I hear some pretty disturbing stories since the summer change of command for NCMs - CFSCE you do realize that there are many critical trades that are in the red and the way that students are being treated needs a reset. There is a term “Lead by Example” and abusing one’s authority is not considered a part of that ethos. Given that shortages are occurring in critical trades such as those being taught there it’s more important than ever to treat all peoples with the dignity and respect they deserve, considering that you may want these new members to stick around after such a large investment in them. Most importantly, the Code of Conduct is a thing.
Many are eligible for the step incentives of $50,000 per CANFORGEN 018/26 — “Critical Occupations Designation List – Critical Occupation Recruitment Allowance (CORA)”.
Let me get to it: The $50,000 Recruiting Allowance, includes:
$10,000 upon successful completion of Basic Military Qualification (Graduates after Nov 1, 2025)
$20,000 upon achieving Trained Status
$20,000 after six years of continuous Regular Force service, with a further 36-month commitment.
Issue: Despite meeting all eligibility requirements for the initial $10,000 Critical Occupation Recruitment Allowance (CORA), eligible students are consistently being denied administrative support to obtain the “one” necessary officer signature on their paperwork so the funds can be processed by the BOR into their accounts. Non-commissioned staff (Sergeants or above) appear to have been consistently turning these students away for months and months so they have no possible way towards getting that golden signature to have that money paid to them. Now how many service members would be unhappy if they were getting the runaround and had $10k within reach? Given the economic situation, students on low salaries with families to feed and bills to pay how many service members would agree with what is happening at CFSCE? None…
Because students fear reprisal, threats of unwanted postings and career repercussions, if they bypass their chain of command and go to the Padre for example, they have no clear avenue to resolve this unfair handling of their basic administrative rights. This persistent refusal to process valid administrative requests reflects a failure of duty of care and an unacceptable barrier to authorized financial support.There is clear abuse of authority, bias against eligible students and proven mishandling of the students basic requests.
It is improbable that the Commandant, LCol Amir ElMasry, is aware that administrative delays causing financial hardship are occurring within the lower levels of the chain of command at CFSCE.
My question is why? Is this right? Who can resolve such an important matter?
At a time when the Canadian Armed Forces is actively working to “clean up its act” recruit and retain personnel in critical occupations, creating financial barriers for new members severely damages morale and retention ratios. Unfairly withholding earned entitlements, especially $10,0000, undermines strong leadership values and fails to demonstrate the support troops deserve. In my opinion this is not the way to handle things in 2026, some of the newest “leaders” (and I say that loosely) at the school need to understand that and start to rectify wrongs before this goes further.
Let me clear, I am not a student and not affiliated with the school in any way so don’t go on a witch hunt- people are talking about this, the world is small thanks to social media and people are suffering. I am seeing myself as Robin Hood- Retired:) providing a voice for those who are terrified. Right these wrongs.
Refs:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/pay-pension-benefits/pay/updates-improvements-to-compensation-and-benefits-for-the-canadian-armed-forces.html
Effective November 1, 2025, the Critical Occupation Recruitment Allowance applies to new recruits in Non-Commissioned Member trades where trained strength is below 76% of authorized levels.
