A force to imagine: A feminist rethinking of universality of service

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is at a critical juncture as it seeks to reconstitute under a new framework of cultural change. Supporting this cultural shift are internal and external reports, surveys, advisory panels, class action lawsuits, and academic literature that acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers that must be addressed to realize the cultural change sought. Aligned with federal commitments to Gender-Based Analysis Plus, the authors call for the application of an anti-oppression lens to reimagine the principle that underpins the personnel management system: the universality of service. In doing so, this article discusses the policy implications and opportunities of turning an anti-oppression lens on the taken-for-granted principle within the military that has historically been employed in a discriminatory way. Such an approach would challenge the blanket application of the policy and enable the CAF to integrate culture change into its implementation of key strategic goals, including long-term reconstitution efforts.