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:
- ADM(HR-Mil) memorandum dated 6 Nov 00, Changes to Universality of Service Policy Application
- CANFORGEN 021/23, Amendment To DAOD 5023-1 Period Of Retention Subject To Employment Limitations
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 |
|
Training Standards:
Physical Demands:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
|
2 | Erect a temporary shelter |
|
Physical Demands:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
|
3 | Perform sentry duties | Physical Demands:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
Human Right:
|
|
4 | Provide initial firefighting response |
|
Physical Demands:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
|
5 | Administer FA and CPR |
|
Physical Demands:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
|
6 | Safely maintain and operate a personal service rifle |
|
Training Standards:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
Medical Fitness:
Human Rights:
|
7 | Meet the CMTFE Standards |
o Escape to Cover o Vehicle Extrication o Picking and Digging o Stretcher Carry o Sandbag Fortification o Pickets and Wire Carry |
Physical Demands:
Medical Fitness:
|
8 | Travel as a passenger in various modes of transportation |
|
Physical Demands:
Medical Fitness:
|
9 | Perform duties wearing fighting order |
|
Physical Demands:
|
10 | Understand and apply FP measures |
|
Training Standards:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
Human Rights:
|
11 | Understand and apply the use of force continuum |
|
Training Standards:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
Human Rights:
|
12 | Understanding information and being able to communicate it to others in either official language |
|
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
Medical Fitness:
|
13 | Follow lawful authority and instructions |
|
CoC Assessment:
Cognitive and Behavioral Demands:
Human Rights:
|
14 | Conduct and/or support operations domestically and internationally as required by the CAF |
|
Personnel Readiness:
Human Rights:
|
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 |
|
Medical Fitness:
Human Rights:
|
2 | Perform duties in a military environment |
|
Medical Fitness:
Human Rights:
|
3 | Perform duties under irregular, unpredictable, and prolonged working hours |
|
Medical Fitness:
|
4 | Perform duties in an austere environment for a minimum of 48 hours |
|
Medical Fitness:
|
5 | Perform duties in any climatic conditions |
|
Medical Fitness:
|
6 | Perform duties with minimal or no medical support |
|
Medical Fitness:
|
7 | Perform duties effectively without critical medication |
|
Medical Fitness:
|
8 | Perform duties under limited meal conditions |
|
Medical Fitness:
Human Rights:
|
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. |
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:
- Learning disability support;
- Religious or spiritual support;
- Return to duty program;
- Compassionate status and posting;
- Remote work options and imposed restrictions;
- Remedial measures to assist overcoming conduct or performance deficiencies;
- PSP Reconditioning Program, supplementary physical training program and training plans; and
- Family support policies and Military Family Resource Centre.
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:
- A physical or mental health condition;
- A performance deficiency;
- A circumstance pertaining to family or marital status;
- A religious or spiritual belief; and
- A conscientious objection.
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:
- Duty 3 – Perform sentry duties;
- Duty 6 – Safely maintain and operate a personal service rifle; and
- Duty 11 – Understand and apply the use of force continuum. (Chaplains must understand the use of force continuum but cannot be ordered to apply it.)
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:
- the ordering of the completion of appropriate training or professional development;
- the entering of observations in individual performance evaluations;
- increased reporting and performance monitoring;
- the withdrawal of any authority provided under this DAOD to a DND employee or CAF member;
- the reporting of suspected offences to responsible law enforcement agencies;
- the application of specific consequences as set out in applicable laws, codes of conduct, and DND and CAF policies and instructions;
- other administrative action, including the imposition of disciplinary measures, for a DND employee;
- other administrative or disciplinary action, or both, for a CAF member; and
- 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:
8. References
Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD
- Canadian Human Rights Act
- Accessible Canada Act
- National Defence Act
- QR&O article 19.015, Lawful Commands and Orders
- QR&O article 33.03, Chaplain General
- QR&O article 33.07, Chaplains
- QR&O article 34.07, Entitlement to Medical Care
- DAOD 5023-0, Universality of Service
Other References
- DAOD 2020-3, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service
- DAOD 5002-3, Component and Sub-Component Transfer
- DAOD 5003-0, Restrictions on Duty and Individual Limitations
- DAOD 5003-6, Contingency Cost Moves for Personal Reasons, Compassionate Status and Compassionate Posting
- DAOD 5009-1, Personnel Readiness Verification Screening
- DAOD 5012-0, Harassment Prevention and Resolution
- DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review
- DAOD 5023-2, Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation
- DAOD 5031-8, Canadian Forces Professional Development
- DAOD 5516-2, Conscientious Objection
- DAOD 5516-3, Religious or Spiritual Accommodation
- DAOD 5516-4, Restrictions of Duty
- DAOD 5516-5, Learning Disability Accommodation during Recruiting, Training and Education
- DAOD 9005-1, Sexual Misconduct Response
- CFAO 11-6, Commissioning and Promotion Policy – Officers – Regular Force
- CFAO 49-4, Career Policy Non-Commissioned Members Regular Force
- CFAO 49-5, Career Policy – Non-Commissioned Member – Primary Reserve
- CFAO 49-12, Promotion Policy – Officers – Primary Reserve
- Canadian Armed Forces Medical Standards (CFP 154)
- CAFMPI 01/08, Annual Military Occupation Review (AMOR)
- CAFMPI 01/17, Imposed Restriction (IR)
- CAFMPI 02/19, Learning Disability Accommodation during Recruiting, Training and Education
- CAFMPI 01/20, Hateful Conduct
- CAFMPI 01/22, Changing a Place of Duty and the Use of Postings to Enable Remote Work Options
- Canadian Forces Dress Instructions
- R-01-007-000-AG-000, Body of Research for Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service
- National Defence Security Orders and Directives (NDSOD) Chap 13
- B-GL-005-380-FP-101, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defence Operations
- B-GL-382-001/FP 001, CAF Operational Shooting Program
- B-GJ-005-501/FP 001, Use of Force for CF Operations
- DRDC-RDDC-2020-L198, Universality of Service Core Competencies (available in English paper copy only)
- DRDC-RDDC-2018-R222, Universality of Service Identification of core competency domains (available in English paper copy only)
- Chief of the Defence Staff Guidance to Commanding Officers and Their Leadership Teams
- Duty with Honour: the Profession of Arms in Canada
- Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics
- Common Military Task Fitness Evaluation (CMTFE)
- FORCE Evaluation Operations Manual
- The CAF Offer
- Military Fitness, CFMWS website
- Flow chart – U of S Process and Administrative Requirements
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