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DAOD 5030-0, Transition to Post-Military Life

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Definitions
  3. Policy Direction
  4. Consequences
  5. Authorities
  6. References

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2025-05-20

Application: This DAOD is a directive that applies to employees of the Department of National Defence (DND employees) who act as managers or supervisors of Canadian Armed Forces members (CAF members) and an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries:

2. Definitions

injured or ill CAF member (militaire blessé ou malade)

A CAF member who is suffering from an injury, disease or illness that results in temporary or permanent physical or psychological harm.

Note – The definition of "injured or ill CAF member" includes a "seriously injured or ill CAF member" and a "very seriously injured or ill CAF member" (Defence Terminology Bank record number 43113 to be amended) 

release (libération)                            

The termination of the service of an officer or non-commissioned member in any manner.
(National Defence Act, s. 2(1))

3. Policy Direction

Context

3.1. The DND and the CAF recognize the need to support CAF members in their transition to post-military life, which is the process by which a CAF member prepares for civilian life after release. This is done by ensuring access to a wide range of programs, services, and resources to:

  1. ensure members are ready to transition; and
  2. enhance the well-being of our members and their families as they transition to post-military life.

The CAF leadership must afford CAF members and their families the dignity and flexibility for their transition to post-military life to help facilitate their well-being.

Note – Transition support related to the domains of well-being is available to CAF members during their transition to post-military life.

Policy Statement

3.2 The DND and the CAF are committed to providing support and services that are personalized to the unique circumstances and needs of CAF members throughout their transition to post-military life. 

Requirements

3.3 The CAF must:

  1. ensure that activities associated with transition to post-military life are duties for CAF members who choose to participate in those activities;
  2. ensure that all CAF members have access to available services and support related to their transition needs during their component transfer in accordance with DAOD 5002-3, Component and Sub-Component Transfer, or during transition to post-military life;
  3. ensure that all CAF members are offered training and education on the transition process, options, services, resources, and tools available to them throughout their careers;
  4. ensure that the transition and casualty support offered is personalized, professional, and standardized;
  5. encourage CAF members to plan for an effective transition, with the support and guidance of their chain of command (CoC) and service providers, well before the last month prior to release;
  6. encourage its members to partake in transition activities;
  7. support a 30 day Protected Period preceding the date of honourable release. The purpose of which is to ensure that members are not assigned to duties which will take them away from their place of duty/residence. During this time, the CoC and the member should prioritize activities related to their transition; and
  8. ensure that CAF members and their families receive a dignified departure. If applicable, this may include a Depart with Dignity or Recognition of Service Ceremony for members with a terminal prognosis in accordance with applicable policies.

Note 1 – Additional information and guidance on the transition process for both members and Commanding Officers (COs) are available at CAF Transition Centres.

Note 2 – Reserve Force unit CO may recommend or approve travel and pay in support of activities listed in members’ transition plans, when required.

Note 3 – It is acknowledged that there may be instances where access to transition services in person or other methods of contact may not be possible due to the location of the unit or those CAF members, such as Canadian Rangers, in remote locations. In those cases, through discussion between the CoC and Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) representatives, all reasonable efforts must be made to allow transitioning CAF members, who choose to participate in those activities, to access transition services when available. Where that is not possible, the barriers to providing transition services to those affected CAF members must be reported to their CoC.

4. Consequences

General

4.1 Should clarification of the policy statement, requirements or authorities set out in this DAOD be required, DND employees and CAF members may seek direction through their channel of communication or CoC, as appropriate. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the CAF if the requirements specified in this DAOD are not properly implemented. Not achieving the anticipated results could affect the ability of the DND and the CAF to ensure that the CAF is prepared to undertake missions for the protection of Canada and Canadians and the maintenance of international peace and stability.

5. Authorities 

Authority Table

5.1 The following table identifies the authorities associated with this DAOD:

The or an … has or have the authority to …
CAF TG
  • authorize transition and casualty support programs and services provided by CAF TG. 
Director General Compensation Benefits
  • approve release benefits. 

Release Authority
  • approve release requests in accordance with QR&O chapter 15, Release and the Chief of Defence Staff Designated Release Authorities tables.
Unit CO
  • approve travel or absence from normal place of duty in support of members’ transition plans.

6. References 

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other References

Page details

2025-05-20