Policy

CAF Releases Op LENTUS Policies and Benefits

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The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recently released a directive outlining key policies and benefits for military personnel engaged in OP LENTUS, the CAF’s response operation for domestic emergencies such as natural disasters.

The new guidance applies to both Regular and Reserve Force members assigned to the mission, including those on Class C Reserve service.

Canadian Armed Forces soldiers from 2e Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment (2 R22eR), arrive in Yellowknife via a CC-150 Polaris aircraft to support Operation LENTUS in Northwest Territories on the 14th of August 2023. Photo by: Master Corporal Alana Morin, Joint Task Force – North, Yellowknife, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

Deployment Status and Allowances

According to CANFORGEN 025/25, released in February, CAF members deployed on OP LENTUS are officially classified as being “in the field” during operations and related training. For administrative purposes, all personnel are attached to Department ID 6818 – Domestic Operations OP LENTUS for the duration of their assignment.

Members who were receiving a monthly Land Duty Allowance (LDA) before their deployment and will return to the same position afterward will continue to receive this allowance. Others may qualify for a casual LDA if conditions outlined in military policies are met. However, multiple allowances covering the same environmental conditions are not permitted, and LDA ceases when members take leave, according to the CANFORGEN.

Members from Joint Task Force Atlantic’s Immediate Response Unit conduct Type 3 Wildland firefighting under Operation LENTUS 23-02 in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, on 10 June 2023. Photo by: Corporal Brian Watters, 5th Canadian Division Public Affairs, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.

Leave Policies

Annual leave during OP LENTUS requires authorization from the Regional Joint Task Force Commander (RJTF COMD) and is generally discouraged.

However, some exceptions can be made after the completion of the operation.

“At the end of the operation, other types of leave with Ref F may be granted under the authority and discretion of the RJTF Cold. This can include but not limited to short leave and special leave relocation,” states the CANFORGEN.

Rescue swimmers and other members of HMCS MARGARET BROOKE remove debris from the community’s shoreline in La Poile, Newfoundland and Labrador during Operation LENTUS 22-04 on September 29, 2022. Photo by: Cpl Kuzma, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician.

Compensation and Benefits for Reservists

Reservists serving on Class C contracts will be paid under the standard CAF payroll system. As per established regulations, Class C pay is calculated based on a 30-day month, meaning members are not paid on the 31st day of a month unless their service specifically starts on that date.

All reservists remain subject to the Code of Service Discipline while on paid reserve service, reminds the military.

Members of 1 PPCLI, A Company, Immediate Response Unit (West) conduct fire line operations near La Ronge, Saskatchewan during Operation LENTUS 15-02 on July 13, 2015. Photo: MCpl Mélanie Ferguson, Canadian Army Public Affairs.

Medical Support and Injury Compensation

CAF personnel who sustain injuries or illnesses during OP LENTUS are eligible for compensation and benefits depending on the severity and service-related nature of their condition. Units are instructed to follow strict reporting timelines and policies when handling service-related medical issues.

Medical limitations (MELs) alone do not constitute a return-to-duty plan. Instead, a coordinated effort between unit commanding officers and medical practitioners is required to ensure proper rehabilitation and reintegration for injured members.

450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron aircrew refuel a CH-147F Chinook helicopter at Kamloops Airport in British Columbia during Operation LENTUS on July 10, 2021, to help provincial authorities stabilize the wildfire situation in Kamloops. Air Operations Support Technicians will perform these and other tasks in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Photo: Sailor 1st Class Victoria Ioganov, Maritime Forces Pacific Imaging Services.

Supplementary Death Benefits and Insurance

Reservists on Class C service automatically participate in the Supplementary Death Benefits (SDB) plan. If a member dies during their service, the benefit is paid to their designated beneficiary or their estate if no beneficiary is named. Reservists must complete a new designation form upon each new period of Class C service, as previous designations do not carry forward.

Additionally, members are encouraged to review life insurance options provided by SISIP Financial to ensure their financial security.

“SISIP Financial provides tailored advice and product solutions that enhance the financial health and security of the members of the CAF community and their families,” reads the military memo.

For more information, members can visit here.

Flight Engineers unload supplies from a CH-147 Chinook helicopter in a cut off community during Operation LENTUS 17-04 in British Columbia on 18 July 2017. Photo: MCpl Gabrielle DesRochers, Canadian Forces Combat Camera.

Healthcare and Dental Coverage

Reservists on Class C contracts can maintain participation in the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) and should confirm coverage for their dependents. They may also continue or start coverage under the Dependents Dental Care Plan (DDCP). Due to system issues affecting administrative records, unit orderly rooms must manually update member records when changes occur.

Questions regarding the new memo can be directed to their local orderly room or the appropriate organizational SME/OPI.

Members can also reach out to CJOC J1 Ops at:

CJOCJ1OPS-COICJ1OPS(AT)FORCES.GC.CA [[email protected]] or
(PLUS SIGN)CJOC J1 OPS – COIC J1 OPS(AT)CJOC HQ(AT)OTTAWA-HULL [+CJOC J1 Ops – COIC J1 Ops@CJOC HQ@Ottawa-Hull].

The CMP Administrative Response Centre is also available to provide answers and information. Members can contact:

ARC at – CMPARC.CRACPM(AT)FORCES.GC.CA [[email protected]] or
(PLUS SYMBOL)CMP ARC – CRA CPM(AT)CMP D MIL PERS MGT(AT)OTTAWA-HULL [+CMP ARC – CRA CPM@CMP D Mil Pers Mgt@Ottawa-Hull] or
calling 1-833-445-1182.