date and result of every evaluation, assessment, employment limitation, supportive action and ability or inability to meet minimum operational standards related to U of S must be recorded in the appropriate official administrative system of record.

5. Restrictions

CAF Members under the age of 18

5.1 Section 34 of the National Defence Act (NDA) prohibits the deployment of a CAF member under the age of 18 to a theatre of hostilities. This restriction was imposed to comply with Canada’s international treaty obligations and is not considered an inability to meet minimum operational standards. 

Chaplains

5.2 While in accordance with QR&O 33.07(3) chaplains shall not bear arms or be ordered to bear arms, and shall not be required to perform any military duties other than those duties that are related or ancillary to the provision of chaplain services, QR&O 33.03 establishes that chaplains provide chaplain services to CAF members and their families. Accordingly, chaplains must be prepared to perform their duties at home and abroad, in support of the domestic and international operations in which the CAF participates. Therefore, chaplains are required to meet all duties and working conditions contained in tables 3.3 and 3.4 respectively with the exception of the following:

Restrictions of Duty

5.3 A restriction of duty imposed on a CAF member under DAOD 5516-4 is not deemed as an inability to meet minimum operational standards.

6. Compliance and Consequences

Compliance

6.1 DND employees and CAF members must comply with this DAOD. Should clarification of the policies or instructions set out in this DAOD be required, DND employees and CAF members may seek direction through their channel of communication or CoC, as appropriate. Managers and military supervisors have the primary responsibility for and means of ensuring the compliance of their DND employees and CAF members with this DAOD.

Consequences fo Non-Compliance

6.2 DND employees and CAF members are accountable to their respective managers and military supervisors for any failure to comply with the direction set out in this DAOD. Non-compliance with this DAOD may have consequences for both the DND and the CAF as institutions, and for DND employees and CAF members as individuals. Suspected non-compliance may be investigated. Managers and military supervisors must take or direct appropriate corrective measures if non-compliance with this DAOD is detected.

6.3 The nature and severity of the consequences resulting from non-compliance should be commensurate with the circumstances of the non-compliance and other relevant circumstances. Consequences of non-compliance may include one or more of the following:

  1. the ordering of the completion of appropriate training or professional development;
  2. the entering of observations in individual performance evaluations;
  3. increased reporting and performance monitoring;
  4. the withdrawal of any authority provided under this DAOD to a DND employee or CAF member;
  5. the reporting of suspected offences to responsible law enforcement agencies;
  6. the application of specific consequences as set out in applicable laws, codes of conduct, and DND and CAF policies and instructions;
  7. other administrative action, including the imposition of disciplinary measures, for a DND employee;
  8. other administrative or disciplinary action, or both, for a CAF member; and
  9. the imposition of liability on the part of His Majesty in Right of Canada, DND employees and CAF members.

Note – In respect to the compliance of DND employees, see the Treasury Board Framework for the Management of Compliance for additional information.

7. Responsibilities

Responsibility Table

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

The, a or an … is or are responsible for …
Comds of commands and formations and officers holding the senior military appointments in each group at NDHQ
  • ensuring CAF members in their organizations meet the minimum operational standards.
Comds of commands and formations and officers holding the senior military appointments in each group at NDHQ responsible for recruiting, training and career management of Res F members
  • informing applicants for enrolment in the CAF of the minimum operational standards and of the demands of BMQ and BMOQ training;
  • evaluating P Res recruits undergoing enrolment or BMQ training against the applicable standards;
  • evaluating P Res officer candidates undergoing enrolment or BMOQ training against the applicable standards; and
  • conducting ARs, if warranted, for P Res members.
Comd Canadian Forces Support Training Group
  • evaluating Reg F recruits undergoing BMQ training against the applicable standards; and
  • evaluating Reg F officer candidates undergoing BMOQ training against the applicable standards.
Comd Canadian Forces Recruiting Group
  • informing applicants for enrolment in the CAF of the minimum operational standards and of the demands of BMQ and BMOQ training.
Director General Military Careers
  • conducting ARs, if warranted.
DGMPRA
  • conducting research on cognitive and behavioral requirements for minimum operational standards
CFMWS / PSP 
  • developing and maintaining CAF, environmental, operational, occupational and managed specialty physical employment standards;
  • conducting the assessment of CAF members required to complete the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE and the additional demands as per DAOD 5023-2, para 4.1 Note 1;
  • informing the CoC immediately of any evaluation failure; and
  • advising COs and CAF members on protocols as set out in the FORCE Evaluation Operations Manual.
COs
  • applying this DAOD, including providing supportive actions, and recommending ARs if warranted;
  • ensuring CAF members complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE;
  • signing off on evaluation failures as soon as practicable;
  • ensuring the date and result of every evaluation, supportive action and ability or inability to meet minimum operational standards related to U of S is recorded in the appropriate official administrative system of record;
  • referring a CAF member to a CAF medical care provider for a health assessment based on the CAF member’s inability to meet the applicable standard;
  • respecting MELs assigned by CAF medical care providers and civilian health care providers to any CAF member who is not entitled to care under QR&O article 34.07; and
  • informing CAF members of the administrative consequences of failing to meet and maintain the standard.
DND employees who supervise CAF members
  • providing supportive actions as required;
  • ensuring that the CAF members they supervise complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE;
  • ensuring the date and result of every evaluation, supportive action and ability or inability to meet minimum operational standards related to U of S is recorded in the appropriate official administrative system of record;
  • reporting immediately to a military supervisor when a CAF member is assigned one or more MELs; and
  • reporting immediately to a military supervisor when a CAF member fails the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE.
CAF medical care providers
  • assessing the medical fitness of a CAF member to participate in a physical fitness program and evaluation;
  • assessing a permanently injured CAF member;
  • recommending and providing medical treatment;
  • informing the CAF member’s CO that the CAF member has been medically assessed; and
  • advising the CO of the MELs of a CAF member and, in the case of a permanent medical category recommendation, informing Director Medical Policy.
CAF members
  • participating in physical fitness activities, including those that are linked to the six common military tasks;
  • seeking assessment and treatment for any medical concern and respecting MELs;
  • informing the CoC of MELs as soon as practicable; and
  • completing the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE, as required.

8. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other References

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