A Message from the Commander Military Personnel Command

I am incredibly proud to introduce Version 2 of the foundational transition document, My Transition Guide - Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life. Driven by Strong, Secure, Engaged: Canada’s Defence Policy, the new guide is comprehensive and came to be through the passionate involvement of countless Subject Matter Experts and transition stakeholders, both internal and external to the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).  

Articulated by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the inaugural version of the guide, it remains important to understand that our Defence Policy directs ‘the creation of a new Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) to provide support to all members to seamlessly transition to post-military life. This CAF TG is a critical part of a broader group of initiatives designed to put our people first.’ The CAF is reinventing transition to improve the experience for CAF members and their families encouraging them to build transition readiness earlier in their career and to create a plan for this important milestone well before it occurs vice purely at their time of release. The CAF TG is comprised of incredibly talented and dedicated personnel from the Defence team who truly believe in their raison d’être and the tangible effects it has on CAF members and their families.

This second version of the My Transition Guide leverages lessons learned since Op TRANSITION was first ordered by the CDS and Deputy Minister (DM) in December 2018. It includes the most updated information to help navigate the challenging transition process. It identifies new and improved transition-related tools and it incorporates the invaluable feedback provided by CAF members and their families.

Special attention has also been given to CAF families and their needs, information and services offered by the Canadian Armed Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) group, and a comprehensive transition checklist. The improved organizational layout better enables transition planning, reflects the domains of well-being, and supports members and their families in the creation of a personal Transition Plan. It will assist you whether you are contemplating transitioning, curious about the available benefits, or simply want to increase your overall knowledge and understanding on the topic of transition for personal and/or professional reasons.

Every single person who proudly dons the uniform will one day go through the process of transition, whether you served five years or 40 years. The My Transition Guide will enable you and your family to be well informed before you make that very important step toward a transition to life after service.

Haydn C. Edmundson

Vice-Admiral

Commander Military Personnel Command