Mg: My husband and I were both professional soldiers, by which I meant that we (a) volunteered for service and (b) intended to make a military career. I wore the Dominion Tweed from age 17 to 25, and became a civilian again because I have asthma, of which the Canadian Forces disapproves strongly. My husband served more than 30 years, retiring at age 60.

Canada has not drafted anybody since 1945. Absent a physical invasion and occupation of our land mass by a foreign power, I very much doubt that we will ever try it again. Our military culture is highly professionalized, with military service running in families through generations and the majority of Regular Force members joining with the intention of serving for 20 years or more.

As I have already said more than once on this topic, American mileage will vary.