IN-SERVICE COMMISSIONING
COMMISSIONING FROM THE RANKS PLAN (CFRP)
References: A. CFAO 11-9
B. CFAO 10-3
C. CFAO 11-6
D. CFAO 2-10
E. Annual D Mil 7988C Sec Message
GENERAL
The CFRP is an officer candidate nomination program for NCMs with a minimum of ten years experience who are normally at the Sgt or above rank level. Outstanding MCpls may also be nominated for this program as stipulated by the annual competition message. Only the Cmdt/CO of the unit, advised by supervisors may identify and nominate potential candidates who have acquired a level of military experience and who possess qualities and aptitudes considered suitable for commissioning (member should not be “nominating themselves” but certainly may make their interest known to supervisors on appropriate occasions). Eligibility standards are prescribed at ref A and the competition is announced annually at ref E.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for nomination under the CFRP, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
Citizenship: An applicant must be a Canadian citizen;
Time in Service: Must have a minimum of 10 years service by closing date for nomination;
Rank: Must be of substantive rank of Sgt or higher (or outstanding MCpls on an exceptional basis);
Period of Remaining Service: Must have at least the minimum required years of service remaining to CRA by 31 Dec of the year in which the selection board is convened, as stipulated on the competition message. However, Cmdts/COs may nominate members with less time when there is justification for so doing and\providing the member nominated is able to complete all required officer/MOC/language training and is able to provide the CF with a period of employment in officer positions;
Medical Standards: Must have a minimum medical category for the appropriate officer MOC awarded/confirmed within 12 months prior to closing date for nomination;
Pre-entry Test: Must achieve acceptable standing on the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT) administered by the PSO;
Education Standards: Must possess a Grade 12 diploma (Secondary V in Quebec) or equivalency certificate; and
Proof of Acceptance: Must provide proof of acceptance to a sub-MOC approved technology program identified at ref A, if the applicant is a MARE 44 nominee.
Nominees must belong to an MOC closely aligned with the officer MOC for which they are nominated, or have extensive training, experience or education qualifications directly related to that MOC. Annex A to ref D, Personnel Branches within the CF, is the basis for determining the appropriate officer MOC.
Nominees will be considered only for the specific annual program for which they are nominated. Those not selected may, if still eligible, be nominated by a Cmdt/CO in any subsequent year. Full processing and documentation is required each time the member is nominated.
EMPLOYMENT
The employment of officers commissioned under this plan will be related to their individual qualifications.
PROCEDURES
Upon announcement of the CFRP competition, the Cmdt/CO may make nominations and shall ensure that the following documents are forwarded to the PSO well in advance of published closing dates:
CFRP nomination (Parts 1 , 2 & 3 Annex A to ref A completed) - include a letter of Recommendation from CO;
Statement of Understanding (Annex B to ref A);
Consent to Serve Form (Annex A to ref B, if applicable);
documentary proof of education IAW ref A and Qualification Summary-In-Service Commissioning Form;
Self-Assessment Form; and
Personnel Selection Office Referral Form together with UER, Military Personal Record Resume (MPRR), conduct sheet (if applicable) and Unit Pers File (UPF).
STAFFING
Once all the member’s documentation has been received, the PSO shall screen the forms to verify the member’s eligibility for the program. At that time, a file review will also be done to determine if testing is necessary. The point of contact shall be informed of the date and time of the appointment and must confirm the member’s availability for the scheduled interview.
Following the interview, a Personnel Selection Report (CF285) (if applicable), and letter are forwarded to the unit together with the applicant’s file. The Cmdt/CO then completes Part 3 of Annex B to ref A. In all cases, the unit recommendation shall be signed by the Cmdt/CO, who should be a senior ranking officer. Otherwise, a written explanation is advised.
The unit shall send the following documents to NDHQ/DMCARM 7 (or as specified in the annual CFRP message):
CFRP nomination completed (Annex A to ref A);
Statement of Understanding (Annex B to ref A);
Consent to Serve Form (Annex A to ref B), if applicable;
documentary proof of education in accordance with refs and Qualification Summary-In-Service Commissioning Form; and
CF285, Personnel Selection Report.
Units are to inform Career Managers at NDHQ/D Mil C and DMCARM 7-3, by message, fax or EMail, when a CFRP nominee’s documentation has been dispatched.
An NDHQ selection board carefully reviews all documents and candidates are informed of the decision through their Cmdt/CO.
