Senior Appointment Programme (SAP)

The aim of the Senior Appointment Programme (SAP) is to prepare Senior Appointment (SA) chief petty officers 1st class (CPO 1) and chief warrant officers (CWO) for higher institutional responsibilities. The subjects covered include war theory and operations planning in the current security context, civilian-military governance, national security strategy and Canadian defense policy, as well as organizational culture and change.

The intent of the SAP is twofold: narrow the knowledge gap between the senior commanders and their CPO 1s/CWOs; and to develop SA CPO 1s/CWOs for higher institutional responsibilities in leadership, staff, and senior advisory positions. This program provides the necessary tools for CPO 1s/CWOs in SAs to influence strategic CAF goals and objectives.

CPO 1s/CWOs in SAs are integral parts of higher level command teams. These mentors and leaders of the institution, with an increased span and scope of influence possess specific skills which are those acquired through tactical and operational level experience in their respective environment. CPO 1s/CWOs in SAs act as highly trusted advisors to their commanders and in order to fulfill this role, they must have a varied set of skills, expertise, attributes, and competencies. They are visionary change agents and leaders of leaders who act as confidants to the most senior officers within the CAF. These institutional leaders understand their role of custodian of the non-commissioned members Corps and co-steward of the profession of arms. CPO 1s/CWOs in SAs deliver excellence at the tactical, operational and strategic levels, exemplifying the Canadian military ethos with its bonds of tradition, comradeship and mutual respect. They excel when challenged in situation characterized by risk and ambiguity, achieving success by responding to rapid changes and creatively integrating new ideas. The loyalty, courage and integrity of CPO 1s/CWOs in SAs are an example and source of pride for all CAF members.

The SAP is delivered in two phases: a first one by distance-learning and another one in face-to-face learning.

Distance Learning

The distance learning phase of the SAP is conducted as a five-week asynchronous course, which means that candidates may complete it at their own pace prior to attending the face-to-face learning phase of the programme. This learning mode offers a flexible and effective way to learn without having to attend classes or adhere to a strict timetable. Following registration, the candidate will receive a course manual with all the information, lessons, reading material, and instructions for course assignments. For the duration of this course, candidates benefit from the guidance of a teaching staff who can answer questions and will correct the candidate’s assignments.

The distance learning phase is divided in three modules:

  • Theories of War and Operational Planning in the Current Security Environment;
  • Civil-Military Governance, the National Security Strategy and Canada's Defence Policy;
  • Organizational Culture and Change: the Role of the Chief Petty Officer First Class/Chief Warrant Officer (CPO 1/CWO) as an Institutional Leader.

Upon completion of this five-week course, the candidate will be able to reach the following objectives:

  • Develop a functional competency in National and International organizational structures, their objectives, and relationships.
  • Act as an Integral Member of the Command Team.

The readings, discussion forums and final assignment will enable the CPO 1/CWO to acquire knowledge and further their analytical skills. The theoretical knowledge acquired during will prove useful in the face-to-face learning portion, where they will be able to put these skillsets into practice.

Residential Learning

The second phase of the SAP is one week and is delivered in face-to-face learning at the Osside Institute on the site of Royal Military College Saint-Jean.

The SAP is designed in such a way to enrich the intellectual skills of those destined for higher appointments and to help them deal with problems of a conceptual and ambiguous nature as well as to achieve a better understanding of the challenges that will face their Commander.

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