General Semianiw, as you know, the greatest strength of the Canadian Armed Forces is its people. In your capacity as the former commander of military personnel, I ask these first two questions.
When COVID hit, CAF recruits in basic training were isolated in their rooms for the rest of the program. Some were teenagers away from home for the first time. Essentially, they were in solitary confinement. Meals were left outside their door. There was no human contact. At least one committed suicide. Since proficiencies were not achieved by the deadlines, the ones who didn't quit on their own were released.
Now, having been commander of military personnel, what recommendations would you make to improve retention should a similar situation arise in the future?