Duty Calls

Canadian Forces Provost Marshal Seeking Highly Motivated and Physically Fit Soldiers

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The Canadian Forces Provost Marshal is currently on the lookout for highly motivated and physically fit soldiers to volunteer for the next Close Protection Operative Assessment Centre (CPOAC).

Soldiers who successfully complete this highly elite endeavour join the Canadian Armed Forces’ Close Protection Capability. These soldiers, employed in small teams, are deployed within Canada and abroad.

The next CPOAC will occur throughout February and April 2025 at CFB Borden.

“Candidates found suitable following the CPOAC will be merit listed and loaded on the Close Protection Operative Course scheduled for summer 2025 at Connaught Ranges and Primary Training Centre in Ottawa,” reads CANFORGEN 140/24 informing about the new CPOAC.

Spring CPOAC

The next batch of CPOAC will take place on the following dates, according to the military:

Serial 2402 will take place from Feb. 3-7
Serial 2405 will take place from Feb. 10-14
Serial 2501 will take place March 31-April 4 (to be confirmed)
Serial 2502 will take place from April 7- 11 (to be confirmed).

Because Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who are part of the Close Protection team may be possibly deployed abroad, the CANFORGEN states applicants must be available for a posting to the Canadian Forces Protective Services Unit, Ottawa, in a CPO position.

They must also be prepared for an up-to-six month deployment during the two-year period following the completion of the Close Protection Operative Course.

Reserve Personnel are advised that the above does not mean a Reserve Force employment contract is guaranteed once qualified.

After completing their training, qualified CPOs may be subjected to a Restricted Release Period of up to 24 months. Therefore, members may have to ensure their Terms of Service extend beyond the RRP before course loading.

Specially trained Canadian Armed Forces with the close-protection team assigned to JTF-Iraq, participate in ongoing training in early August to ensure they retain their advanced skills and knowledge, during Operation IMPACT. Photo: Op IMPACT, DND. Image courtesy of CAF.

Notice of Intent

Interested CAF members need to submit a notice of intent to apply no later than Nov. 15.

The notice of intent should include:

Service number
Rank
Surname
First name
First official language
Retirement for French
Immediate supervisor’s rank
Immediate supervisor’s name

Additionally, when sending the email, members are required to include their immediate supervisor, unit chief clerk, superior officer, and adjutant Amin O or DCO.

After emailing the notice of intent, interested members will receive a CPOAC application package.

The notice of intent can be emailed here.

Eligibility

Regular and Reserve Force applicants must meet certain criteria to apply.

This criterion is as follows, according to the CANFORGEN:

MOS ID and Rank must be 00214 MPO of the rank of Maj/LCDR and below. 00161 MP of the rank of CPL/S 1 to MWO/CPO2 and below. Any NCM up to the rank of Sgt. Of any other MOSID managed by the RCN/CA/ RCAF.
Must have reached the operationally functional point in current MOS ID.
Must not be under a remedial measure
Must not have a criminal record of any kind. Those with a criminal record must submit a pardon/record suspension prior to applying.
Meet the pre-selection fitness evaluation standard specified in the reference.
Hold a valid minimum security clearance of Level II (secret). If you do not hold this level, you must apply for it before continuing with this application.
Must have a Personnel Readiness Verification status of green. This must include weapon handling, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence, and first aid.
Must have a valid Canadian passport
Must have a valid license
And DND 404.

Applicants must fully meet the criteria by the application deadline.

Anyone who does not meet these criteria or no longer meets them by Feb. 6, 2025, will not be invited to the course, noted the CANFORGEN.

Close Protection Team member, Sailor 1st Class Frederick Jardine watches the surroundings as HMCS FREDERICTON departs the port of Helsinki, Finland during Operation REASSURANCE on November 2, 2021. Photo by: Cpl Laura Landry, Canadian Armed Forces photo.

Pre-selection Fitness Evaluation

According to the CANFORGEN, six months prior to the CPOAC dates, applicants must have passed the CP pre-selection fitness evaluation. This test must be administered by PSP staff.

The different parts of the evaluation must be completed in PT gear.

According to the CANFORGEN, “the stronger the performance during fitness testing, the better the chance of being invited to attend the CPOAC.”

Invitations to attend CPOAC will be sent out by Dec. 20, 2024, for the February iteration and no later than March 7, 2025, for the April iteration. If an applicant doesn’t receive an invitation, this means their file is closed. However, they are welcome to apply in the future.

Travel and temporary duty expenses will be covered by CF MP GP. However, Primary Reserve applicant’s employing unit is responsible for all reserve pay during CPOAC and CPOC.

Important Reminders

The CANFORGEN makes it a point to state that a majority of the work will be conducted in English. Additionally, MP/MPOs who qualify could be deployed as early late 2025 and early 2026.

“And throughout their career, depending on operational requirements, Canadian Army commitment for Combat Arms personnel is one tour within two years of course completion with the possibility of a second tour in the future depending on availability,” stated the CANFORGEN.

Once qualified, personnel will be considered for future deployments. Additionally, qualified Combat Arms CPO could be eligible to be posted to one of the Combat Arms positions assigned to the CAF within CFPSU.

Questions regarding CPOAP positions and the selection process can be sent to CF MP GP selection here.