Mr. Chair, the short answer is yes, that is the fundamental difference in the term “suspended sentence” between the civilian system and the military system. In the civilian criminal justice system a suspended sentence means that the court suspends the passing of the sentence, whereas in the military context, it is already the case in the act, and has been for a long time, that the court may suspend the putting into execution of the sentence. There are remission provisions—so no, it doesn't hang over their head indefinitely—that calculate how long it takes for that suspension to actually expire. One of the innovations as well in proposed section 215 is the ability to provide conditions.
So in a way it's a kind of probation scheme. It's meant to give that incentive to the offender, that they will be restored to their liberty so long as they abide by these conditions. It gives them a positive incentive to abide by those conditions.