Continuous Full Time Service & Fixed Period of Service

CFTS/FPS Reference Documents

Reference material mentioned on this page is available from the SCMA web site on the Defence Restricted Network.

Continuous Full Time Service Requests

All requests for CFTS are to be staffed through the requesting unit's Formation Command. Units are to ensure that SCMA receives the application not less than 28 days prior to the requested commencement date of CFTS.

The employing unit is responsible for staffing the application for CFTS.

The application for CFTS must include:

• A detailed unit justification for the employment of a Reserve member on CFTS including the vacant position number the member is to fill, the requested Start and End dates, the soldiers' personal details and the unit POC (ORS, CC or RSM).
• An AD 600 'Undertaking by a Member of the Army Reserve to Render Continuous Full-Time Service Pursuant to Subsection 50 (3) of the Defence Act 1903'. (Ref C)
• If protected service under the Defence Reserve (Protection) Act 2001 (civilian employment) is requested, all relevant letters IAW reference A.
• A CPHE/AHA must have been completed within 12 months of the requested CFTS start date. Signed documentation that shows the applicant's MEC class and lists all medical restrictions must accompany the application.
• IAW Refs B and E members are to be dentally fit (class 1 or 2) to commence CFTS. For CFTS outside Australia the member must comply with all dental deployment criteria prior to being nominated.
• PMKeyS must reflect that the member is AIRN compliant.
• If the CFTS Unit is not the member's parent unit then written approval for release, is required from the parent unit.
• A Psych Report confirming suitability for posting to a Special Forces unit is required if the requested CFTS position is to support SF activities.

If the position to be used is from a different geographic region, the location of the position as shown in PMKeyS is to be changed in consultation with DPC-A.

The member is to hold the qualification for the ARA ECN for the position and this is to be recorded on PMKeyS. If the position is not directly related to the job skills of a particular ECN (ie Instructor, Unit Recruiting, Ops cell, Assistant Admin etc) the unit should consult with SCMA to ascertain requirements.

Should a Defence assisted removal be required this is to be noted in the application. No removals at public expense will be approved for CFTS periods of six months or less.

The application is to be staffed through formation command for recommendation and approval to commit CFTS funds. Approval needs to be signed off by rank LTCOL or above.

Applications for long term courses (BMAC/Signals) require HQ TC-A approval. Non TC-A units should staff applications through their formation commands to TC-A.

CFTS Cell requires 28 days to process an application for CFTS however; the process will be expedited if possible. Completed staff work at unit level will minimise delays in processing of applications.

Funding approval does not indicate CFTS approval. The CFTS delegate for soldiers is CO SCMA.

Under no circumstances are units to assume approval or continuation of CFTS until formal notification has been released by CFTS SCMA via the Approval signal. Applicants are not to be advised to leave civilian employment or to commit to accommodation arrangements prior to receipt of the Approval signal.

HRR/HSR CFTS

A member who is on CFTS for less than six months or is deployed on operations remains part of HRR/HSR. If the member is not deployed on operations and is on CFTS for greater than six months, they will no longer be deemed part of the HRR/HSR and the HRR/HSR service contract will be cancelled.

COMSUPER

ALL soldiers prior to commencing CFTS must contact Comsuper to confirm the impact of the proposed CFTS employment on their superannuation arrangements. Contact details can be found at : http://www.comsuper.gov.au/

Fixed Period of Service

Fixed Period of Service (FPS) is a system whereby Army can bridge the, asset/establishment gap between Private and Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) through the engagement of Reserve personnel into the ARA on predetermined periods of service.

The Criteria to be met to render FPS is:

• Qualifications. Reserve members must be qualified for the ECN or officer category in which they will be employed. For example, if a Reserve member has completed all the proficiency requirements of the recruit course only, then employment must be commensurate with this level of training. Where there is a requirement for Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) or evaluation of technical expertise/skill degradation, advice should be sought from the Employment Category Sponsor when evaluating suitability. In exceptional circumstances (as approved by the Delegate), a trainee may be placed on FPS for the purposes of completing Initial Employment Training (IET) or as a Reserve Response Force (RRF) member.
• Rank. The Reserve member is to be the same substantive rank for the position they are to hold. However, depending on Service needs, the Delegate may, in exceptional circumstances, approve Reserve members for FPS one rank above or below that position. The gaining unit may approve higher duties allowance IAW PACMAN, Vol 1, Chapter 4, Part 1.
• Experience and Proficiency. In addition to considering a member's formal qualifications, COs must consider and make recommendation to the formation HQ concerning the member's experience and proficiency for employment on FPS. Where additional training or supervision is required in relation to a member's employment, this must be clearly specified until either the soldier's Competency Log Book or officer's appointment-specific proficiency and experience is at the required standard.
• Army Individual Readiness Notice Training (AIRN). The Reserve member (less trainees) must be AIRN compliant prior to commencing FPS and maintain their readiness for the duration of their contract. If the member is not AIRN compliant then the CO of the gaining unit may approve a waiver. However, in doing so the CO must accept and mitigate the associated risk by limiting the member's employment appropriately.
• Medical. Applicants must meet the minimum medical standard for the corps/trade in which they will be employed.
• Discipline history. Applicants must have an acceptable civil and military offence history as determined by the delegate.
• Psychological. A psychological assessment is required for those soldiers seeking transfer to FPS who enlisted in the ARes prior to 1 Jul 1991.