Release – frequently asked questions

• What types of release can 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.

  Note: If you have questions about release, discuss them with your base or wing release clerk. They are in an ideal position to inform you about the options that apply to your situation. In addition, they can refer you to the appropriate resources on matters like your pension and benefits.

• I am being released. I disagree with my release or release category. How can I request a review?

  Before any release decision is made, you should be notified about the reasons for your release by way of an Administrative Review or a Notice of Intent to Release. During this time, you should also have the opportunity to make representations on your behalf. For more information, review Queen's Regulations & Orders Chapter 15 – Release.

  If you are dissatisfied with your release or release category, you can submit a grievance to your commanding officer. For more information, refer to our Redress of Grievance page.

• Am I eligible for release on 30 days’ notice?

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

  • Members are within two years of or beyond 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 (HRA).

  For more information on release, refer to the Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 – Release – Regular Force, and the Queen’s Regulations and Orders – Chapter 15 – Release.

• I want to release voluntarily, but I have served less than three years. What can I do?

  The Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 - Release - Regular Force, which is accessible only on the Defence Team Intranet, 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 a formal memorandum through your chain of command immediately. Your request should be dated, signed, and include the reasons for your request along with other relevant details such as your intended last day of work. Depending on your circumstances, you may find it helpful to contact other support resources such as your padre, a Military Family Resource Center family liaison officer, a Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) financial counselor, or your local CAF Transition Unit.

  While your request is being considered, 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 (HRA).

  If the Director Military Careers denies your request, you may request clarification through your chain of command. If you remain unsatisfied with the decision, you can submit a grievance. Refer to our Redress of Grievance information for more details.

  If there are exceptional reasons that prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels such as time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, you can contact our office by phone or in writing. We can assist when there are compelling circumstances to ensure all relevant parties know about your circumstances, and that the proper process is being followed to assist the appropriate authority in taking an informed decision.

  Note: Upon enrolment, each member signs a CF 92 – Pre-enrolment/Transfer of Understanding and Update. This form states that normally members cannot release until they complete the first three weeks of basic military training. Until a member reaches that operational functional point, the authority for release is the Commanding Officer of the member’s designated training authority.

• I want to release voluntarily for personal reasons before my terms of service expires. I am unable to provide six months’ notice. What must I do?

  In order to obtain voluntary release, you must submit a formal request through your chain of command. Usually, such requests must be for a date that is six months or later from their submission date. The only exception is when a member qualifies for a 30-day release. Your request should include the reasons along with other relevant details such as your intended last day of work.

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

  While your request is being considered, 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 (HRA).

  If the D Mil C denies your waiver request, you may request clarification through your chain of command immediately. If you remain unsatisfied with the decision, you can submit a grievance and ensure the time sensitivity aspect is noted in your request. Refer to our Redress of Grievance information for more details.

  If there are exceptional reasons that prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels such as time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, you can contact our office by phone or in writing. We can assist when there are compelling circumstances to ensure all relevant parties know about your circumstances, and that the proper process is being followed to assist the appropriate authority in taking an informed decision.

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

• I am currently serving on a period of obligatory service. I would like to release before the period is expired. How can I proceed?

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

  In order to obtain a voluntary release before the expiry of your period of obligatory service, you must submit a written request through your chain of command that explains the reasons for your request.

  Note: Depending on your circumstances, you may find it helpful to contact other support resources such as your padre, a Military Family Resource Center family liaison officer, a Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) financial counselor, or your local CAF Transition Unit.

  While your request is being considered, 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 (HRA).

  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. Refer to our Redress of Grievance information for more details.

  If there are exceptional reasons that prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels such as time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, you can contact our office by phone or in writing. We can assist when there are compelling circumstances to ensure all relevant parties know about your circumstances, and that the proper process is being followed to assist the appropriate authority in taking an informed decision.

  Note: CAF members on a period of obligatory service who are granted a voluntary release for reasons other than compassionate ones must repay the costs associated with their subsidized education or training. In certain cases, they may be required to repay an allowance such as the Pilot Terminable Allowance, Medical Officer Direct Entry Recruitment Allowance, or Dental Officer Direct Entry Recruitment Allowance. You should discuss the amount you may be required to repay with your career manager.

  For more information on voluntary release while on a period of obligatory service, refer to the Queens Regulation and Orders - Chapter 15 - Release.

• I have received a Notice of Intent to Recommend Release. I want to contest it. What must I do?

  A Notice of Intent to Recommend Release is a mechanism used in certain cases when  recommending release under item 1(b) (Service Misconduct), 2 (Unsatisfactory Service), 5(d) (Not Advantageously Employable), or 5(f) (Unsuitable for Further Service).  You can learn more by reading the following articles of the Queens 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 information on the Notice of Intent to Recommend Release process, review the Canadian Forces Administrative Orders 15-2 – Release – Regular Force and The Military Human Resources Records Procedures (MHRRP) – Chapter 15 – Release CF Members that are accessible only on the Defence Team Intranet. You can also discuss your situation with your Base or Wing Human Resources Administrator (HRA).

  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.

  If you remain unsatisfied with the decision, you can submit a grievance. Refer to our Redress of Grievance information for more details.

  If there are exceptional reasons that prevent you from addressing your concerns through regular channels such as time sensitivity, health, security, or financial concerns for you or your family, you can contact our office by phone or in writing. We can assist when there are compelling circumstances to ensure all relevant parties know about your circumstances, and that the proper process is being followed to assist the appropriate authority in taking an informed decision.

For more information, refer to our The three phases of medical release page.