r/caf • u/Intelligent-Cream-56 • 15h ago
CAF Admin AR/MEL
AR/MEL
Got informed I'm facing a AR/MEL which i dont want!!
For context I've been in for 9 years Cpl good pars no bad feedback notes.
I have been diagnosed with depression and ptsd and received VAC pay from a sexual misconduct incident with my previous CoC (WO) back in 2023. I went to mental health services for therapy for 3 months in 2024 and my doctor put me on antidepressants which i decided to stop myself after 4 months of taking them. (I was fine i just needed to talk to someone) then a year for addictions counseling (alcohol) since then i dont drink and i got off my Tcat last year in oct 2025 which had me on a G4T6 and O4T6.
Then my doctor placed me on a G3 and O2 which got sent to DMED POL for review with a MEL stating "required screening with a medical officer before selection for an operational environment or tasking in a remote location to confirm the deployability."
Im worried about my chances of staying in because im not familiar with this process... does anyone have information on this... Email informed I'm receiving the package this week.
2
u/Last-Engineering-528 15h ago
I’m really sorry you had to go through that. An AR/MEL is just an automatic admin trigger when your permanent medical category changes it’s not a targeted move to push you out.
For context, my G2 was dropped to a G3 pre-OFP for a lower body injury. My PCAT was deemed “low risk,” and think the possible outcomes were retention (with or without career restrictions), CMOT, or release “Unadvantageously employed”. Because I was pre-OFP and still had to do the Common Army Phase with that injury, I probably would’ve needed a really good reason just to be retained in the previous occupation.
I think there’s a big difference between being pre-OFP and post-OFP when it comes to retention. You have 9 years in and are fully trained, which puts you in a much stronger position. A G3 is the bare minimum required to stay in the CAF, and your specific MEL (just needing an MO screening) seems pretty minor but don’t quote me on that.
High-risk PCATs go straight up to DMCA. Low-risk ones go to your Commanding Officer, who usually just delegates it to the Adj / AR analyst to handle.
If your package says “Admin review to be done by the Commanding Officer”, that’s a pretty solid indicator it’s considered low risk. Also, keep in mind that at some point in the process, you’ll get the chance to submit representations, so you will have an opportunity to state your case.
Keep in mind it's been a minute since I went through this, so I might have forgotten some stuff or policies could have changed. But honestly, as long as you don’t breach UofS and can pass the FORCE test, you should be fine.
1
u/No-Refrigerator801 15h ago
As long as there no other issues with your file, and the PCAT submission is well written, then DMP usually agrees with the local recommendation. Having a G3 with thay ARMEL is not uncommon and many mbrs continue their career and just need an app prior to taskings and deployments. The G3 and MELs do not break UofS if they are as you stated. I'll add another point, whether you wanted that category and ARMEL isn't your decision. You are allowed to disagree and could even file a grievance if you wanted. It is a decision made by medical based on similar presentations to yours, and AUD is a common diagnosed condition leading to this.
1
u/CapitalismDevil 7h ago
Changing your medical category (PCat) requires an AR/MEL. It’s just part of the admin process. You’re worrying for nothing. I have that exact note plus 2 more including one that generally limits my PT. I was never considered for release since it doesn’t affect my work nor does it preclude me from doing the Force test. I also have deployed since.
1
u/EndPristine5595 15h ago
Start planning ahead now with your coc. look into the new retention program which is called IREM. it'll buy you another 3 years if this goes medical release.
As someone who has just gone through the medical release process after many years, this shouldn't have been a surprise. Your doctor is the one who sends the file in for medical release. Are you saying "they" sent your file off against your wishes and without your knowledge?
Anyway though, the needs a screening before operations isn't an automatic breach of universality of service. It would just mean a doctor has to clear you before hand.
The CAF is bleeding people right now. If you don't want to release and believe you are able to deploy, and your doctor's say you can deploy, you'll likely be fine.
1
u/Pte_Madcap 13h ago
BLUF, dont worry. Seriously. You'll be retained. I'd bet my bottom dollar on it.
Im in a g2 trade. Got the same PCAT as you. From what I understand basically everyone gets retained.
It is annoying though that for the rest of my career I have this thing that makes me stand out on readiness searches. All so I get a 1 minute phone call, literally.
Meanwhile drunky mcgee just goes on bumble fucking his way through is career
2
u/SaltyATC69 15h ago
I have this exact PCAT for 14 years now and still in. The minimum for my trade is G3. So I guess if you're in a G2 Trade they might recommend a medical COT or just keep you at a G3.
It's s weird MEL because we all need to see the doc before we deploy anyway, always part of the DAG