DAOD 5023-2, Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Abbreviations
3. Overview
4. Evaluations
5. Medical Employment Limitations
6. Special Circumstances
7. Adminstrative Requirements and Procedures
8. Failure to Achieve Evaluation Standards
9. Compliance and Consequences
10. Responsibilities
11. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2006-05-19

Effective Date: 2006-05-08

Date of 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:

• CFAO 50-1, Physical Fitness Training
• CANFORGEN 087/06, New DAODs on Universality of Service, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service, and CF Physical Fitness Program
• CANFORGEN 038/13, Launch of New CAF Fitness Evaluation
• CANFORGEN 041/20, Decentralization of the Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation

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

3. Overview

Context

3.1 CAF members are required to meet the minimum operational standards, including the CMTFE standards, as set out in DAOD 5023-1, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service. The purpose of this DAOD is to issue direction for the CMTFE and the FORCE Evaluation. These evaluations demonstrate if CAF members meet the standards of the six common military tasks listed in paragraph 4.1. The FORCE Evaluation is derived from the CMTFE and is designed to simulate the physical demands and movement patterns of the six common military tasks.

3.2 The CAF is committed to maintaining operational effectiveness and readiness. CAF members and DND employees who supervise CAF members must support this commitment. Unless restricted by one or more MELs, or precluded by special circumstances described in this DAOD, 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 physical fitness activities, including those linked to the six common military tasks. Training plans specifically designed to prepare for these tasks are available to CAF members through PSP. COs, the CoC and DND employees who supervise CAF members are also responsible to provide diligent support and administrative follow-up action in accordance with this DAOD.

4. Evaluations

Common Military Tasks Fitness Evaluation

4.1 The CMTFE consists of the following six common military tasks:

• escape to cover
• vehicle extrication
• picking and digging
• stretcher carry
• sandbag fortification
• picket and wire carry

Note 1 – In accordance with R-01-007-000-AG-000, Body of Research for Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service, additional physical demands have been identified in relation to the duties listed below. While these additional demands are not part of the CMTFE, a CAF member’s ability to meet the standards associated with these physical demands will be assessed when a CAF member is required to complete the CMTFE in accordance with the provisions of this policy. These duties are:

1. Erect a temporary shelter, in accordance with DAOD 5023-1 para 3.3 Duty 2; and
2. Travel as a passenger in various modes of transportation, in accordance with DAOD 5023-1 para 3.3 Duty 8.

Note 2 – The process to administer a failure to meet the standard of either additional demand can be found in the table at para 8.5.  

Note 3 – Procedures for the additional demands in Note 1 above are explained in detail in the FORCE evaluation Operations Manual and demonstration videos, available on the CFMWS website.

FORCE Evaluation

4.2 The FORCE Evaluation is the approved predictor of one’s ability to successfully complete the CMTFE. The FORCE Evaluation components are as follows:

• 20 metre rushes
• sandbag lift
• intermittent loaded shuttle
• sandbag drag

4.3 Procedures for the FORCE Evaluation and the CMTFE are explained in detail in the FORCE Evaluation Operations Manual and demonstration videos, available on the CFMWS website.

4.4 CAF members must successfully complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE with the additional demands at para 4.1 Note 1 every 365 days unless restricted by one or more MELs, or a special circumstance applies as set out in section 6. Failure to successfully complete the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 may result in administrative action up to and including transition out of the Reg and P Res. Unless specifically precluded from attempting the FORCE Evaluation, CAF members must first attempt the FORCE Evaluation and, if not successful, must then proceed with the CMTFE.

5. Medical Employment Limitations

Restricted for an Evaluation by One or More MELs

5.1 A CAF member is not required to complete an annual FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 if restricted for the evaluation by the assignment of one or more MELs that:

1. are temporary, cover the remainder of an annual evaluation period and prevent an evaluation; or
2. are permanent and prevent an evaluation.

5.2 Only a MEL that specifically precludes a CAF member from completing any or all of the CMTFE tasks, either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 or any or all of the FORCE Evaluation components restricts the CAF member from attempting an evaluation. 

5.3 The PSP Reconditioning Program is available to CAF members who are unable to complete the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 due to injury, illness or deconditioning. This can be incorporated as part of a return to duty plan approved under DAOD 5018-4, Return to Duty Program for Canadian Armed Forces Members.

A Temporary MEL or MELS

5.4 Any temporary MEL or MELs that prevent the evaluation of a CAF member must be set out by a health care provider using one of the following:

• CFHIS 317-01, Medical Disposition Note
• form CF 2018, Medical Disposition Note
• form CF 2088, Notification of Change of Medical Employment Limitations
• a note from a physician, in the case of a Res F member who is not entitled to care under QR&O article 34.07, Entitlement to Medical Care

5.5 Following the removal of a MEL, the CO must approve a period of 12 weeks for the CAF member to complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE if the evaluation result of the CAF member has expired or will expire within a 12-week timeframe.

Permanent MEL or MELs

5.6 If a CAF member has been assessed as restricted by one or more permanent MELs to complete the FORCE Evaluation, the CAF member must successfully complete the CMTFE to demonstrate the ability to meet the minimum standards of the common military tasks listed in paragraph 4.1.

5.7 If the CAF member has been assessed as restricted by one or more permanent MELs to complete both the FORCE Evaluation and the CMTFE and either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1, the CAF member must be subject to an AR(MEL) by the appropriate authority, in accordance with DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review.

6. Special Circumstances

Release

6.1 An annual FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE is not required if a CAF member has submitted a written request for release or a release has been directed by the CAF in accordance with QR&O Chapter 15, Release.

LWOP or ED&T

6.2 When a CAF member on LWOP or ED&T returns to duty, the CO must approve a period of 12 weeks for the CAF member to complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE if the evaluation result of the CAF member has expired or will expire within a 12-week timeframe.

Deployment

6.3 A CAF member must have a current successful annual FORCE Evaluation or CMTFE on the day that they commence an operational deployment. A CAF member whose evaluation result subsequently expires is not required to complete a new evaluation while deployed. The CO must approve a period of 12 weeks for the CAF member to complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE, starting after post-deployment leave, if the CAF member’s evaluation has expired or will expire within a 12-week timeframe.

Geographical Relocation

6.4 If the evaluation of a CAF member expires during a geographical relocation or within a 12-week timeframe following a geographical relocation, the gaining unit CO must approve a period of 12 weeks, following the report for duty date, for the CAF member to complete a new evaluation.

7. Administrative Requirements and Procedures

Results of an Evaluation

7.1 The date and result of every FORCE Evaluation, CMTFE and additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 are recorded in the appropriate evaluation form and uploaded to the official administrative system of record.

Travel

7.2 Travel to complete the FORCE Evaluation or the CMTFE when not available locally must be administered in accordance with CBI Chapter 209, Transportation and Travelling Expenses and the CFTDTI.

Reporting of Injury, Illness or Death

7.3 The reporting of an injury, illness or death arising from training for, undertaking or completing the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 must be made in accordance with:

1.     QR&O article 24.01, Reporting of Casualties;
2.     DAOD 2007-1, General Safety Program;
3.     DAOD 5018-2, Report of Injury, Disease or Illness;
4.     CFAO 24-1, Casualties – Reporting and Administration; and
5.     Employers’ Guide to the Government Employees Compensation Act, if applicable.

7.4 A CAF member must report to their CO as soon as practicable any injury or illness arising from training for, undertaking or completing the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1. Form CF 98, Report of Injury, Disease or Illness and form DND 663, DND / CAF Hazardous Occurrence Report must be completed in accordance with DAOD 5018-2 and DAOD 2007-1 respectively.

Claim for Benefit

7.5 An injury resulting from training for, undertaking or completing the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 may result in a claim for a VAC benefit or benefit under CBI 211, Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members.

Note – The determination of entitlement to a VAC benefit is made by VAC or the Veterans Review and Appeal Board, not by the DND or the CAF.

7.6 A Res F member who suffers an injury, disease or illness that is attributable to their military service, may also be eligible to apply for benefits under CBI 210.72, Reserve Force – Compensation During a Period of Injury, Disease or Illness.

7.7 A Res F member may also be eligible to claim for benefits under GECA. Benefits in respect of the same injury can only be provided under CBI 210.72 or GECA, not both.

7.8 Evaluation forms, PSP exercise programs and training logs may be used to assist a CAF member with a claim for a disability or other benefit resulting from a physical fitness training injury as they establish links between fitness training and operational readiness.

8. Failure to Achieve Evaluation Standards

Supportive Actions

8.1 If a CAF member fails the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1, or fails to attempt either evaluation due to avoidance, the CAF member’s CO must determine, in accordance with DAOD 5019-2 and DAOD 5019-4, Remedial Measures, if administrative action is warranted.

8.2 When remedial measures are applied for a CAF member who fails the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1, a step-by-step process from IC to C&P is applied and usually continues even if a CAF member is later successful. For example, if a CAF member fails an evaluation and is placed on IC, subsequently passes the evaluation and fails again during the subsequent evaluation cycle, the remedial measure to be applied should be an RW. The process in the table to paragraph 8.5 does not usually begin again as it is applied for the same performance deficiency. However, if the reason for the failure is different or the time between failures is significant, starting the process anew may be warranted. A CO may address special circumstances on a case-by-case basis through an AR.

8.3 A CAF member who fails the FORCE Evaluation, the CMTFE or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1 must be placed on an SPTP and be re-evaluated. A CAF member who is placed on an SPTP is in this program for a 12-week period and re-evaluated upon completion. Details regarding the SPTP can be obtained through local PSP fitness representatives.

8.4 In the case of extraordinary circumstances, the CO of a CAF member who has been medically restricted to only perform the CMTFE, and who failed their second attempt, should consult Canadian Forces Health Services and PSP Director of Programs to determine if further attempts should be considered based on the CAF member’s specific circumstances.

8.5 The following table sets out the progressive steps to be taken by the CoC for a CAF member who fails to meet the CMTFE standards or either additional demand at para 4.1 Note 1:

8.6  A CAF member undergoing BMQ or BMOQ training who fails to achieve the CMTFE standards will be managed in accordance with CF Mil Pers Instr 06/09, Physical Fitness Program for Untrained CF Personnel.

9. Compliance and Consequences

Compliance

9.1 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 of Non-Compliance

9.2 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. 

9.3 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 course;
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.

10. Responsibilities

Responsibility Table

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

11. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

• Government Employees Compensation Act
• Pension Act
• Veteran’s Well-being Act
• Veteran’s Well-being Regulations
• QR&O article 1.02, Definitions
• QR&O Chapter 10, Transfer, Attachment, Secondment and Loan
• QR&O Chapter 15, Release
• QR&O article 21.46, Investigation of Injury or Death
• QR&O article 21.47, Findings of Injury or Death
• QR&O article 24.01, Reporting of Casualties
• QR&O article 34.07, Entitlement to Medical Care
• QR&O article 34.17, Employment of Additional Medical Doctors and Other Health Care Personnel
• Framework for the Management of Compliance, Treasury Board
• CBI 209, Transportation and Travelling Expenses
• CBI 210.72, Reserve Force – Compensation During a Period of Injury, Disease or Illness
• CBI 211, Service Benefits for Ill and Injured Members
• DAOD 5023-0, Universality of Service

Other References

• DAOD 2007-1, General Safety Program
• DAOD 2020-0, Reserve Force
• DAOD 2020-1, Primary Reserve
• DAOD 2020-2, Canadian Rangers
• DAOD 2020-3, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service
• DAOD 2020-4, Supplementary Reserve
• DAOD 4007-4, Fire Fighter Physical Fitness Maintenance Program
• DAOD 5002-6, Continuing Education Officer Training Plan – Regular Force
• DAOD 5002-7, Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan – Regular Force
• DAOD 5002-9, University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members – Regular Force
• DAOD 5002-10, Commissioning from the Ranks Plan
• DAOD 5002-11, Special Commissioning Plan
• DAOD 5018-0, Support Management for Injured or Ill Canadian Armed Forces Members and Military Casualties
• DAOD 5018-2, Report of Injuries and Exposure to Toxic Substances
• DAOD 5018-4, Return to Duty Program for Canadian Armed Forces Members
• DAOD 5019-2, Administrative Review
• DAOD 5019-4, Remedial Measures
• DAOD 5023-1, Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service
• DAOD 7002-3, Subjects of Investigation and References
• CFAO 9-12, Regular Officer Training Plan
• CFAO 9-33, Post-Graduate Training Programs Regular Force and Primary Reserve 
• CFAO 9-62, Military Dental, Legal, Medical, Chaplain and Pharmacy Training Plans
• CFAO 10-1, Officer Transfer – Military Occupation Regular Force
• CFAO 11-6, Commissioning And Promotion Policy – Officers – Regular Force
• CFAO 11-12, Occupation Transfer of Non-Commissioned Members - Regular Force
• CFAO 24-1, Casualties – Reporting and Administration
• 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
• CANFORGEN 074/14, Reserve Force Compensation during a Period of Injury, Disease, or Illness Under the Government Employees Compensation Act (GECA)
• Chief of the Defence Staff Guidance to Commanding Officers and their Leadership Teams
• Canadian Forces Temporary Duty Travel Instructions
• CAFMPI 20/04, Administrative Policy of Class "A", Class "B" and Class "C" Reserve Service
• CAFMPI 03/08, Canadian Forces Component Transfer and Component Transfer Career Programs
• CAFMPI 02/09, Pre-Enrolment Physical Fitness Testing
• CAFMPI 06/09, Physical Fitness Program for Untrained CF Personnel
• CAFMPI 02/15, Supplementary Reserve
• CAO 24-02, Physical Fitness
• CF H Svcs Gp Instruction 4090-02, Interim Guidance for Delivery of Health Care to Reserve Force Personnel
• CF H Svcs Gp Instruction 5020-07, Changes of Medical Category or Employment Limitations
• R-01-007-000-AG-000, Body of Research for Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service
• Return to Duty Guide for Canadian Armed Forces Members
• PSP Reconditioning Program
• Employers’ Guide to the Government Employees Compensation Act
• Physical Training or Sport, VAC
• CFHIS 317-01, Medical Disposition Note
• Form CF 98, Report of Injury, Disease or Illness
• Form CF 2018, Medical Disposition Note
• Form CF 2088, Notification of Change of Medical Employment Limitations (available in paper copy only)
• Form DND 279, FORCE Program
• Form DND 582, Medical Examination
• Form DND 663, DND / CAF Hazardous Occurrence Report
• Form DND 2205, CF/DND Firefighter Physical Fitness Maintenance Program
• Form DND 2206, FF PFMP – Medical Referral
• Form DND 2260, SAR TECH Physical Fitness Maintenance Program
• Form DND 2486, Common Military Task Fitness Evaluation
• Casualty support services, Government of Canada website
• CFMWS | CMTFE / FORCE Evaluation | CFMWS
• CFMWS | FORMeFIT | CFMWS
• BALANCE – The Canadian Armed Forces Physical Performance Strategy, CFMWS website
• Military Fitness, CFMWS website