Public Accounts committee  In terms of those soldiers serving in theatre, I know of no instances of absence without leave.

Public Accounts committee  The choice of start location was just that--a start location. It was just to get a sense of reaction to the advertising. We've actually launched the campaign nationwide as of October 9.

Public Accounts committee  Absolutely, it is.

Public Accounts committee  I have to tell you, overall it's a good news story for the Canadian Forces. Since the early 1960s, after the Korean War, we've been a declining organization in terms of the size. It wasn't until 2005, when we actually went 180 degrees in the other direction, that we were expanding, and we've continued in that direction.

Public Accounts committee  I don't know how many non-Canadians are in the forces at the moment, so I can't give you that statistic. But I can get back to you on that one.

Public Accounts committee  Non-Canadians, that's correct.

Public Accounts committee  I can't speak for other units and organizations in the Canadian Forces, but if it was mine, that wouldn't be the case. That individual would be really busy and excited about staying in the organization. Having said that, we do have a comprehensive set of exit surveys for all members of the Canadian Forces.

Public Accounts committee  But there certainly is a comprehensive set of exit surveys, both when people are retiring from the Canadian Forces and also for those individuals who choose to leave prior to retirement.

Public Accounts committee  The Canadian Forces personnel system is a dynamic organization. As you're aware, we now have almost 64,000 total paid strength, and to—

Public Accounts committee  I will, and thank you, sir.

Public Accounts committee  We've taken a lot of action to address the entire process. Becoming a member of the Canadian Forces involves, as you well know, a significant commitment, and we do have very high standards. They have to go through an application process, a screening process, if you will, for both their medical and security, and then obviously we assess them for their aptitude to become a member of the Canadian Forces.

Public Accounts committee  We've figured it out and we've taken action on this. As a matter of fact, we have a system in place right now where 30% of our applicants...this is taking into consideration statistically the current health of our youth. About 25% are immediately taken out of the equation because of medical issues.

Public Accounts committee  I'm glad you asked the question in that context. I'll finish what I was going to say first, and that was in our new process we are anticipating we'll be able to make an offer within five days to 30% of our applicants.

Public Accounts committee  The other 70% within thirty days. To follow up on what you said about the issue where someone can take up to six months, you've all heard of the waiting list for doctors in various provinces around the country. Well, there is a demand to have specialists. If someone comes in with a medical condition and we pick it up in our initial screening, and if that individual must see a specialist, then that individual is into the provincial system in the province they reside in.

Public Accounts committee  We call that the forest reduction plan bubble. That bubble is moving through as latent; the tail end of the baby boomers are starting to reach retirement age in the Canadian Forces. What we are doing is, in cases where people are qualified and competent, we've been advancing them into managerial positions.