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In response to a request from Postmedia made in mid-February, the Canadian Forces now confirms that 15.4 per cent of its personnel are unfit to deploy. Of that figure 11.8 per cent is temporarily unfit. Another 3.6 per cent is permanently unable to deploy. The information is for the 68,000-member regular force.

Updating of our personnel policies to reflect a more flexible, agile and inclusive force is ongoing

Personnel who are temporarily unfit to deploy include those who have various injuries, including broken limbs, those who are pregnant or who are recovering from dental or regular surgery.

The Canadian military does not have similar figures regarding those in the reserve forces who cannot deploy.

The U.S. military has determined that 13 to 14 per cent of its 2.1 million-strong force on any given day is unfit to deploy.

Photo by Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Canadian military has what is called a universality of service rule which requires all personnel to be employable and deployable for operational duties. But the Canadian Forces has faced criticism for that policy after some wounded soldiers complained they were being forced from the ranks.

If Mr. (Jeff) Bezos at Amazon walked into Christmas week and 14 per cent of his workforce could not perform their duties then (Amazon) would no longer be the largest company in the world

Last year, the Canadian military said it was going to update its personnel policies to be more flexible to deal with those who were injured but who could still make contributions to operations even if they might not be able to deploy. There have also been suggestions that the military could relax its rules for some individuals, such as those in computer-related positions, who have specialized skills but are not interested in deploying because of their family circumstances.