Mishall RehmanThe Regular Force Self-Development Program will temporarily be paused due to staffing and funding, among other things, according to a new Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) memo.
According to CANFORGEN 135/24, new applications in the program, which falls under the Education Expense Reimbursement Program, will be paused effective immediately and last until at least March 31, 2025.
Additionally, the military says it also plans to discontinue the Ill and Injured component of the program.
“To address the issues and ensure the SDP (Self-Development Program) can adequately support CAF member’s needs, the Self-Development Program Education Expense Reimbursement application will be closed,” stated the CANFORGEN.
Applications Paused Temporarily
Not only are new Regular Force Self-Development Program applications paused, but the military will also pause the acceptance of new funding requests for courses associated with an already endorsed SDP for the Regular Force Education Reimbursement Program for the year 2024/2025.
This change is effective immediately.
This decision was made based on a “combination of factors” that include “software, policy, staffing and funding.” The military says this decision will help to “implement corrective measures” to ensure the effectiveness of the program.
Those not affected by this decision, according to the CANFORGEN, include:
- “Course funding requests that have received funding approval for courses beginning in fiscal year 2024/2025
- New or current SDPS or course funding requests for members of the primary reserve subject to Ref B Annex B and Ref C,
- New or current SDPS or course funding requests for applications for the skills completion program subject to Ref B Annex C and Ref D
- Or New or current continuing education officer training plan course submissions managers through the SDPEER application.”
Ill and Injured Program Terminated
No applications will be accepted for the ill and injured component of the Education Expense Reimbursement (EER) Program, which has been terminated, according to CANFORGEN.
“EER for ill and injured members is not authorized in CBI 210.80, which exists to support CAF members in the performance of CAF duties rather than preparing them for post-CAF employment. For this reason, CMP has directed that the program be terminated,” reads the CANFORGEN.
However, those who are already approved or in the middle of courses will have their claims processed.
The military assures that ill and injured members are still eligible for the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for serving members, the CAF Vocational Rehabilitation Program that is part of CAF Long Term Disability. Once released, as Veterans, they can also apply for the VAC ETB and Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program.
Purpose of the Education Expense Reimbursement Program
The Education Expense Reimbursement Program is to support CAF members throughout their careers. Considering the importance of the program, the CAF continues to make adjustments to ensure its longevity, says the military.
“Continual monitoring and assessment of the program, its supporting software, and available funding is necessary to assure the long-term sustainability of the program. Often minor adjustments are made to effect incremental changes to programs, but occasionally there will be major factors that affect supporting self-development opportunities for CAF members,” stated the CANFORGEN.
The military encourages those impacted by this new policy to reach out to their chain of command, their local PDEV section, or career managers. The CMP Administrative Response Centre is also accessible to provide information.
The centre can be reached T: INTERNET: CMPARC.CRACPM(AT SIGN) [[email protected]], or intranet: (PLUS SIGN)CMP ARC – CRA CPM(AT SIGN)CMP D MIL PERS MGT(AT SIGN)OTTAWA-HULL [+CMP ARC – CRA CPM@CMP D MIL PERS MGT@OTTAWA-HULL], or by calling 1-833-445-1182, or by visiting the Administrative Response Centre page.
