Policy

New Probationary Period Implemented

Mishall Rehman February 28, 2025

0 1 minute read

In an effort to streamline enrolment while ensuring new recruits adhere to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) desired organizational culture, the military is implementing a new probationary period.

The military’s new probationary period went into effect Dec. 31, 2024, and falls under CAF MIL PERS INSTR 05/24. The probationary period follows a recommendation from the Independent External Comprehensive Review (IECR).

“Ref B [IECR] provided recommendations for the CAF to establish a probationary period to ensure that problematic attitudes on culture and gender-based issues are assessed and promptly dealt with, including early release. Ref A [ Our North, Strong and Free A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence] directed the creation of a probationary period to enable the faster enrolment of applicants,” stated CANFORGEN 002/25.

The probationary period will create expedited enrolment and release processes. Above image: Motor Vessel (MV) Asterix’s crew conducts a Replenishment at Sea (RAS) with United States Ship (USS) Higgins in the East China Sea on 7 November 2023. Photo by: Master Sailor (MS) Marilou Villeneuve-Last, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

Probationary Period Details

According to the CANFORGEN, the probationary period will create expedited enrolment and release processes. New CAF members, from the time of their enrolment, will have to fill requirements within the domains of suitability, medical requirements, and security.

The new instruction supersedes aspects of DAOD 5002-1, Enrolment.

Addressing shortages

The hope is that this new policy will not only continue to create a positive cultural change within the Canadian military but also expedite the intake of new members and meet shortages.

“The CAF is experiencing challenges recruiting the required personnel to achieve its strategic intake plan, resulting in shortages of personnel across many occupations. This is affecting the ability to force generate and meet operational commitments. Modifications to the CAF enrolment process are required to facilitate an increase in the number of enrolments,” reads the CANFORGEN.

Questions relating to this CANFORGEN can be addressed to local OPIs or the Administrative Response Centre (ARC). The ARC can be reached:

Internet: CMPARC.CRACPM(at)forces.gc.ca or
Intranet: (PLUS SIGN)CMP ARC – CRA CPM(AT)CMP D MIL PERS MGT(AT)OTTAWA-HULL,
Call: 1-833-445-1182,
Visit URL: http://cmp.mil.ca/en/support/military-personnel/administrative-response-centre.page (accessible only on the National Defence network).
The Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel (CAF MIL PERS) Instruction can be accessed through the DWAN network.