All names and identifying information have been anonymized to the best of my ability, with care taken to preserve the accuracy of events as described by the author at the time of submission. These accounts are not intended to single out or accuse any particular alleged wrongdoer, but to provide a platform for CAF members to share their experiences and support healing.
These accounts are submitted by serving or former Canadian Armed Forces members. CAF Advocacy Project does not verify or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of individual submissions and accepts no responsibility for their factual content. The stories are published for peer support, shared experience, and to document reported administrative and systemic issues.
These records are also shared to help members understand that they are not alone in experiencing harm, frustration, or suffering as a result of CAF administrative systems. Many members believe their experiences are isolated or unique when, in reality, similar issues occur repeatedly across the institution.
Where possible, efforts are made to confirm submissions with contributors to help preserve the integrity of their accounts. These records reflect the author’s experiences and perceptions at the time of the events described and are shared solely for documentation and peer-support purposes — and to remind CAF members that you are not alone.
Record 001: Administrative Failure Following Medical Release
I was medically released from the Canadian Armed Forces following an approved medical release decision. That decision was formally communicated to me and acted upon.
After the release had been approved, I was later informed that the CAF intended to cancel the medical release. At no point was a clear, lawful, or procedurally fair explanation provided for how or why this reversal was occurring. What followed was a prolonged period of confusion, silence, and inconsistent messaging.
It later became apparent that the attempted cancellation was tied to an internal administrative error. Rather than acknowledging or correcting that error transparently, the CAF concealed it and continued to act as though the release process had been properly managed.
Despite stating that my medical release was being cancelled, the CAF proceeded to release me anyway. After the release took effect, further attempts were made to retroactively undo or alter the release decision, creating additional administrative chaos.
As a result of this mismanagement, my medical benefits were terminated, leaving me without coverage despite the CAF’s own actions placing me in that position. The administrative failures surrounding my release had immediate and lasting consequences for my health, stability, and access to care.
At no point was I provided clear, timely, or accurate information about what was happening, what authority was being exercised, or what my rights were. I was left to navigate the fallout of conflicting decisions, undisclosed errors, and procedural failures without meaningful institutional support.
This experience is not shared to assign blame to individuals, but to document how administrative failures — when hidden rather than corrected — can cause real harm. It is one example of how opaque processes, lack of accountability, and poor administrative governance can severely impact members long after decisions are made.
Record 002: Suppression of Misconduct Through Intimidation
At one point in my career, I became aware of serious allegations involving the conduct of a senior officer. The nature of the allegations raised concerns that warranted proper investigation, transparency, and adherence to established accountability processes.
Instead of being addressed openly and in accordance with policy, extensive efforts were made to suppress disclosure of the issue. Information was tightly controlled, and members were discouraged from discussing what they had witnessed or knew.
During this period, multiple members within my unit expressed fear of repercussions if they spoke openly. The environment made it clear that raising concerns would not be welcomed and could carry personal or professional consequences. In at least one instance, a senior non-commissioned member addressed the unit and stated words to the effect of “if anyone wants to complain, they had better bring a mouth guard.” This statement was widely interpreted as a warning and had a chilling effect on those present.
As a result, potentially relevant information was withheld, accountability mechanisms were undermined, and members were placed in an untenable position — forced to choose between professional integrity and personal risk. The environment discouraged reporting, transparency, and trust in established processes.
This experience reinforced how power dynamics, rank, and institutional self-protection can interfere with proper administrative and disciplinary systems. Rather than allowing established mechanisms to function as intended, the response appeared focused on containment and silence rather than accountability.
This record is shared to document how administrative and cultural pressures can obstruct transparency and compromise the integrity of internal processes, particularly when senior leadership is involved.