The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding under the Reserve Forces Foreign Service Arrangement (RFFSA), enabling eligible reservists to continue military service and training while temporarily residing in the other country.
The RFFSA, governed by DAOD 2020-5, Reserve Forces Foreign Service Arrangements, allows CAF reserve members to voluntarily serve with partner-nation reserve forces while abroad for work, education, family commitments, or similar reasons. The program helps reservists maintain military skills, remain connected to their parent unit, and contribute to operational readiness.
Canada also maintains similar RFFSA agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Together, these partnerships strengthen professional relationships, enhance interoperability among allied reserve forces, and support defence cooperation among some of Canada’s closest military partners.
“This agreement reflects the enduring value of our reserve forces and the strong relationships we share with trusted allies. The RFFSA enables reservists to continue serving while abroad, supports professional development, and strengthens interoperability between our forces. It is an investment in our people and in the readiness of the Reserve Force.”
Rear-Admiral Michael Hopper, Chief of Reserves
The renewed agreement supersedes the previous Canada–United Kingdom arrangement signed in 2015 and will be reviewed jointly every five years to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on behalf of the CAF by Rear-Admiral Michael Hopper, Chief of Reserves, and on behalf of the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence by Major General The Right Honourable the Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff Reserves and Cadets.