The Soldier Readiness Policy – Reserve at a glance
The first of its kind for the Canadian Army Reserve, the Soldier Readiness Policy (SRP-R) is a new set of achievable and realistic standards to ensure that Army Reservists have the highest possible level of readiness for service. It is a policy for Army Reservists, made by Army Reservists.
Before the SRP-R, there was no performance standard for Army Reservists, only attendance requirements. Scroll down to see the new requirements.
By more clearly defining Army Reservists’ training obligations, the SRP-R will better enable them to balance their military and civilian careers. It will also align the expectations for Army Reservists more closely with those of Regular Force members and:
- Ensure more Army Reservists are ready for domestic operations, to which they make significant contributions;
- Reduce administrative burdens on units;
- Provide flexibility for Unit COs and members, and;
- Provide tools to help Unit COs manage administrative challenges concerning unsubstantiated absences.
The SRP-R applies to:
- All Army Reserve members, and;
- Canadian Ranger Instructors.
A one-year trial of the SRP-R began in the Fall of 2021 allowing Reserve members to familiarize themselves with the new policy and provide feedback. Full implementation began on April 1, 2023 for fiscal year 23/24.
During the trial, Army Reservists can send their feedback to the SRP-R Pilot OPI – DARes 3, LCol MW Day at malcolm.day@forces.gc.ca.
Attendance requirements:
- Army Reservists need to attend unit training for a minimum of 10 full days per year;
- Army Reservists must attend a minimum of one training activity every 60 days;
- Holiday Season period excluded.
Performance requirements:
To maintain readiness, Army Reservists must complete all the following requirements activities:
Mandated training and briefings (published by CADTC)
- Safety Indoctrination
- Harassment and Violence Prevention for Employees (W101)
- To be conducted every 3 years
- Portable Fire Extinguisher Training
- To be conducted every 4 years
- CA Ethics
- Critical Incident Training
Individual Battle Task Standards (IBTS)
The IBTS for CBG HQ and external has to be done periodically according to the following table.
| IBTS activities | Applicability | Completion Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security | IS 2 | Every 2 years |
| Media Awareness | IS 1 | Every 3 years |
| Firing Personal Weapon | IS 1 | Every year |
| Perform CBRN Defense | IS 1 | Every 3 years |
| First Aid | IS 1 | Every 3 years |
| Force Test | All | Every year |
Items from Orderly Room, Transport and Security
To be updated annually by all:
- Medical
- Security clearance
- Will (Form CF 30-1-E) OR Will Certificate (Form CF 30-3-E)
- Terms of service
- Designation of Memorial Cross Recipients (Form DND 2105)
- Next of Kin Identification (Form DND 2587)
- Emergency Contacts Notification (Form CF 742)
- Identification disk and card
- Pers Tempo
To be updated annually only if applicable:
- Family care plan
- Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) registration
- Form DND 404 (Driver Permit)
- Civilian driver’s license
What happens if Army Reservists can’t meet the requirements?
During the one-year trial period, the Non-Effective Strength Policy will remain under effect. Therefore, the Army Reservists won’t be impacted if they do not meet the requirements of the new policy.
Once the SRP-R is fully implemented, the Army Reservists who fail to meet the minimum requirements will have the circumstances of that failure reviewed by their chain of command (CoC). The CoC will then take appropriate actions based on the reasons why the requirements were not met which may include providing accommodation or initiating the release process.
Army Reservists can get accommodations if they know that they won’t be able to meet the expectations due to factors beyond their control.