National Defence committee  There's no doubt that we are feeling it. The men and women of the air force and the navy as well are doing their duty and more, but we recognize the requirement for it. The good news is that as more people enter the forces here over the next while, we'll start to see some of that pressure relieved.

National Defence committee  From an air force perspective, we are in fact in pretty good shape. We have gone through the last number of years deficient in a couple of specific occupations. Search and rescue technician is an occupation we're having a hard time filling, but it's one of those that come from within.

National Defence committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It falls to me, as the Chief of the Air Staff, to go first, and I'll be followed by Admiral Robertson.

National Defence committee  Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, thank you for your clear demonstration of interest in the air force's involvement in supporting Canadian Forces operations in Afghanistan and for inviting me here to speak with you today about our significant contribution in the campaign against terrorism and in helping to build a new democracy in the region.