From military to civilian: Introducing My Transition Seminars for members of the Canadian Armed Forces

Westmount, Quebec – 16 November 2024: Thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) George Siket for passing this valuable resource along to share among the RMR Family.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) recently rebranded its Second Career Assistance Network (SCAN) Seminars to My Transition Seminars. This change aims to better support the diverse goals of members transitioning to civilian life, recognizing that not everyone is looking for new employment after service.

The new My Transition Seminars are designed to be more inclusive and efficient. They now have standardized content with centralized program oversight. Decentralized execution and hybrid delivery format (in-person and online) via Transition Centres allows for greater accessibility to CAF members.

There are three different types of seminars:

• My Transition Seminar – General, for those undergoing a voluntary release;
• My Transition Seminar – Medical, for those who are, or may undergo, a medical release;
• My Transition Seminar – Executive, for senior members at the rank of Colonel and above.

Each module has been reduced in duration and is tailored to meet specific needs of the target audience. Members need only attend one of the three types of seminars to obtain the critical release information. This structure ensures that all transitioning members receive the information they need efficiently and effectively.

One of the most notable improvements is the consistency of information provided. Under the old SCAN program, members often needed to attend multiple days to gather all necessary information, and the content could vary slightly from location to location. Under this new program, My Transition Seminars guarantee that the same organizations and presentations are delivered at each location. Local representatives deliver nationally produced presentations, ensuring that every member receives high-quality, consistent information.

The topics covered in My Transition Seminars are comprehensive, addressing major transition needs. These include pension benefits, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) benefits, services and entitlements, administration procedures on release, SISIP coverage, family services, and education benefits. This wide range of topics ensures that members and their families are well-prepared for the various aspects of transition.

The Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group (CAF TG) plays a vital role in this process, working with Military Family Services (MFS), VAC, and other partners located at Transition Centers across the country. This collaboration ensures that all members and their families receive comprehensive support, preparing them for a seamless and successful transition to civilian life.

Transition planning should begin early in a CAF member’s career, with members encouraged to attend seminars five to ten years before they might leave the service and again during their final year. This proactive approach empowers members to plan effectively and familiarize themselves with the processes and entitlements that will support their post-service life.

In summary, the transition from SCAN to My Transition Seminar marks a significant improvement in how the CAF supports its members. The innovative approach is more inclusive, efficient, and standardized, providing all members and their families with the necessary tools and information to navigate their transition successfully. Led by the Directorate of Transition Services and Policy (DTSP), this initiative represents a commitment to preparing members for transitions throughout their careers, ensuring they are well-equipped for life after service.

LINKS: Events | Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Transition Group | Digital Transition Centre