A return to civilian life is a significant milestone and life-changing. Start to plan your new life while you’re still serving by learning about options, entitlements, and developing a transition plan.

Steps to Transition

1. Research the the transition process

Learn about the steps you need to take to return to civilian life and plan for the future.

2. Apply for transition

Apply for transition through the Release Application portal (available only on DWAN for Regular Force) or submits a memorandum to their CoC.

3. Complete your transition

Work with a Release Administrator to complete your plan and any required processes or documentation in preparation for your transition date.

• E.g. out-clearances from your Unit/Base/Wing, medical and dental appointments, and applying for benefits and services that will provide essential support to you and your family in your post military life, etc.
• If face-to-face consultations with a Release Administrator are not convenient, consultations may occur by phone or online. See the consultation checklist (Annex B) for more information.

Answer a few questions to create your transition checklist, tailored to you and your needs.

Question 1 of 5

Your transition from CAF is a:

  Compulsary Transition

• can be the result of a basic training failure, non-compliance with Universality of Service (medical), and/or disciplinary issues; and
• is initiated when the Release Authority (see QR&O Chapter 15), on behalf of the CAF, issues a message specifying the Release Item and Release Date for a member.

  Voluntary Transition

• is initiated by the member, as a request to the CoC, and constrained by the member’s individual terms of service/service obligations, and includes retirement; and
• is initiated when the member either submits a memorandum to their CoC or completes a release application electronically at the online Release Application portal (available only on DWAN for Regular Force).

  Transition due to Medical Reasons

• Members transitioning for medical reasons may have a more complicated plan, spread out over several years, and they will receive additional assistance in developing their personalized Integrated Transition Plan (ITP). For more information see Medically Transitioning Members.

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Answer a few questions to create your transition checklist, tailored to you and your needs.

Question 2 of 5

When do you plan on transitioning?

  1 - 2 years from now
  6-12 months from now
  Less than 6 months from now
  30 days from now

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Answer a few questions to create your transition checklist, tailored to you and your needs.

Question 3 of 5

Are you planning to seek employment after transitioning?

  Yes
  No

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Answer a few questions to create your transition checklist, tailored to you and your needs.

Question 4 of 5

Are you planning to retrain as part of your transition?

  Yes
  No

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Answer a few questions to create your transition checklist, tailored to you and your needs.

Question 5 of 5

Have you applied to transition?

  Yes
  No

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Based on your responses, we have identified the following activities for you to complete at this time.