(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE

 
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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
Canadian Armed Forces
         Transition Group
             (CAF TG)
LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING

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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
Aim
• To inform CAF/VAC leadership and stakeholders of the
  Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) and
  Operation TRANSITION.

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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
Agenda
•   Strategic Context
•   Problem Statement
•   CAF TG Operational Design
•   CAF TG Overview
•   Operation TRANSITION
•   Partners
•   Key Takeaways
•   Discussion

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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
Ministerial Commitments
Minister of National Defence Mandate Letter           Budget 2016
“…reduce complexity, overhaul service delivery,       “…the Government will be undertaking a
and strengthen partnerships between National          transformation of both DND and VAC programs
Defence and Veterans Affairs.”                        ….The overall objective.…will be to ensure that the
                                                      Government delivers programs and services in a
Minister of Veterans Affairs Mandate Letter           way that is veterans-centric and facilitates a
                                                      seamless and successful transition from
“… reduce complexity and strengthen                   military to civilian life.”
partnerships between Veterans Affairs and
National Defence. As both Minister of Veterans
Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence,   Budget 2017
you will drive efforts to close the seam between      “The plan will also simplify benefits so that veterans
these two departments and make public a               will have a streamlined, client-centric process
roadmap with key milestones of action.”               that is easier to navigate, gets veterans their
                                                      services quicker and helps them transition to
                                                      civilian life.”

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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
Strong, Secure, Engaged
Canada’s Defence Policy – Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE) states the following in regards to transition:

SSE 26 - Allocate some of the growth in the Medical Services Branch to support transition care.
SSE 27 - Creation of a new CAF Transition Group that provides support to all members to seamlessly transition
to post-military life.
SSE 28 - All benefits will be in place before a member transitions to post-military life (Release Renewal).

CAF TG - The intent is to complete JPSU Renewal (securing support to ill and injured) and expand current
organizational capacities to create the CAF TG, which will be:
    “…commanded by a General Officer and staffed from experts in human resources and personnel administration, will be
    approximately 1,200 personnel strong and include specialized staff and holding positions for ill and injured who are
    preparing to return to duty or transition out of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Group will provide a fully engaged,
    personalized, guided support to transition all Canadian Armed Forces members, with special care and attention being
    provided to those who are ill or injured, including those with psychological or critical stress injuries.”

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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
DND/CAF and VAC Collaboration
• CAF TG is part of an overall series of Government of
  Canada initiatives to improve the lives of CAF members,
  veterans and their families including:
  – Closing the Seam
  – Seamless Canada
  – Pension For Life

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(CAF TG) Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group - LEADER & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT BRIEFING - CAF-ACE / RFAC-ACE
Problem Statement
• The CAF has an established recruiting system that is professional, structured, personalised, and
  standardized across the country. CAF members undergo an extensive indoctrination training period when
  entering the CAF to prepare for their service. No comparable transition system or out-doctrination
  training exists.
• Currently, of the approximately 2,700 of our fellow sailors, soldiers and aviators who release medically
  every year, only about 15%, benefit from an individually-tailored Integrated Transition Plan from the JPSU.
• For the vast majority of our personnel, the administrative burden for a successful transition to civilian life
  currently falls on them and their families.
• Our members and their families are required to plan for life after release, as well as navigate, and apply
  for, the numerous and often confusing, programs and benefits available to them from different agencies,
  while still completing their primary duties as CAF members.
• We must fundamentally re-invent how they and their families undergo this critical event.

                                                  UNCLAS                                             7
Possible At Risk Members
• Female members with a medical release.
• Members with a non-voluntary release
  (including medical).
• Female members with less than 20 years
  of service.
• Members without a family or a marital
  relationship.
• Members who suffer from chronic health
  conditions

• 17% Officers
• 29% Senior Non-Commissioned members      Source: Life After Service Survey, 2016

• 39% Junior Non-Commissioned members

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Transition Effects at Full Operational Capability (FOC)

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Domains of Well-Being
• Inter-dependent areas of consideration that are important for a successful transition.

     Engage in       Achieve     Function well       Adapt,            Maintain         Live in safe,       Be
   activities one    financial     physically,    manage and           mutually        adequate and     understood
  finds beneficial   security      mentally,      cope within         supportive         affordable     and valued
  and meaningful                  socially, and    civilian life   relationships and      housing           by
                                   spiritually                     being engaged in                     Canadians
                                                                    the community

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CAF TG Mission:
In coordination with our valued partners, CAF TG will
deliver personalized, professional, and standardized
casualty support and transition services to CAF members
and their families to enable seamless transition and
enhanced well-being with special attention provided to ill
and injured personnel, their families and the families of the
deceased.

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CAF TG
CAF TG: Canadian Armed
Forces Transition Group                                           CAF TU AB/North
CAF TU: Canadian Armed                                            - TC Edmonton
                                                                  - TC Calgary
Forces Transition Unit                                            - TC Wainwright
TC: Transition Centre                                             - TC Cold Lake

VAC operates 38 Area Offices                                        CAF TU SK/MB
across the country and is                                           - TC Winnipeg
                                                                    - TC Shilo
working at 24 Transition                                            - TC Moose Jaw   CAF TU E ON
Centres, on or near CAF                                                              - TC Petawawa
                                                                                     - TC Kingston                         CAF TU NB/PE
bases, where VAC is generally                          Edmonton                      - TC Trenton                         - TC Gagetown
co-located with CAF                                                                  - TC North Bay
                                                                                                      CF TU QC            - TC Moncton
                                                  Calgary                                                                 - TC Charlottetown
colleagues                                                                                            - TC Valcartier
                                CAF TU BC                                                             - TC Bagotville
                                - TC Esquimalt                                                        - TC Montréal
                                - TC Vancouver                                  CAF TU S ON           - TC Saint-Jean
                                - TC Chilliwack                                 - TC Toronto
                                - TC Comox                                      - TC London
                                                                                - TC Borden
                                                                                                            CAF TU NCR     CAF TU NS/NL
                                                                                - TC Meaford
                                                                                                            - TC Ottawa    - TC Halifax
                                                                                                                           - TC Saint John’s
                                                                                                                           - TC Greenwood
                                                                                                                           - TC Gander
                                                                                                                           - TC Sydney

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Organization
                           COMD                                                       DGMT
                           CAF TG

             Exec Staff

             Advisors
                                                                         Exec Staff

                           DCOMD
                           CAF TG
                                                                         Advisors

                COS                     CAF TU CO
                                          CAF TU CO
                                             CAF TU CO
                                                CAF TU CO
                                                  CAF TU CO
                                                     CAF TU CO                DCSM           DTSP
Soldier On                Joint Staff                   CAF TU CO
                                                          CAF TU CO
                                                             CAF TU CO

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Trusted Partners and Stakeholders
•   Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
•   Military Family Services (MFS) and local MFRCs
•   Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS)
•   Wing/Base Personnel Selection Officers
•   SISIP Financial
•   Manulife / CAF LTD
•   Personnel Support Staff and Regional Adapted Fitness Specialists
•   Economic and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
•   Trusted Third-Party Support Organizations
•   Others…

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CDS/DM Directive: Op TRANSITION
• Mission: The CAF, assisted by DND and key partners, will
  conduct transition as a deliberate operation in order to
  improve the provision of casualty support and expand on
  services available to all members and their families,
  strengthening retention and enabling their successful
  reintegration to civilian life.
• http://cmp-cpm.mil.ca/en/support/casualty/casualty-
  support.page

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New CAF TG and DGMT Authorities
•   Amending release date (DGMT)
•   Determining release date for complex cases (DGMT)
•   Final authority with DMCA for posting to Transition Centre (DGMT)
•   Recommending authority to assign NOK status (DGMT)
•   Approving authority for Home Modification up to full market value (DGMT)
•   Managing Return to Duty Program (DGMT)
•   Managing Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Serving Members (DGMT)
•   Managing Second Career Assistance Network Program and subsequent related program (DGMT)
•   Granting extension for election Intended Place of Residence (DGMT)
•   Training Authority for CAF TG courses (DGMT)
•   Sole authority to grant a waiver to complete mandatory transition training (Comd CAF TG)

Note: current release authorities as per QR&O, Ch 15 remain extant

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Initial Transition Process (eff 1 Apr 2019)
As of 1 Apr 2019, a Regular Force or Primary Reserve member and their family undergoing transition will follow an initial, chain
of command implemented, transition process consisting of:

1.    Examine retention options – if not possible then...
2.    Receive your My Transition Guide (hard copy and/or electronic).
3.    Utilize a recommended minimum 6 Month Period to plan/implement transition plan.
4.    Sign up for a MyVAC account (online).
5.    Complete Enhanced Transition Training (DLN).
6.    Attend other transition training such as a SCAN seminar (in person / online) or Career Transition Workshop, as available and supported by
      the chain of command.
7.    For medically releasing members, engagement with Manulife for CAF LTD to ensure income replacement post release and CAF VRP to
      commence educational transition pre-release and engagement with VAC to determine medical and/or psychosocial rehabilitation
      requirements.
8.    Access Career Transition Services and other post-service benefits and services as offered by VAC.
9.    Complete release administration.
10.   Utilize the mandatory 30 calendar day window, when you are protected from tasking or employment to concentrate solely on your
      transition.
11.   Attend your mandatory Depart with Dignity.
12.   Your Chain of command will validate that you have completed these steps and are “ready to transition.”

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Transition Period as of 1 Apr 2019
                                                         6 MONTHS
Notice of Intent                                                            30-Day Release –
 to Release –                                Pre-30 Day Transition Prep        Immediate                             Release
                                                                                Annuitant
 Voluntary –                                                                                                          Date
                              Supported Period (CO’s Discretion)                               Protected Period
Non-Annuitant
                                            5 Months                                                30 Days

                                                     Transition tasks concurrent               Focus on Transition
  Start Here                                             with regular duties

                   Develop your Personalized Transition Plan

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My Transition Guide
• Assist you in understanding
  transition and support your
  transition planning.
• Information and checklists serve as
  useful tools for you and your family.
• Includes an Aide-Memoire for Unit
  Commanding Officers to support
  their members in transition.
• Available in print, PDF, and HTML
  formats.

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Canada.ca Website Portal
•   New Transition website on Canada.ca
•   Single portal for online transition information for you and your family
•   Includes SCAN Online
•   Information and connections to other stakeholder support, including VAC and other
    partners

                           www.canada.ca/military-transition
                           www.canada.ca/transition-militaire

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Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) Online
   Key Takeaways:
   • Accessible for you and your
     family
   • Accessible anywhere /
     anytime
   • Nationwide standardized
     material

• Structure - 3 Categories
   • General SCAN = 13 videos
   • Medical SCAN = 18 videos
   • Executive SCAN = 14 videos
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Enhanced Transition Training (ETT)
Key takeaways
   • April 2019 – Mandatory for all member with
      confirmed date of release
   • Available on Defence Learning Network (DLN)
   • Must have forces.gc.ca and DLN account
Structure - 4 Categories
   • General - 7 + 1 modules, 4h 26 (video)
   • Medical - 14 modules, 5h 36 (video)
   • Executive - 9 modules, 4h 51 (video)
   • Executive Medical - 15 modules, 5h 51 (video)

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MOSID National Occupation Code Equivalency Tool

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My Transition Services App
                    • The “digital Swiss Army knife”
                      of transition
                    • Include
                      –   My Transition Guide
                      –   My Checklists
                      –   My Transition Toolbox
                      –   My Transition Contacts
                    • Available on Google Play
                      Store and Apple App Store
Base/Wing Base Personnel Selection Officer
• SCAN Seminars – General and Medical
• Career Transition Workshop (CTW) – Four Modules
  •   Self-Assessment for Interests and Skills
  •   Resume Writing
  •   Interview Techniques
  •   Job Search Techniques.
• Individual Counselling
  • In-service Transition
  • Educational Upgrading

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Long Term Disability (LTD) & Vocational Rehab Program (VRP)
   CAF LTD and VRP are part of your CAF employee benefits

   LTD:
      •    CAF group LTD plan – first payer for income replacement
      •    Coverage for all Regular Force and Primary Reservists
      •    Apply early - at Disclosure or up to 120 days after date of release (DOR)
      •    No distinction between service and non-service related condition

   VRP:
       •   One on One support via assigned VRP Counsellor
       •   Meet with VRP Counsellor to discuss your vocational interests
       •   Support can start up to 6 months before date of release (DOR)
       •   Transition Plan Development - help to make a plan
       •   Vocational Retraining - help to get the tools
       •   Job Search Assistance – help to get a career

   Contact numbers
      • CAF LTD 1-800-565-0701
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      • CAF VRP 1-800-565-6463
SISIP FINANCIAL
INSURANCE, INVESTMENTS, SAVINGS, ADVICE
                  Insurance, Financial Planning, Financial
                   Counselling
                  Budget and debt management
                  Investment advice
                  Retirement and release planning

                    www.sisip.com

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Veteran’s Service Card
• Automatically issued upon your
  Transition/Release
• Eligibility: Veteran
   • Completed basic training and
     honourably released from the CAF

Veterans released before Feb 2016 will be able to request their Veteran’s Service Card
beginning Summer 2019, through: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-
defence/services/benefits-military/transition/service-card.html

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What is My VAC Account?

My VAC Account is a simple and secure way
to do business online with Veterans Affairs
Canada.                                             UPLOAD
                                              Files, applications,
                                                                       COMMUNICATE
                                                                     Secure message Case
                                                                                                     SUMMARY
                                                                                               View of financial benefits
                                                images, claims       Managers and Veteran         received from VAC

My VAC Account is available to any Veteran
                                                                        Service Agents

or still-serving member of the Canadian
Armed Forces or the RCMP. My VAC
Account is also available to family
members who directly receive benefits               APPLY               TRACK STATUS               DIRECT DEPOSIT

from Veterans Affairs Canada.                 Access to all major
                                              application forms
                                                                       View the status of
                                                                     submitted applications
                                                                                                Set up direct deposit or
                                                                                              change banking information
VAC Education and Training Benefit (ETB)
 •   To provide education and training to ensure Veterans are satisfied with their main job or activity, including
     employment.
 •   Eligibility:
      •   Honourable release – voluntary, medical or completion of service
      •   Minimum 6 years of service
 •   Entitlement:
      •   Minimum 6 years of service (2191 authorized paid days) = up to $40,000 (indexed annually)
      •   Minimum 12 years of service (4382 authorized paid days) = up to $80,000 (indexed annually)
      •   10 years from Date of Release to apply for and use benefits
 •   Education and Training Programs:
      •   Approved institutions per Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) list of designated institutions
      •   Program resulting in a degree, diploma, certification or designation
      •   Up to $5,000 of funding entitlement may be accessed for short courses, e.g. small business boot camps

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VAC Career Transition Services (CTS)
 To ensure members, Veterans, survivors, spouses, and common-law partners are provided with the skills and tools that
 will allow them to successfully transition to the civilian workforce.
 Program as of April 1, 2018:
 •   All Members, Members with intent to Release and Veterans who have completed basic training and survivors,
     spouses and common-law partners of Veterans who completed basic training. Must be a resident of Canada.
 •   Services provided directly to the client through a national service provider under a national contract managed by
     PSPC and VAC.
 Program Details
 •   Services available based on type of client and increase as member transitions through phases. Client works with
     assigned employment coach to develop an individual plan.
 •   Emphasis on motivation and well-being of client and services tailored to the client's needs.
 •   Virtual delivery model – through online tools, video chat, and telephone.
 •   No limit on hours within a Career Transition Services Plan where there is a demonstrated need.

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Pension for Life – Benefit Overview
Benefit                                 Description
Pain & Suffering Compensation           •   Replace Disability Award with monthly Pain and Suffering Compensation
(Non-Economic Benefit -                 •   $1150 maximum monthly payment for life
non-taxable)                            •   Option to cash-out for a lump-sum

                                        Additional Monthly Amount
                                        • Monthly payment to Veterans who already received a Disability Award and did not have the
                                           benefit of a monthly, life-time option
Additional Pain & Suffering             •   New non-economic benefit to recognize severe and permanent service-related impairments
Compensation                            •   Three grade levels of $500, $1000, or $1500
(Non-Economic Benefit -                 •   Monthly payment
non-taxable)

Income Replacement Benefit*             •   Consolidates six benefits and create the Income Replacement Benefit at 90% of pre-release
(Economic Benefit - taxable)                salary - indexed annually.
                                        •   Permit $20K in allowable employment earnings (gross)
                                        •   Increase survivor’s benefits from 50% to 70%
                                        •   Recognize lost career progression potential with 1% annual increase

 *VAC Rehabilitation Program and Canadian Forces Income Support eligibility will be limited to those with service-related rehabilitation needs
CAF TG and CF Health Services Gp (CFHS)
All Transitioning CAF Personnel

•   CFHS has recently created a “Health Record Package.” This summary should meet the routine requirements
    of civilian primary health care providers.

•   The Package contains:

•   Scan-CF2017 Medical Examination for Release
•   Periodic Health Assessment (PHA) Part 2 Medical Note ( for past 5yrs)
•   Scan-Audiogram OR Scan-CF2036 Audiogram
•   Scan-Visual Acuity
•   Scan-Medication Reconciliation OR list of Current Medications
•   Immunization Summary
•   All laboratory results (for past 5yrs)

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Family Programs
Military                                                     Post Military
                                                              Enhanced Services to ill and injured personnel and their families
Programs and Services which support challenges related to    • Access to a Veteran Family Program Coordinator
the military lifestyle offered at Military Family Resource
                                                             • Veteran Family Journal
Centres
                                                             • Programs
• Information, Education and Awareness                       •   Mental Health First Aid for the Veteran Community
• Referral and Support Services                              •   Care for the Caregiver Education and Self-help Tools
• Intervention                                               •   SISIP Financial Services Partnership to support financial planning approaching or after a
                                                                 medical release
      MFRC Family Liaison Officer partnership –              •   Living Life to the Full
      collaborating with and supporting ISPC teams           • Continued access to the Military Family Services Program through Military
                                                               Family Resource Centres

       CAFconnection.ca                                                                                            24/7 Family Information Line
       Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare                                                                          1-800-866-4546
       National programs and services                                                                              FIL@CAFconnection.ca

       Military Family Resource Centre for local
       programs and services
The Future
• Continuous Improvement
• Transition Trial – CFB Borden
• Op TRANSITION

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Chain of Command Responsibilities
•   Understand and promote OP TRANSITION and associated processes and tools
•   Work with CAF TG, Transition Units and Centres to implement change
•   Communicate and support changes…inform, raise awareness, educate
•   Implement Initial Transition Process as of 1 Apr 2019:
    –   Explore retention options for the member if possible
    –   Enable the member/family transition when retention is not possible
    –   Support member and family in order to facilitate the best possibility for a successful transition
    –   Ensure all CAF members take “ownership” of their transition
    –   Confirm members are “ready to transition”
• Enable a continuation of member-CAF connection post-release

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What can Stakeholders do to reinforce Op TRANSITION?
 • Work with the CAF TG/TUs/TCs to:
   • Improve the delivery and coordination of services to members, veterans
     and their families
   • Contribute to the Transition Trial and other development initiatives
   • Integrate relevant services into the new transition process/experience as it
     is developed
 • Promote the CAF TG within your sphere of influence
 • Provide valuable feedback on areas for improvement

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Key Messages to Leaders & Stakeholders
• Supporting members, veterans, and their families throughout the transition process is the top
  priority for the CAF TG
• Retention is always the preference whenever possible…we want to keep our skilled, hard-
  working people
• Special care and attention will still be provided to our Ill & Injured personnel
• The CAF TG is committed to continuous improvement. We are looking for feedback from you
  and your family in order to help us improve
• Educate members early regarding transition, it’s their transition:
    – Help them build a plan; and let them own it.
• We want members to be Informed, Prepared, Empowered for life after service.

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Contacts
• www.canada.ca/military-transition or contact us at 1-800-883-6094.

   • Local Transition Centre.
   • VAC General Inquiries: 1-866-522-2122 (English), 1-866-522-2022 (French)
   • VAC Assistance Service: 1-800-268-7708 for mental health support (24 hours a day, 365
     days a year)
   • Family Information Line: 1-800-866-4546 (North America)
   • SISIP Financial: 1-800-267-6681
   • Manulife CAF LTD & VRP Operations:
      • CAF Long Term Disability (LTD): 1-800-565-0701
      • CAF Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VRP):1-800-565-6463

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DISCUSSION / QUESTIONS

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Definitions
   • Release. An administrative process referring to the termination of the service of
     an officer or non-commissioned member in any manner.
   • Transition. The period of reintegration from military to civilian life and the
     corresponding process of change that a serving member/veteran and their family
     undertakes when their service is completed.
   • Retention. The effect achieved when a CAF member who meets prescribed
     conditions of service chooses to remain in the CAF.
   • Serving Member. A current member of the CAF Regular or Reserve component.
   • Veteran. A former member of the CAF who has successfully completed basic
     training and has been honourably released.

                                       UNCLAS                                            11
Future Transition Training
       Short Term        Mid to Long Term

                             Take one, more or
                             all of these tracks

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