CDS/DM message on the second directive for CAF reconstitution

October 31, 2024 - Defence Stories

Team,

Today, we issued the second Defence-wide directive on Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) reconstitution. Our primary goal remains to strengthen military readiness to support the CAF’s ability to deliver strategic effects directed by the Government of Canada now and into the future. This goal is reinforced in Canada’s defence policy update – Our North, Strong and Free.

We’ve made progress to modernize the recruitment process since the initial directive was released in fall 2022 due to your ongoing efforts, such as:

• Launching trials to speed up the application process and improve onboarding;
• Introducing new measures to shorten the time it takes to do necessary medical and security screenings; and
• Enhanced advertising and attractions activities, including increased face-to-face and targeted recruiting.

This directive refines and prioritizes the most critical recruitment and retention initiatives to recover personnel strength and rebuild the CAF. It builds upon the foundation established by the first directive, and by applying lessons learned in the first 18 months, the second directive aims to effectively balance priorities and adapt to the evolving environment.

Some of the new reconstitution initiatives going forward include:

• Working to create a probationary period to more quickly enroll applicants;
• Investing in more quality-of-life supports for military families including affordable childcare, rehabilitating existing housing, and building new housing; and
• Accelerating the development of an electronic health record platform to support the mental and physical well-being of our people.

We encourage all Defence Team members to read the directive. Leaders at all levels need to continue to engage regularly with their teams about reconstitution, why it matters, and how their work contributes directly or indirectly to making us a stronger, more effective organization.

We’ll continue to review, refine, and adjust our reconstitution approach. We’ll keep pressing forward with a sense of urgency until we reach our target strength of 71,500 Regular Force and 30,000 Primary Reserve members, and lay the foundation for future growth.