Thinking of retirement or transition to civilian life soon? My Transition 101 is for you
July 31, 2023 - Defence Stories
By: Captain Yanick Hamel, Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group, Public Affairs Officer
What is the My Transition 101 Defence Learning Network (DLN) course? It’s a self-directed e-learning course aiming to prepare Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members for their Military to Civilian Transition. It is a first step to prepare you for the transition process early in your career.
Through this individual training and education, you will acquire knowledge and access to resources that can help you with planning for your future transition by reflecting on the domains of transition well-being, including your health, finances, social integration, life skills/ preparedness, housing situation, and sense of purpose. A successful Military to Civilian Transition experience requires time and preparation. Every career is different, but one thing common to all is the need to start preparing early because we don’t know what awaits us.
Is it for you?
The My Transition 101 training and education is designed for members considering transition out of the CAF. This training provides you with awareness of the domains of transition well-being, and the knowledge, tools, and supports to aid you in planning for your life after service. It also provides resource links and checklists applicable to the administrative aspects of transition and release. The main course is composed of three modules and should take approximately four hours to complete. If you are a Lieutenant-Colonel or above, there is an additional module on conflict of interest and post-CAF employment. Are you a member posted OUTCAN or in an isolated posting? There is a module specifically dedicated to help you navigate through transition and release procedures.
A second optional unit on Psychological Well-Being is newly available. Prepared for members who are actively in transition, this training focuses on the psychological impact of transition and provides a selection of tools and resources that may help address any challenges you may face.
How can you access the training?
The training is available on the DLN and you can complete it at your own pace. It is recommended that members take this course after reaching the Occupational Functional Point (OFP) of their occupation. This course will be the precursor to other transition training that will become available throughout a member’s career.
Transition workshops and seminars are also available to members, such as Long-term Planning, to include information on educational upgrading, occupational programs and other in-service programs, component transfers, financial planning, and other aspects that will help you optimize your CAF career. In addition, Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) Seminars are being renewed by CAF Transition Group, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and Military Family Services (MFS). These seminars and workshops will fall under CAF Transition Group in the near future and will serve to complement the information provided in My Transition 101 to help you prepare for Military to Civilian Transition.
Visit your local Transition Centre or the Digital Transition Centre to talk to a Transition Advisor and learn more.