The table below provides broad definitions of the five categories within the Medical Employment Classification (MEC) system.
The MEC is determined according to each member's primary military occupation. The assessment takes into account the environment in which the person is expected to perform when deployed, as well as any additional tasks which a member could be expected to perform as part of their general military duties. The MEC is reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that it is appropriate for the person's current circumstances.
The MEC System categories according to the Defence Instructions General (DIG) Pers 16-15.
Category | Definition |
MEC 1 | Fully Employable and Deployable Sub-classifications J11 — Fully Employable and Deployable J12 — Fully Employable and Deployable with an Identified Requirement for Limited Materiel Re-supply
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MEC 2 | Employable and Deployable with Restrictions Sub-classifications - Joint J21 Restricted Deployment – Defined Limitations J22 Restricted Deployment – Defined Limitations and/or Required Materiel Support J23 — Restricted Deployment – Defined Limitations and/or Required Materiel Support and/or access to Health Support up to Medical Officer Support – reviewed at Unit Medical Employment Classification review (UMECR) at least every two years J29 — Limited Deployment – MECRB assigned only – Defined Limitations and/or Required Material Support and Defined Access to Role 2E Health Service
Sub-classifications – Maritime M24 — Maritime Environment – Defined Limitations and/or Required Materiel support and/or access to Health Support – minimum of Advanced Medical Assistant or Nursing Officer support M25 — Maritime Environment – Defined limitations and/or Required Materiel Support and/or Access to Health Support – minimum of Clinical Manager M26 — Maritime Environment – Defined Limitations and/or Required Materiel Support and/or Access to Health Support – minimum Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant or Medical Officer Support (Fleet Medical endorsed only)
Sub-classifications - Land L27 — Land Environment – Restricted Deployment – MECRB assigned only capable of performing limited offensive and full combat defence duties L28 — Land Environment – Limited Deployment – MECRB assigned only – capable of performing combat defensive duties only
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MEC 3 | Rehabilitation Sub-classifications J31 — Rehabilitation – defined period up to 12 months J32 — Extended Rehabilitation – MECRB assigned only – defined period up to 24 months J33 — Pregnancy – defined period of up to 24 months J34 — Temporarily non-effective – defined period between 28 days and four months
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MEC 4 | Employment Transition Sub-classifications J40 — Holding temporary – Confirmation and allocation of suitable MEC classification pending MECRB determination J41 — Alternate Employment – MECRB assigned only J42 — Employment at Service Discretion – MECRB assigned only – duration up to five years at any one time J43 — Extended Transition – MECRB assigned only – Duration up to three years to support transition from the ADF J44 — Extended Non-effective – MECRB assigned only – Not fit for work for a defined period between four and 12 months
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MEC 5 | Separation Sub-classifications J51 — Not Employable on Medical Grounds – Medically unfit and not employable other than within applicable restrictions in the period leading up to termination J52 — Not Employable on Medical Grounds – Non-effective and unable to be employed in the period leading up to termination
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