Question and Answers - Corps & Squadron Commanding Officers as Acting Majors/Lieutenant-Commanders
Canadian Cadet General Order (CANCDTGEN)
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In corps/squadrons with 90 or more cadets, the Commanding Officer has often been a Major/Lieutenant-Commander; why change?
- As we evolve through the update to our Organization & Establishment, we are aligning ourselves to the CAF structure, and therefore, certain roles require adjustment.
- The role of Commanding Officer of a corps/squadron is outlined in key job based specifications which remain consistent no matter the size of a corps/squadron and the rank for this position is fixed at Captain/Lieutenant(N).
- After careful consideration of current policy, it was determined that the duties of a Commanding Officer of a corps/squadron do not change based on the size of the corps/squadron and therefore granting of an acting rank is not justified.
- When the number of cadets increase, additional positions are authorized for the corps/squadron establishment to assist the Commanding Officer with managing larger units.
- Acting Major/Lieutenant-Commanders are not eligible for training as senior officers because corps/squadron Commanding Officers already receive the required training to be a Commanding Officer on the Commanding Officer’s course.
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When will these changes occur?
The updated policies will take effect on 1 January 2022 and the end state will be effective on 30 June 2024.
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Will I have to revert to my substantive rank immediately?
- Members currently holding an acting rank will be authorized to keep their acting rank until they hand over command of their corps/squadron, but no later than 30 June 2024.
- The revised policy only affects the incoming Commanding Officer at the next Change of Command.
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Does this change mean my role as the Commanding Officer of a large unit is not valued?
- Large corps and squadrons remain complex operations. Officers selected to be Commanding Officers have demonstrated their ability to command and, in many cases, have developed the required skills through leadership of units with fewer cadets.
- Their skills will enable them to manage a team of subordinates the size of which will match the supervision required for the number of cadets.
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Does this reduce the number of other Class “A” Major/Lieutenant-Commander positions for other jobs?
The Area Elemental Advisor role will remain unchanged and opportunities to be employed acting Major/Lieutenant-Commander at Regional or National Directed Activities and Cadet Training Centres remain unchanged. These roles, under the Job Based Specifications are designated for Major/Lieutenant-Commander.
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Does this reduce the number of staff employed at the corps/squadron?
All Major/Lieutenant-Commander positions will be converted to Captain/Lieutenant(N) positions. This means that the total number of paid positions on a corps/squadron establishment will remain consistent.
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Is this a cost-saving measure?
The actual cost of acting Major/Lieutenant-Commander at the corps/squadron is minimal and therefore was not a factor in this decision.
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CJCR Gp Order 2020-4, Organization and Establishments – Corps and Squadrons, changes the majority of existing positions from “OCdt/NCdt – Capt/Lt(N)” to now read “OCdt/NCdt – Lt/SLt”. Does this mean any Capt/Lt(N) who moves into one of these position must accept a reduction in rank?
As per the CF Mil Pers Instr 20/04, Administrative Policy of Class “A”, Class “B” and Class “C” Reserve Service, members may be over-ranked in positions. Therefore, when a substantive Capt/Lt(N) is transferred to a position on a corps/squadron establishment designated as “OCdt/NCdt – Lt/SLt”, they may retain their substantive rank of Captain/Lieutenant(N).
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Once I have the appropriate training and time in rank, how can I be promoted to Captain/Lieutenant(N) at a corps/squadron?
- In order to be promoted to Captain/Lieutenant(N) at the corps/squadron you must be filling or posted to a Captain/Lieutenant(N) position.
- The total number of Captain/Lieutenant(N) positions authorized on a corps/squadron establishment is based on the official cadet populations as outlined in CJCR Gp Order 2020-4, Organization and Establishment – Corps and Squadrons.
- The two Captain/Lieutenant(N) positions initially allocated to each corps/squadron are assigned to the Commanding Officer and Training Officer positions. Subsequent Captain/Lieutenant(N) positions will be assigned by the applicable RCSU with the recommendation of the corps/squadron Commanding Officer.
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Specialist Days have been removed from CJCR Gp Order 2020-4, Organization and Establishments – Corps and Squadrons. Am I still able to hire COATS members who are not on my corps/squadron establishment?
- Yes. The term “specialist days” has been replaced with “Paid Days – Additional Support”. See para 8 of CJCR Gp Order 2020-4, Organization and Establishments – Corps and Squadrons.
- This Additional Support allocation can be used to employ any COATS member not on your corps/squadron establishment, who is required to assist with a cadet activity.
- The number of Additional Support days allocated to each corps/squadron will reflect the total number of authorized positions on the establishment. For example:
- If you are authorized 5 positions on your establishment, you will be allocated 5 Additional Support days; and
- If you are authorized 9 positions on your establishment, you will be allocated 9 Additional Support days.