10011 JCR Program Safety
Cadets and Junior Canadian Ranger Group Order (CJCR Gp O)
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1. Identification
Date of Issue: 2021-03-19
Date of Verification: n/a
Application: This order applies to DND/CAF personnel who provide support to the JCR Program.
Supersession: JCRATO 64-02, Training Safety and Supervision
Approval Authority: This order is issued under the authority of the Comd CJCR.
Office of Primary Interest (OPI): DCOS Strat Plans
Enquiries: CJCR/CA HQ LO
2. Abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Complete Word or Phrase |
|---|---|
| AC | Adult Committee |
| CA | Canadian Army |
| CAF | Canadian Armed Forces |
| CJCR | Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers |
| CR | Canadian Ranger |
| CRPG | Canadian Ranger Patrol Group |
| JCR | Junior Canadian Ranger |
| JCRI | Junior Canadian Ranger Instructor |
3. Definitions
Adult Committee. An AC is formed to support a JCR Patrol in its home community. It is made up of Patrol leadership and community volunteers.
Due Diligence. The exercise of reasonable care in the conduct of one’s business or duties. In exercising due diligence, persons have a duty to behave in a responsible manner, prepare for risks that a thoughtful and reasonable person would foresee, and respond to risks and incidents as soon as possible.
Junior Canadian Ranger Instructor. Holding the rank of sergeant or warrant officer, this CRPG staff member is assigned to a certain number of JCR Patrols in order to provide mentorship and guidance to Patrol Leaders, adult staff and AC members as well as JCR.
Patrol Leader. A patrol leader is the CR in charge of a JCR Patrol (usually a master corporal).
Safety. A condition of being protected from the reality or risk of injury, illness, harassment or abuse.
Supervision. The act of overseeing and directing a group, as well as assessing and managing risk in activities.
4. Policy
4.1 The CAF is committed to ensuring the safety of each JCR and JCR Program personnel by providing well- planned and conducted activities.
5. Risk Management
5.1 Risk management is a process by which the risks to safety are assessed and a strategy is developed to manage or alleviate them. As part of responsible planning and conduct, it includes constant monitoring of training to ensure safe conduct, and immediate response to changing conditions and situations.
5.2 Risk management is expected of all JCR Program stakeholders at their level of control.
6. Safety Controls
6.1 There are five general safety controls common to JCR training regardless of the skill or activity. Activity leaders are expected to exercise these as follows:
- Planning. Set realistic and appropriate goals, assess risks and create a risk management plan to accomplish training goals safely, including back-up plans. Ensure the activity is appropriate to the abilities, ages, and needs of the JCRs.
- Training. Make sure all participants are adequately trained to participate in all parts of the planned activity, and have a chance to practice, review or prepare as needed.
- Consulting. Seek out advice, guidance and lessons learned from experienced JCRIs and community members who have undertaken similar activities and consider their input in planning and decision making.
- Adapting. Be cognizant of changing circumstances and respond appropriately.
- Communicating. Proactively communicate safety information and expectations to all participants, using tools such as posters, activities or training aids.
7. Supervision
7.1 Supervision is key to the safe conduct of training. The level of supervision must be adapted as needed based on the activity and the circumstances.
7.2 Expectations and requirements for supervision must be clearly communicated to supervisory personnel prior to the start of the activity.
Overnight Supervision
7.3 During overnight activities such as a field training exercise, supervision throughout the night is necessary. JCRs must be protected, feel safe, and able to find an adult quickly when needed. At minimum, Patrol staff are to ensure there is at least one adult for every 15 JCRs present during overnight activities. Additionally, if there are both female and male JCRs on the overnight activity, there must be at least one supervisor of each gender.
7.4 Older JCRs, although they may be of legal age, cannot replace adult staff. Senior JCRs can assist with supervision for junior JCRs during activities, including those that extend overnight, so long as an adult staff member is nearby in case of emergency. For example, a senior JCR could be assigned to look after each tent group, while adults are housed in a clearly identified staff tent.
7.5 If it is necessary for an adult staff member to share a sleeping area or tent with a group of JCRs, the adult must be of the same gender as the JCRs in the group. No adult, regardless of gender, will be alone with a JCR in a sleeping area.
8. First Aid
8.1 A trained first aider must be present at every JCR activity. The first aider must have access to sufficient quantities of first aid supplies.
8.2 For some activities, specialized first aid training or equipment may be required. This should be considered during the planning of the activity in concert between Patrol staff and CRPG staff (eg, JCRI), to ensure that all necessary personnel, supplies and equipment will be available.
9. Emergency Action Plan
9.1 When planning any activity, an Emergency Action Plan must be created and clearly communicated with activity supervisors and responsible authorities.
9.2 The Emergency Action Plan must include the following:
- an emergency contact list and communication plan;
- a description of emergency actions and key persons tasked with first-aid duties;
- a schedule of activities and their locations;
- a description of evacuation points; and
- a description of bivouacs, rest points, emergency shelters and optional routes, as applicable.
9.3 Planning checklists for Emergency Action Plans must be used in accordance with standing operating procedures for each CRPG.
10. Firearms Handling and Marksmanship Safety
10.1 Firearms handling and marksmanship are vital skills in many remote communities, and it is imperative that the JCR marksmanship program teaches and models safe, responsible behaviours regarding firearms.
10.2 The Daisy Air Rifles used by JCRs are not technically considered firearms because their muzzle velocity falls below 500fps. However, air rifles should be treated as firearms during JCR training, in order for youth to develop safety-focused behaviours and attitudes that will carry over into their lives outside the program.
Firearms Regulations
10.3 The use of firearms is governed both by DND/CAF regulations and federal, provincial/territorial and municipal legislation. It is the responsibility of the instructor to be aware of these for the area where training is to take place.
Range Safety
10.4 The RSO must be qualified on the rifle being used on the range. All JCRs and staff must review the rules of the range before entering the range. It is not necessary for JCRs or staff to wear hearing protection when firing air rifles, but eye protection must be worn.
10.5 With young or inexperienced users, additional supervision and coaching will likely be needed. Competent senior JCRs may be able to assist those new to the range.
10.6 JCRs who are experienced users may fire small- and large-bore rifles, including CAF firearms, if authorized by their CRPG. However, if a rifle is capable of fully automatic firing, it must be set to semi-automatic when used by JCRs. Hearing and eye protection are mandatory when using small- and large-bore rifles.
10.7 Firearms handling and marksmanship training must be conducted under the supervision of a qualified instructor, in accordance with CRPG Routine Orders and SOPs.
11. Watercraft Activities
11.1 All participants must wear an approved PFD or lifejacket during watercraft activities.
12. Harvesting Activities
12.1 When JCRs participate in harvesting activities (eg, hunting, fishing and trapping), each JCR must be paired with an experienced mentor.
12.2 All related activities must comply with local, and provincial/territorial laws and regulations, including holding the applicable licence and permit.
13. Responsibilities of the Patrol Leader, 2IC, and Other Staff
13.1 The responsibilities of Patrol Leaders, 2ICs and other staff who work directly with JCRs in the community are as follows:
- inform parents/guardians of planned activities and receive consent for each activity before JCRs participate;
- establish the level of supervision required for each activity and communicate to respective supervisors;
- clearly explain the safety rules and regulations for each activity before it starts, and ensure all participants understand;
- employ safety controls;
- supervise and respond to emergencies or changes as they occur, and carry out first aid when required; and
- report safety concerns, incidents or new risks to the appropriate authority in a timely manner.
14. Publication
Frequency of Publication
14.1 Annual or more frequent review and updates, as required.
Errors/Omissions or Suggestions
14.2 Users of this document are encouraged to identify any errors, omissions or suggested orders to the attention of CJCR/CA HQ LO.
15. References
Source References
- A-LM-158-005/AG-00 – TD544, DND Transportation Manual
- B-GL-381-001/TS-000, Training Safety CAF – Training Safety Manual
- Firearms Act (S.C. 1995, c.39)
Related References
- A-CR-CCP-930/AG-001, Cadet Program Interim Activity Safety Direction
- A-CR-JCR-100/PT-001, Junior Canadian Rangers Program and Training Guide
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