Q1. What current 'critical' Employment Categories are eligible for the CECR Bonus?

A. The employment categories listed below were identified as critical by the Army Personnel Working Group(APWG) on 13 Feb 07 and are eligible for the CECR Bonus on and from 01 Mar 07:

• ECN 270 - Plant Operator.
• ECN 377 - Supervisor Civil.
• ECN 269 - Operator Petroleum.
• ECN 273 - Operator Electronic Warfare.

The employment categories listed below were approved by CA for inclusion in the scheme on and from 01 May 08:

• ECN 002 - Linguist Intelligence Special Duties.
• ECN 008 - Artificer Avionics.
• ECN 412 - Technician Avionics.
• ECN 418 - Technician Electrical.
• ECN 421 - Technician Electronic Systems.

The employment categories listed below were approved by the APWG for inclusion in the scheme on and from 24 Nov 08:

• ECN 004 – Air crewman
• ECN 029 - Dental Assistant
• ECN 235 – Metalsmith
• ECN 274 - Operator Specialist Vehicle (RACT)
• ECN 274 - Operator Specialist Vehicle (RAE)
• ECN 404 – Dental Technician

Q2. I am a Reserve member undertaking CFTS. Am I eligible for the CECR Bonus?

A. NO. PACMAN vol 1, chap3, part 5, div 20, clause 3.5.197.1.a states that Reserve members, including those on CFTS, are not eligible for a CECR Bonus.

Q2. Will an offer be made to members who are on a Critical Skills Waiver (CSW) that expires during the undertaking for further service period?

A. YES. Such members will be eligible to receive an offer however, they must first apply for a Critical Skills Waiver (CSW) extension to cover the period of service required for the Bonus. It is not a requirement that the application be approved.

Q3. Will an offer be made to members who will reach Compulsory Retiring Age (CRA) during the undertaking for further service period?

A. YES. Such members will be eligible to receive an offer however, they must first apply to have their CRA extended to cover the period of service required for the Bonus. It is not a requirement that the application be approved.

Q4. Will an offer be made to members who are on a Fixed Period of Service (FPS) that expires during the undertaking for further service period?

A. YES. Such members will be eligible to receive an offer however, they must first apply to extend their FPS to cover the period of service required for the Bonus. It is not a requirement that the application be approved.

Q5. If I have previously received a Retention Bonus, am I also eligible for a CECR Bonus?

A. NO. PACMAN vol 1, chap3, part 5, div 20, clause 3.5.197.1 states that if a member who has received one of the following bonuses, they are not eligible for a CECR Bonus:

• Div 7 – Army Completion Bonus – various pay categories
• Div 19 – Army Expansion and Rank Retention and Completion Bonus
• Div 23 – Army Trade Transfer Bonus

Q6. When does the 2 years 'undertaking to serve' (UTS) commence?

A. The 2 years UTS associated with the CECR Bonus is to be acquitted after any existing IMPS, ROSO or MSBS UFFS (ie, served consecutively). It is possible that an eligible member may still be under an IMPS (eg, lateral transfers) or training ROSO which must be served out prior to the 2 years CECR Bonus UTS.

If a member has no existing ‘service obligation(s)', the UTS commencement date will commence from the date the member is issued the offer (ie, the date recorded at Sequence 400 of the member's PMKeyS CECRB Checklist).

Q7. If a member subsequently qualifies in a Critical Employment after an introduction dates specified in answer 1 above, how do they apply for the Bonus?

A. A member is potentially eligible for a CECR Bonus as soon they qualify and receive trade pay.

As members become qualified in a critical employment, the member's unit should check PMKeyS to ensure the qualification is recorded and that the member is in receipt of trade pay. Once confirmed, units are to provide member details to DPP-A requesting eligibility confirmation and the issue of a CECRB AUTH MSG.

DPP-A will create a PMKeyS CECRB Checklist in conjunction with the release of the CECRB AUTH MSG.

Note: DEFPAC will not process acceptance documentation for a member who has not been listed on a CECRB AUTH MSG.