CEMS-Question on O-Occupational factor

[cartwright]

I have been doing a lot of research and PT for application to the CF (DEO MARS/Artillery/Logistics).  I have also been trying to get in touch with a WO in CFRC Montreal (based on a recommendation from an officer in CFRC) to find out about a specific knee/ankle problem I have.  While I am not looking for a definitive 'yeah/nay' on my condition, I am looking for an indication as to whether it is realistic to even apply.  Unfortunately this WO has not been returning my calls (left 4 or 5 voicemails but fully understand it is not really his job to answer calls from off-the-street) so I have come here for some insight.

My question relates to the occupation factor in the CEMS (common enrolment medical standard).  I understand that the point of the CEMS is to make sure that the candidate is employable in as many possible MOCs and to make sure the candidate has maximum chance for success.  It seems to me that any orthopaedic injuries would generally be assessed under the O factor.  For existing CF members, the task statements for each MOCs provide guidelines on the occupational demands that may be impacted by any injury or condition and help to therefore guide an evaluation to potential limitations for that member, in his/her MOC.  However, how is this assessed in the CEMS?  For example, in my case, should I assume that the nature of my injury must not limit me from the most punishing of tasks among all MOCs (probably NCM Infantry)?  If I were to be naive, I might say "well as long as I pass the Generic Task statement, I should be OK" but I presume I would be wrong there.

Why I am trying to get insight into this is that although my injury is permanent (15 years old now and includes permanent nerve damage) and has a significant impact (I cannot balance on my right foot and generally wear an ankle brace), I have had no reinjury issues (even after 3 years of rugby) and it has not reduced my running/hiking abilities.  It would likely be an issue in say carrying a 35kg pack through the Afghan mountains or in parachuting (it’s not the fall, it’s the sudden stop at the end that gets you).  In just about anything else, I’m confident in being able to do anything requested of me, without limitation.  So in assessing the O factor for enrolment, is the question going to be whether I have any restrictions for any MOC or is there some lesser condition saying that while I may not meet some of the MOC specific requirements for infantry, I could meet the requirements for Artillery/MARS/LogO and most/almost all other MOCs?  Perhaps it isn’t even that structured and is more of a subjective evaluation.

So back to the original question, how does the medical staff (in CFRC and Borden) evaluate the potential recruit in assessing whether the candidate meets the O factor in the CEMS?

PS-Yes, I know that the only way to get a final answer is to apply but I am looking for some unofficial insight into how the CEMS is applied.

All helpful comments appreciated
thx

 

[tech2002]

The best way is to visit your local CF recruiting center and ask if you can talk to a Medical Officer that visits that center to check new recruits, I believe that would be best way to start, you dont want to get disspointed like I did at the end of the process after interviews, prep physically and mentally and get rejected on those basis.
The way it happens the medical officer will ask you to get the info from your doctor about the problem that you have, the doctor will have to provide analysis of your issue, short and long term, then the medical officer will forward that info to Ottawa for check up and then you will receive in mail the answer if you are in or not.. but the problem with that is that they will ask you to apply for occupation first and go through entire process, but I would suggest talk to Medical officer first and see what he/she will say to you, and provide them the occupations that you are intrested in, that might help ..
I don't know if they list the scores that is required for the specific injury, maybe perhaps somebody will have more info

 

[BC Old Guy]

The recruiting medical uses CEMS to see if an applicant meets the universality of service.  The Generic Tasks that are required of all pers are done from the initial training onwards. 

With the injury, and the current status of what you can do, as you have described, will PROBABLY result in the Physician Assistant asking for some very specific information from your orthopedic surgeon and your family doctor, including completing some forms.  Once that info is received, it will be sent, with your recruiting medical file to the Recruiting Medical Officer, who will assess the information, and make a decision.  Based on that medical assessment, the recruiting staff will make an assessment as to whether they can enrol you with the medical catergory.