Chief of the Defence Staff Releases New Instructions Regarding Acting Rank While So Employed (AWSE)

The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) recently released new instructions regarding acting rank while so employed (AWSE) for Lieutenant Colonel/Commander and below.

In CANFORGEN 006/24, General Wayne Eyre, CDS, announced the release of Ref A. CF Mil Pers instructions (CFMPI) 01/24 Acting Rank While so Employed, and the cancellation of Ref B, CANFORGEN 040/20 Acting While So Employed LCol/Cdr and below.

Three Conditions

CANFORGEN 006/24 noted CFMPI 01/24 sets out three conditions established by the CDS that must be satisfied for an AWSE to be considered, specifically:

1. The member must be employed in a position established at a higher rank, appointment, or employment level than their substantive rank or current employment level, whether transferred to that position or not,
2. The member must be assigned the full spectrum of duties and responsibilities of the higher-ranked position, and
3. The member must fulfill the duties and be employed in such a capacity for a period of at least 90 consecutive days.

The CANFORGEN noted, “As the CAF navigates current personnel challenges, military requirements may necessitate that members perform the full duties of a position at the next higher rank for more than 90 days. This CFMPI provides greater flexibility and guidance to the chain of command when considering an AWSE.”

Updated Policy

The updated policy aims to support the CAF reconstitution efforts and the ongoing modernization of the CAF Human Resources Strategy, mentioned in Canada’s Defence Policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged.

Regarding questions, the CANFORGEN directs CAF personnel to contact the Chief of Military Personnel (CMP) administrative response centre (ARC), which clarifies and interprets CMP personnel policies.

How to contact ARC:

• Internet: CMParc.Cracpm(at sign)http://forces.Gc.Ca, or
• Intranet: (plus sign) CMP arc – cra cpm(at sign) CMP dgmp(at sign)ottawa-hull, or
• Phone 1-833-445-1182, or
• Visiting the administrative response centre page on the Defence Wide Area Network (DWAN).