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DAOD 5031-0, Learning and Professional Development

Table of Contents

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

1. Introduction

Date of Issue: 2003-01-31

Date of Last Modification: 2025-12-10

Date of Last Review: 2025-12-10

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

Supersession: DAOD 5038-0, Professional Development

Approval Authorities:

Enquiries:

2. Definitions

competency (compétence)

A set of knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics that are required by individuals to perform their roles and responsibilities. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 694693)

formal learning (apprentissage formel)

The development of one or more competencies through planned and structured learning activities. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697266)

informal learning (apprentissage informel)

The development of one or more competencies through unplanned or unstructured learning activities. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 697270)

learning (apprentissage)

The acquisition of knowledge, the development of skills or the influencing of an individual’s attitudes that change their perception, understanding or actions. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 693833)

professional development (perfectionnement professionnel)

A career-long development process consisting of training, education, self-development and employment experience. (Defence Terminology Bank record number 20105)

3. Policy Direction

Context

3.1 Learning, as an internal process unique to each individual that develops competence, is shaped by the social context in which it takes place. Professional development enhances commitment, character and competence, and facilitates continuous learning by enabling opportunities for growth through formal and informal learning activities. By providing continuous learning and professional development opportunities, the DND and the CAF empower their employees and members to enhance their competencies. 

Policy Statement

3.2 The DND and the CAF are committed to providing DND employees and CAF members an inclusive learning environment and equitable access to professional development in support of the DND and the CAF mission to defend Canada and Canadian interests at home and abroad.

Common DND and CAF Requirements

3.3 The DND and the CAF must:

  1. plan, manage and align learning and professional development activities in support of the DND and the CAF mission;
  2. establish a shared responsibility for learning and professional development between the DND employee / CAF member, their superiors, and the DND and the CAF;
  3. harmonize the administration of learning and professional development activities using applicable enterprise applications and shared platforms to include the DND and the CAF systems of record;
  4. harmonize delivery of learning and professional development activities using the Defence Learning Network – Learning Management System when appropriate; and
  5. manage distinct institutional professional development frameworks aligned to authorities to address the unique needs of DND employees and CAF members.

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 chain of command, as appropriate. The anticipated results set out in the policy statement may not be achieved by the DND and 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 … has the authority to …
CMP
  • establish CAF Professional Development System (CAFPDS) and CAF Individual Training and Education (IT&E) System governance;
  • assign CAFPDS and CAF IT&E System responsibilities to appropriate officers or organizations; and
  • formulate and approve CAFPDS and CAF IT&E System policies and guidance, delegating as appropriate.
ADM(HR-Civ)
  • establish DND employee learning and professional development governance;
  • formulate and approve DND employee learning and professional development policies, guidance and programmes; and
  • assign DND employee learning and professional development responsibilities to appropriate organizations.

DOS SJS
  • formulate collective training and adventure training policies; and
  • assign collective training responsibilities to appropriate organizations.
Director General Professional Development Strategic (DGPD Strat)
  • act as special advisor to the CDS for Profession of Arms and leader development concepts.

6. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD

Other References

Page details

2025-12-10