# 2021-077 Careers, Deployment selection

Case summary

F&R Date: 2021-04-29

The grievor challenged the decision to deny his participation in OPERATION (OP) DISTINCTION - 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands as a volunteer piper. As redress, the grievor initially requested to be tasked as a piper for OP DISTINCTION and that a policy be put in place to support volunteer musicians. Following the cancellation of OP DISTINCTION, the grievor requested that a Military Occupational Structure Identification (MOSID) and national qualification code be created for volunteer musicians and that the Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 5041-0, Canadian Forces Music, be reviewed to provide clear policy direction for volunteer musicians.

The Assistant Chief of Military Personnel/Deputy Commander Military Personnel Command, as the Initial Authority (IA), noted that the relevant Canadian Forces Task Plans and Operations require being a member of the Pipes and Drums (P&D) MOSID to participate in OP DISTINCTION and that the grievor was employed in a different occupation. The IA stated that, as per DAOD 5041-0, the Music Branch Advisor has the authority to advise the Chief of Military Personnel regarding the exercise of functional authority with respect to the Music Branch. The IA noted that the Music Branch Advisor, when asked, stated that the grievor's name was on the list of back up musicians, but that the priority was given to qualified P&D members. The IA stated that DAOD 5041-0 already exists as the policy framework that authorizes the participation of volunteer musicians. The IA denied the grievance and did not afford redress. 

The Committee found that denying the grievor to participate as a volunteer musician was justified and in accordance with DAOD 5041-0. The Committee recommended that the Final Authority (FA) not afford redress. 

FA decision summary

The FA, Director Canadian Forces Grievance Authority, agreed with the Committee's findings and recommendation.