The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is reinventing the transition process and this change is coming to CFB Shilo.

What exactly is this new MCT process?

This new transition process is characterized by using a personalized, professional, standardized and humanistic approach in supporting military members and their families to prepare for and plan the transition to civilian life. 

A key dimension of this new approach is to ensure wellness along the seven domains of well-being: purpose, finances, health, social integration, life skills, housing and physical environment, and cultural and social environment.

The MCT process as a member-centric approach; you will be supported during your transition. CAF members may have many questions as they move from familiarity with and dependency on the military system toward the relative independence and autonomy of civilian life in all its dimensions.

Therefore, the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) team’s mission is to support transitioning members during this significant change, gathering together a support network of specialists focused on guiding the member and their family through the transition process.

Who else is involved?

The CAF TG is collaborating with service partners, including Veterans Affairs Canada and Military Family Services under CFMWS to ensure more CAF members and their families can benefit from this member-centric transition process and succeed in their way forward, whether that’s another opportunity within the CAF or within civilian life. Together, they are committed to making the transition to life after service seamless and smooth.

The MCT process provides options for internal transition, such as retention. Where possible, the CAF is committed to offering excellent internal transition opportunities for our people.

Whenever someone is considering leaving the military, or is medically incapable of meeting the requirements of their current occupation, they should understand there may be more options available to them besides leaving the CAF. 

The MCT process will assist members in exploring options for how they might be able to remain in the CAF. Transition advisors will refer members to the Personnel Selection Officers (PSO) to explore internal transition opportunities. The PSOs will guide the members toward the best option to remain in the CAF and pursue new challenges.

Who can benefit from the new MCT process?

By March 2024, the MCT process will be available to all CAF members releasing from the Regular Force. The MCT process will also be expanded to the Reserve Force, and it may also be used in augmenting existing supports for our ill and injured members.

At CFB Shilo, the team and Transition Centre Shilo will be here to guide military members to the right resources and ensure these members are supported in this important journey.

Plan your transition early in your career — the future is unpredictable and it is important CAF members are prepared for when the time comes to transition to civilian life —whether it is an opportunity in the civilian workplace, the final retirement, an injury which prevents them from pursuing their career, or otherwise. 

Be proactive — access transition information, receive transition guidance, and focus on seriously developing/executing your transition plan at least 12 months prior to your intended date of release to ensure you are ready when the time comes.

For more information, reach out to the Shilo Transition Centre located in building L106, or consult the My Transition Guide by visiting https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/my-transition-guide.html