Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I also have three questions. I would like you to jot them down so that you do not forget.
First, you talked about your team, which involves many people. I once visited a theatre of operations and I noticed that the chaplain played a very important role. I realized that chaplains are a bit like confessors whom soldiers frequently confide in. But I do not believe that chaplains fall under health services. Perhaps we could take a closer look at the role chaplains play.
Second, the five Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centres were mentioned. I read your report and the poll, General Jaeger. The poll revealed that there is a certain stigma attached to psychological problems and that this was a reason why some soldiers did not want to come forward. I know that some of these support centres are located on military bases. The Canadian Forces ombudsman has already suggested that these centres not be located on military bases because when people go in, everyone knows. I would like to know what you think about that.
Lastly, it is important to have a social life. I know, since I visited a theatre of operations, that troops are often stressed. Everyone has their own way to deal with the stress. Some people go to a bar and have a couple of beers. However, I know that you have an anti-alcohol policy.
I went to Bosnia, and soldiers there were allowed to have two beers every night. I went to Afghanistan, but our troops are not allowed to drink. I also went to the German and Dutch theatres of operations. If German and Dutch troops had been told that they were no longer allowed to drink beer, there would have been a mutiny, probably involving some deaths.
Did you bring in this anti-alcohol policy for Afghanistan? What is it based on? Would it not be better to allow soldiers to increase their social life and get together around a couple of beers, as we sometimes do?