Voluntary Release and Component Transfer Process
Are you a Commanding Officer (CO) who has received a Voluntary Release (VR) notification by outlook email, or are you part of a Chain of Command (CoC) looking to provide support to one of your members?
Information for Chains of Command (accessible only on the National Defence network)
Information for Members
Are you currently serving as a member of the Regular Forces (Reg F) and are thinking about a release or a component transfer to the Reserve Force (Res F)? You can now complete your application through the Electronic Canadian Armed Forces Release Administration (eCAFRA) Portal without having to submit a memorandum.
What is eCAFRA?
An electronic portal that allows members to submit their Voluntary Release (VR) request or Component Transfer (CT) application, initiate their Unit Retention Interview (URI), and have visibility over the entire process. Please note that this tool is currently only available to Reg F members.
Once the member submits their VR or CT request, their CoC will be notified via e-mail. The CoC will then be able to complete the URI interview and proceed with their recommendation/approval in Monitor Mass (MM). The complete release application will then be transferred to the appropriate Release Administrator (RA) for action.
Information needed to start the VR or CT process
Before initiating a VR/CT request, it is recommended to explore the resources available on this platform to better understand the administrative process and repercussions. In addition, your CoC, Transition Advisor and/or RA can guide you. Once you are ready to initiate your request, proceed by clicking the eCAFRA portal button below.
You will be able to access the eCAFRA portal using your D365 ECN account. As a member of the CAF, your D365 email address is your standard Forces e-mail with ECN preceding forces.gc.ca. (i.e. firstname.lastname@ecn.forces.gc.ca).
If you have issues logging in or forgot your password, follow this link for additional help:
*Note: once your request has been initiated, you will be able to save your progress and return to complete your application later.
How to fill-out your request
Go through each question one at a time. If required, additional information will be provided via a bubble beside each question . You can also select “unknown” if you are unsure of an answer and the release section or release administrator will contact you for additional information.
Click here for eCAFRA step by step instructions (PDF, 2.81MB).
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the difference between a VR and a CT to the Res F?
When you submit a VR, you are terminating your employment with the CAF, but when you CT, you are transferring from the Reg F to the Res F. Please note that you can only select one or the other.
-
Why is the eCAFRA portal currently only available to Reg F members?
As all Res F Units have not yet been onboarded into CAFRA, this option is not yet available to them. Res F members are to continue submitting their request in accordance with their current Unit Standard Operation Procedures (SOP). The eCAFRA functionality for Res F members is planned for 2025.
-
How do I contact my Release Section?
Contact information for all the Release sections can be found on the RBA Intranet webpage (accessible only on the National Defence network).
-
Will I be given the opportunity to remain in the Supplementary Reserve (Supp Res) upon release?
Yes, if you wish to transfer to the Supp Res, you will have to select the CT option as opposed to submitting a VR. Please verify that you meet the criteria for CT (operationally trained and not older than 59 years old).
-
When is the earliest date I can release?
You will have to request a release date of at least 30 days from your submission date. Please check with your Release Section to see if your release application can be processed within the requested timeframe. Also, note that, for Reg F members, if you are not an immediate annuitant, a minimum notice of six months is normally required unless a waiver is completed through your career manager. Finally, keep in mind that your requested release date is subject to change and will only be confirmed once the proper release authority approves it.
-
I have submitted my release via memorandum/paper copy, do I have to resubmit it again through the portal?
No, you are not required to resubmit via the portal, your Release Section will still process your request.
-
How can I confirm that I am an immediate annuitant?
To confirm if you are an immediate annuitant and what is the date of your indexation, please contact Pension Center at: 1-800-267-0325 or e-mail them at: pensioncentrecaf.centredespensionsfac@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.
You can also visit the Pension Portal for an estimate of your pension benefits.
-
I still owe obligatory service, what will happen?
If you still owe obligatory service, you will have to reimburse not only the tuition fees, but also your salary for the duration of your study. For more information contact your release administrator.
-
What is a Unit Retention Interview (URI)?
IAW CANFORGEN 175/22 (accessible only on the National Defence network), it is an interview conducted by your CO or their delegate to discuss the reasons for your voluntary release as well as retention options. It is also an opportunity for your CoC to provide support and guidance throughout your release process.
-
I have previously submitted a VR or CT through eCAFRA, but would like to modify or cancel my request. How do I proceed?
You can log back into the eCAFRA portal and amend your application. Please note that your request is subject to the approval by the proper release authority.
Your question has not been answered? Please reach out to your Release Administrator.
Page details
- Date modified: