# 2015-282 - Career Progression, Commissioned From the Rank

Case Summary

F&R Date: 2015–11–20

The grievor submitted that the Initial Baccalaureate Degree Programme (IBDP) was discriminatory toward commissioned from the ranks (CFR) officers. He argued that although Canadian Forces General Message (CANFORGEN) 035/15 stated that CFR officers would not be considered for the 2015 IBDP competition, the commissioning plan was not listed as a restriction to applying for the IBDP according to Defence Administrative Order and Directive (DAOD) 5031-7. The grievor maintained that he met the IBDP selection criteria identified in the DAOD and requested that his application be considered regardless of his Commissioning Program.

The initial authority (IA) found that in accordance with DAOD 5031-7, the goal of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is to have all officers hold a university degree with the exception of CFR officers. The IA explained that while the DAOD eligibility criteria did not exclude CFR members from applying for the IBDP, such applications would only be considered if there was a service requirement, which could vary from year to year. The IA concluded that the grievor had been treated fairly and in accordance with policy and denied the grievance.

The Committee agreed that it was within the CAF discretion to set goals, priorities and limits for its programs in accordance with its service requirements. The Committee noted that although CFR officers had not been considered for the IBDP in 2015, they had been in previous years, and might be in future years depending on the needs of the CAF. The Committee found no reason to question the validity of the service requirements which led to the exclusion of CFR applicants in 2015 and therefore recommended that the grievance be denied.

CDS Decision Summary

CDS Decision Date: 2016–06–13

The FA agreed with the Committee's finding that the decision to exclude the grievor as a commissioned from the ranks Officer, from the IBDP 2015, was made in accordance with the relevant policies, and he agreed with the Committee's recommendation that the grievance be denied.