Release

Types of release that apply to CAF Officers and non-commissioned members

The table found in article 15.01 of the Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QR&O) outlines the various release items, categories, reasons for release, and special instructions that apply to officers and non-commissioned members.

• Special release circumstances

  Releasing on a 30-day notice

  The following are typically the only acceptable scenarios for members to receive a 30-day release:

  • Members are within two years of, or have surpassed, the retirement age for their rank.
  • Members are eligible for release under item 4(a), On Request – When Entitled to an Immediate Annuity.
  • Members are serving on an extension of service or re-engagement to serve past their compulsory retirement age.

  Discuss your eligibility as well as the process for release on 30 days’ notice with your chain of command and Base or Wing Human Resources Administrator.

  Refer to the Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 – Release – Regular Force, and the Queen's Regulations and Orders – Chapter 15 – Release for more information.

  Requesting a voluntary release with less than three years of service

  The Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 - Release - Regular Force is accessible only on the Defence Team Intranet. This CFAO states that “members who have less than three years of service but who have completed recruit training will not normally obtain approval for a voluntary release request unless compassionate circumstances exist.”

  If this situation applies to you, submit immediately a memorandum through your chain of command. Date and sign your request and include the reasons for your request. You should also include any other relevant information, such as your intended last day of work. While your request is under consideration, you may discuss questions or updates with your chain of command. You may also discuss your situation with your Base or Wing Human Resources Administrator.

  Note: When you enrolled, you signed a CF 92 – Pre-enrolment/Transfer of Understanding and Update. This form is available only on the Defence Team Intranet. Under normal circumstances, you cannot release until you complete the first three weeks of basic military training. Until you reach the Operational Functional Point (OFP), your authority for release is the Commanding Officer of your designated training authority.

• Requesting release for personal reasons with less than six months’ notice and incomplete terms of service

  For a voluntary release, you must submit a formal request through your chain of command. Usually, such a request must be for a date that is six months or later from its submission date. The only exception is when a member qualifies for a 30-day release. 

  The Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 - Release - Regular Force is accessible only on the Defence Team Intranet. This CFAO states that the “Director Military Careers (D Mil C) may approve a waiver of the usual six months’ release notice.” As part of evaluating this possible waiver, the D Mil C must consider the strength of the occupation. If your occupation is under caution (amber) or is distressed (red), the D Mil C will grant a waiver only in rare and exceptional circumstances when military and personal requirements are compatible.

  While your request is under consideration, you may raise any questions with your chain of command. You may also discuss your situation with your Base or Wing Human Resources Administrator.

  If the D Mil C denies your waiver request, you may immediately request clarification through your chain of command. If you remain unsatisfied with the decision, you can submit a grievance. In doing this, you must adhere to procedural time limits. Submitting a grievance involves processing time and does not guarantee acceptance of your waiver request.

  For more information on voluntary releases within six months, consult the Queen's Regulations and Orders – Chapter 15 – Release.

• Requesting a voluntary release while serving a period of obligatory service

  The Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 5049-1, Obligatory Service states that “normally members on a period of obligatory service are not eligible for voluntary release.” However, voluntary release may be granted when special and unforeseen circumstances exist and if service requirements permit it.

  To obtain voluntary release before the expiry of your obligatory service period, you must submit a written request through your chain of command. This request will include the reasons that justify your release.

  While your request is under consideration, you may raise any questions with your chain of command. You may also discuss your situation with your Base or Wing Human Resources Administrator.

  If your request is denied, you may seek clarification from your chain of command. If you remain unsatisfied with the decision, you can submit a grievance.

  Note: If you are granted a voluntary release during obligatory service for reasons other than compassionate ones, you must repay the costs associated with your subsidized education or training. In certain cases, you may need to repay a received retention or recruitment allowance. Discuss the repayment amount with your career manager.

  For more information on voluntary release while on a period of obligatory service, refer to the Queen’s Regulations and Orders - Chapter 15 - Release.

• Contesting a Notice of Intent to Recommend Release

  CAF authorities use a Notice of Intent to Recommend Release in certain cases involving service misconduct, unsatisfactory service, non-advantageous employment, or unsuitability for further service. You can learn more by reading the following three articles of the Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QR&O):

  • 21 – Notice of Intent to Recommend Release – Commissioned Officers
  • 22 – Notice of Intent to Recommend Release – Officer Cadets
  • 36 – Notice of Intent to Recommend Release – Non-Commissioned Members

  A Commanding Officer, Base Commander, a Commander of a command, the Chief of the Defence Staff or someone acting on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff may issue a Notice of Intent to Recommend Release to a member. The notice is a form entitled “Regular Force – Notice of Intent to Recommend Release”. It includes a section for the recommending officer to identify the reasons for the notice.

  For procedural information on the Notice of Intent to Recommend Release, review the Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 – Release – Regular Force that is accessible only on the Defence Team Intranet. You should also consult the Queen's Regulations & Orders Chapter 15 – Release and discuss your situation with your Base or Wing Human Resources Administrator.

  If you receive a Notice of Intent to Recommend Release, you have 14 days to provide your representation. This may include any objections, clarifications, or required explanations. The officer who prepared the notice or that officer’s superior may consider your objections, and then decide to either withdraw the Notice of Intent to Recommend Release or proceed with a Recommendation for Compulsory Release.

• Contesting the CAF’s decision to release a member and/or the release category administered

  Before the CAF takes any release decision, you will receive information on the reason for your release as described in an Administrative Review or a Notice of Intent to Release. At this time, you can also make representations on your behalf.

  For more information, consult the Queen’s Regulations & Orders Chapter 15 – Release and the Defence Administrative Orders and Directives 5019-2, Administrative Review.

For more information, consult The three phases of medical release.