The IREM – what it means to you

August 9, 2024 - Defence Stories

Today, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and the CAF Chief Warrant Officer introduced the Interim Reconstitution Employment Measure (IREM) to further support CAF Reconstitution. The IREM is effective immediately and seeks to maintain and leverage Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members’ talent, experience, and expertise. It is an extraordinary measure that will enable the temporary employment of trained CAF members with permanent medical limitations during the reconstitution period. 

This measure will be in effect while the CAF reconstitutes (as per the CAF Reconstitution directive) or unless otherwise directed.

Allowing CAF members within an occupation experiencing a critical shortage, or those who hold a required specific skill set, to continue their service in uniform on an interim basis in a win-win for members, their families, as well as for the CAF.

CAF members currently on a Period of Retention that will expire on or before April 1, 2025 may apply to continue their service in the CAF on an IREM. Their application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Members who have been assigned permanent Medical Employment Limitations and who no longer meet their trade/occupation’s minimum operational standard may be eligible to continue to serve if their Commanding Officer (CO) approves an IREM.

To be eligible for the IREM, a CAF member must:

• Be part of the Regular Force or the Primary Reserves;
•  Have reached Operational Functional Point in their currently assigned occupation;
• Perform military duties at an assigned workplace unless identified as an employment limitation, and during hours normally expected from a Regular Force or the Primary Reserve member;
• Have valid Terms of Service (TOS) for continued employment, noting there may be a requirement to renew the TOS and that the IREM will not extend beyond the compulsory retirement age of 60;
• Be within an occupation experiencing a shortage, or one in which the Commanding Officer (CO) identifies a requirement for a specific skill set;
• Maintain an expected standard of conduct and performance that will not lead to an earlier or immediate release; and
• Be recommended by their CO.

Members eligible for an IREM will be approved for a three-year period and on a case-by-case basis. At any time, a member can request to end an approved IREM and elect to be released medically if they meet that specific release category. The IREM does not replace CANFORGEN 021/23 (only available on the DWAN) and periods of retention will not extend beyond April 1, 2025.

While members on an IREM will continue to receive posting messages according to their branch and the CAF’s needs, they are not eligible for promotions or career courses.

Visit CF Military Personnel Instruction 03/24 for more details on eligibility and career implications.