Before You Go - Information for Reservists to assist their Release from the Canadian Armed Forces

Release

Intent – To provide Information for Reserve Members on what they can expect when Releasing and which programs and benefits they may be eligible for as a retired member of the CAF.

Introduction

Releasing is one of the most important decision in one’s career in the CAF. One that should not be taken lightly or made in haste. Consultation with family, peers and superiors can greatly assist and should be part of the process. Pause to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages to staying and leaving. There are many reasons that an individual can have to release and they are all unique to that person. As soon as you are at ease with your decision, it is time to proceed.

• This presentation deals with a standard release, one that is done with full participation of the member (yourself). If it is a medical release please refer to the medical release info package (second tab).
• Release Categories:
  • 4 (a) Voluntary - On Request – When Entitled to an Immediate Annuity.
  • 4 (b) Voluntary - On Completion of a Fixed Period of Service.
  • 4 (c) Voluntary - On Request – Other Causes.
  • 5 (a) Service Completed - Retirement Age.
  • 5 (c) Service Completed - Completed Service for Which Required.   
• These are the most common release categories (also called Release Items) for a standard release. Full list with detailed explanations of all categories can be found in QR&O 15.01.
• If you are under an Administrative Review for performance or discipline even if you initiate a voluntary release your release category may be changed to best describe the nature of your release.
  NOTE – this presentation does not represent exact process at each unit which have been developed to meet the need of that unit. This presentation is to advise on what to expect and to assist the member (you) in making this process quick and efficient.

Step 1 - Informing the Unit

• As with any process in the CAF, the first step is to inform your immediate Chain of Command using a Request Form. If this may be uncomfortable or awkward for you, the options are (usually) another superior within the unit or the Orderly Room.
• You may encounter some attempts to convince you to stay, generally because you are a valued member of the team.
• You will eventually make an appointment with the release clerk in the Orderly Room. 
• This is the time that you will get your exact set of steps to complete in order to release without delays and or problems.
• All reservists who voluntarily request a release must complete the Res F – Application for Voluntary Release/Transfer. This form is to be submitted a recommended 6 months before, but no later than 30 days. This form allows you to set the date of release.
• For those who are to be released at CRA the CO will initiate and send a Res F Release on RA Letter not less than 12 months before reaching CRA.
• You may continue to parade right up to the selected date or you can request Exempt Drill and Training (ED&T) while you wait for the date of release to arrive. However you are to be paid for each of your release appointments and all appointments are to be complete before the release date.  

Step 2 - The Interview 

• This interview is usually done by an Officer Commanding a company or the Commanding Officer.
• For Senior NCM’s an additional interview may also be conducted by the Regimental Sergeant Major, usually prior to the Release Interview.
• The preference is to have this interview in person and as early in the process as possible. Arragnements will be made to accommodate both parties, (for example - over the phone or at an off-site location).
• The intent of this interview is:
  • To determine if release is for the right reason and to offer other options;
  • To advise on qualification expiry date, timeframe for reinstatement at current rank, and the Supplementary Reserve;
  • To determine if there are any extenuating circumstances that the Unit should be aware of; and
  • To offer a personal comment and thanks to the member.  

Step 3 - Out Clear

• The first visit in any out-clearance is the Orderly Room.
• Here they will provide you with a list of locations to visit and a checklist/sheet to collect signatures.
• The more quickly that you can visit and collect the signatures the faster the release can proceed.
• It is highly recommended that you make appointments with each location to avoid delays where they may be closed or not prepared.
• The most common visits/appointments are: 
  1. Sub-unit commander:To ensure that all administration is complete and enable any handovers if required.
  2. Unit Stores (Quartermaster):To return unit equipment. A good idea is to find out what you owe before going in to avoid multiple trips.
  3. Clothing Stores: To return uniforms and equipment. Recommend that you contact them or ask the Unit Stores to provide a list of what you have to return. Again to ensure only one visit. If you are missing anything a list of items and costs will be produced. The options are to try to locate the missing items or to pay, being prepared to write a cheque on the spot should be considered.
  4. Unit Mess: To ensure that mess dues are up to date. Depending on the mess there may be a gift that is given on departure.
  5. Unit Orderly room: This is the stop after all required signatures are collected.The release clerk will have been preparing the paperwork for the next step.  

Step 4- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Transition Interview

This interview is mandatory for Reservists who have deployed, and highly recommended for all.

• The transition interview ensures that the required VAC and community programs and services are in place on transition and that information relating to the full range of VAC services, benefits and programs is presented.
• If eligible, the interview will begin the process to initialize VAC programs and services
• It is strongly encouraged that you engage with VAC early in the release process to ensure programs are in place at release.
• Face to face is the preferred method, but other means are available.Your release clerk should provide a point of contract for this interview.
• For more information or to find the nearest VAC offices please visit the VAC page.

Step 5 - Paperwork and Exit Interview

• At this point it is all about signing paper.

• Making an appointment with the release clerk will ensure that the forms are prepared and ready.
• If you are changing bank accounts from the one that you currently have on file for pay deposits, make sure you bring that new information.
• The following is a list of the forms that you can expect:
  • Agreement to Release (there are different forms dependant on which release Category you fall under);
  • Medical Statement on Release;
  • Release Understanding;
  • CFRG application and supporting forms (if applicable);
  • Release Digest-Payment Instruction; and
  • Security Screening Certificate And Briefing Form.
    Note – this list of forms is not exhaustive, each release has different considerations but these are the common forms that all should see.

Step 6 - Final Paperwork

• CAF Annuity / Pension
  • If eligible for an immediate pension you need to be prepared for 6 month delay. This is due to the time it takes to go through the process. To avoid this, the best approach is to plan your release 6-12 months before hand.
  • For more information and eligibility please refer to the CAF Pension website.
• Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP)
  • All former reserves who are in receipt of a CAF annuity/pension are eligible to apply for the PSHCP.
  • The PSHCP office for pensioners can be contacted at 1-800-267-0325
  • The application form can be found at the PSHCP forms and documents page. 
• Pensioners Dental Services Plan (PDSP)
  • All former reserves who are in receipt of a CAF annuity/pension are eligible to apply for the PDSP.
  • Application form will be provided at release if you are eligible.
  • More information can be found at the public service group insurance benefit plans page.
• The following are documents that you can expect to be provided to you:
  • Release / Transfer Notification;
  • Application for Voluntary Release;
  • Release Understanding;
  • Medical Statement on Release;
  • Military Personnel Record Resume (MPRR);
  • Cancellation of Security Clearance;
  • Security Caution and Document Return;
  • Certificate of ServiceMaster Pay Record;
  • Surrender of Military ID; and
  • Record Of Employment
    Note -There may be some other forms and documents dependent on individual specifics, however these are the most common ones that you can expect.

     

Medical Release

Intent – To provide Reserve members information on what they can expect when facing a Medical Release.

Introduction

The principle of Universality of Service (U of S) means that all military personnel must be physically fit, employable, and deployable.  You may be subject to a Medical Release if you suffer an injury or illness that prevents you from meeting the principle of U of S, the requirements of your trade and where an occupational transfer is not possible.

• The following information deals with the process in determining/confirming if a member is to be medically released. 
• For a normal release, please select the Release Tab above.
  NOTE – This information is to advise on what to expect and to assist (you) in understanding the process for most cases.  Each case is unique and may deviate from or have more steps than outlined below.

CAF Medical Release Process

The process from the moment of injury or illness follows a prescribed set of steps:

• Initial medical examination;
• Assigned 1st 6 month period of a Temporary Medical Category (TCAT);
• Medical Review of this TCAT (Decision is to lift or extend);
• Assigned 2nd 6 month period of a TCAT;
• Medical Review (Decision whether to cancel the TCAT or to recommend Permanent Medical Category (PCAT));
• PCAT assigned;
• Base Surgeon Approval;
• Director Medical Policy (D Med Pol) approval of PCAT assigns Medical Employment Limitations (MEL);
• Administrative Review (AR) of the MEL is done by Director Military Careers Administration (DMCA) (Decision will be on whether to either Retain, Retain with Medical Limitation, or Release);
• Disclosure / Representation; and
• Medical Release.

Admin Review Medical Employment Limitations (AR(MEL))

• If your MELs prevent you from meeting any of the obligations related to U of S, then a 3(a) or 3(b) medical release will normally be the outcome of the AR(MEL).
  Note: in the event of concurrent Administrative Review for misconduct or performance related issues then the release may not be a 3(a) or 3(b) even if the injury would have led to a Medical Release.
• The final selected release category will be that which best represents the reason of release. Once a file has been referred to DMCA they will notify you that they opened an administrative review file and have begun to work towards a decision.
• You will be provided with a Disclosure package that will include:
  • a copy of all the information that will be used to render a decision regarding your situation;and
  • information regarding possible outcomes of the AR(MEL)
• From receipt of the Disclosure package the member is provided the opportunity to file a Representation.  Representation in this case is a letter outlining any mitigating circumstances and/or to provide additional information you believe the board should have in order to make a decision.
  Note: Should you choose to waive disclosure (i.e. tell DMCA that you do not want to see the information they will use), they will go ahead with the review and render a decision.  This will speed up the process considerably.  A decision can be rendered within a week where the member waives his/her right to a disclosure and does not wish to be considered for a period of retention.
• The AR(MEL) will recommend one of the following.
  • Retain – if the PCAT is still within your current MOSID Medical Standard and the MEL placed on you still meets U of S requirements;
  • Compulsory Occupational Transfer (COT) – if the PCAT/MEL is acceptable for another MOSID, a COT may be recommended;
    Note: If you do not accept the COT you will not be medically released, you will be released under item 5d (Not Advantageously Employable)
• Retention Subject to Employment Limitations – When you meet U of S but not the bona fide occupational requirements of your current trade and where it is not advantageous for the CAF to impose a COT, there may be the recommendation to Retain Subject to Employment Limitations; or
• Release under either 3(a) or 3 (b) categories.

Retention Subject to Employment Limitations

• This offer is temporary because you do not meet U of S and only offered where a) an occupation is critically short of personnel, or b) there is a requirement for a specific skill set that you possess;
• You must be capable of working full time and performing all military duties of your position except those related to your MELs;
  Note: To be considered for retention, a reservist must to be able to work full time IAW U of S regardless of their class of service. An established military position must be available in which to employ you;
• The retention cannot exceed three (3) years and could end in a 3(b) release as you remain subject to all CAF regulations until your lawful release; 
• A release item and a date of release can be changed at any time until the individual is released. Personnel not qualified within their trade cannot be retained; and
• The CAF can terminate the retention at any time circumstances change…and so can you.

3(a) or 3(b) Medical Release 

• Will normally be provided with 6 months notification of a release date.
• You can opt to release prior to the end of the period identified in the release message.

Support for Career Transition of Severely Ill & Injured

• This policy applies to Res F personnel that are eligible for Reserve Force Compensation or extension to Class C IAW with CBI 210.72 where you meet the criteria for complex transition as determined by Canadian Forces Health Services.
• A referral will be sent to the IPSC and SISIP, and an interdisciplinary meeting will occur to recommend a period of transition to a maximum of three years which will address the complex transition needs of your case.
• Additional information regarding career transition of severely ill and injured may be obtained at the closest Transition Centre. 

Releasing from the CAF

Regardless of the final release category, please refer to the Before You go module on Release, starting at Step 3. The unit leadership will already be informed and the initial two steps may have already occurred.

CAF Pension

Intent – To provide Reserve members information on CAF pension.

Introduction

The Government of Canada Pension Centre (GCPC) at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) administers the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) pension plans. Administration of the pension plans includes providing pension services to active and retired members, determining benefit entitlements and calculating pension benefits in accordance with pension legislation for both Regular and Reserve Force members and their survivors/child(ren).  It also includes issuing payments to retired members and providing pension administration services (i.e. responding to inquiries, processing pension benefit payments, remitting deductions for payroll taxes, and producing statements of remuneration) to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) retired members and their survivors/child(ren).

For more information on the CAF Pension plans please contact, the GCPC: 

Contact Information

Active members, annuitants and survivors contact the Government of Canada Pension Centre (GCPC):

• Telephone: 
  • Toll-free: 1-800-267-0325
    • Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (your local time),
  • Outside Canada and the United States: 613-946-1093
    • Monday to Friday: 
    • 8:00 a.m. To 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) collect calls accepted
• Facsimile:
  • 418- 566-2865                                              
• Email:
  • Pension Centre e-mail address
• Mailing Address:  
  • Public Works and Government Services Canada
  • Government of Canada Pension Centre – mail facility,
  • PO Box 9500,
  • Matane, Québec
  • G4W 0H3
  • Note: Members must include their pension number or service number on all correspondence.
• Website:
  • Additional information on CAF pension plans, can be obtained from the Canadian Armed Forces Pensions Website.