# 2014-081 - Joint Command and Staff Program

Joint Command and Staff Program

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2014–07–30

The grievor was a Lieutenant-Commander (LCdr) in the Reserve Force (Res F) when she completed the Joint Command and Staff Program Distance Learning (JCSP DL) 1. Upon the grievor's component transfer to the Regular Force (Reg F) into a new military occupation, the grievor's rank changed to Lieutenant (Navy) (Lt(N)). Although she had received Joining Instructions to attend the JCSP DL 2, the Canadian Forces College (CFC) advised her that, given her new rank, she was no longer eligible to complete the JCSP.

She grieved this decision and requested that her participation on the JCSP DL 2 be permitted.

The Initial Authority (IA), the Commander of the Canadian Defence Academy, denied the grievance and her attendance at the JCSP DL 2. He stated that the intent of the JCSP was to provide senior officers with competencies required in support of joint operations planning. He explained that this was the reason why the program is only available to members at the rank of Major (Maj)/LCdr. However, in recognition for the grievor's accomplishment in completing the first year of the program, the IA offered her the opportunity to complete the Joint Reserve Command and Staff Program (JRCSP). This would require a two-week top up module and provide her with a tangible qualification which would recognize her hard work on the JCSP DL 1.

The Committee had to determine whether the grievor should have been authorized to continue to attend the JCSP DL 2, given that she had completed the first year of the course prior to her component transfer.

The Committee found that it was reasonable to offer the course to officers holding the rank of Maj/LCdr and above since the course involve leadership and command, military operations and operational planning and understanding the context of defence through national and international studies. It is clear that this type of training would not apply to members at a lower rank. The Committee also found that, given the lower rank of the grievor upon component transfer, she was not eligible to complete the JCSP DL 2. The Committee noted that it would provide the grievor with an unfair advantage in comparison with her peers at the same rank and level in the Reg F. The Committee found that the denial of the grievor's attendance on the JCSP DL 2 was reasonable and justified in the circumstances.

It recommended that the Chief of the Defence Staff deny the grievance.

CDS Decision Summary

CDS Decision Date: 2015–02–23

The CDS agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation that the grievance be denied.

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