National Defence committee  This is not something that would naturally get reported up the chain back to Ottawa on a regular basis nor even be kept track of. I can tell you I am aware of situations where that has occurred.

National Defence committee  The thought brings a smile to my face because I've seen some of this during visits overseas, especially when it comes to lives being at stake. The attitude, the working environment, the spirit inside the Role 3 facility, for instance, where there aren't just Canadians but other nations that are involved, in the teams that come together, whether they are American helicopters, British helicopters, Dutch helicopters, or whatever it might be, is that they are over there to support mission accomplishment and they are over there collectively to support soldiers.

National Defence committee  I'll speak from an operational perspective and a command perspective, and then Colonel Bernier can give a sense of his own perspective. The fact is, as the commander, I have a staff that sifts through all the information that flows. Clearly lots of information flows up and down the chain.

National Defence committee  Both of us are squarely focused on operations outside the country and health care support to operations outside the country. The issue you've just referred to actually has to do with treatment and entitlements back in Canada as opposed to in our theatres of operation, so it's not really something I have the expertise to comment on at all, unfortunately.

National Defence committee  I have absolutely no doubt that CDS, the chief of military personnel, and the Surgeon General will all receive the ombudsman's report with great interest. For our purposes--being focused overseas--what we can say is there's absolutely no difference between how a reservist and a regular force soldier is supported, cared for, and looked after.

National Defence committee  To my knowledge, the only limitation involving helicopters was a direct result of weather conditions that prevented the helicopter from flying. That is the only example I am aware of. Perhaps Colonel Bernier can give other examples or a more direct answer.

National Defence committee  Absolutely. Medical evacuation capability is part of the checklist as the operation is being planned. There is a series of other important capabilities in support of an operation. As for threat assessment and management, the commander of the tactical group would decide to proceed with or without those resources, according to the threat level.

National Defence committee  The process is very clear, but we must be careful, for security reasons, not to reveal all the details of how we care for our soldiers on the ground in an emergency. Colonel Bernier will handle that challenge.

National Defence committee  They are classified in the sense that if I paint you a detailed picture of how we react to enemy action, it could provide an advantage to those who oppose our efforts in Afghanistan. To a certain extent, that is a serious concern. However, I think we can give you a good idea of the way it works.

National Defence committee  Each separate element has a basic medical capability and personnel.

National Defence committee  Yes, we do.

National Defence committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chair and honourable members. I will try to keep my remarks relatively short and stick to the comments I have in front of me. I can't guarantee the same approach to answers to questions, of course. We'll see how that works out. Good afternoon. I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak with you about Canadian Forces health services in support of deployed operations.

National Defence committee  Yes, sir, I have.

National Defence committee  Correct.

National Defence committee  I believe that's correct.