General Jonathan Holbert Vance (Retired)

As part of Operation LASER, and for those CAF members who continue to provide lifesaving assistance in LTCF in both Ontario and Quebec, I can tell you that the Minister of National Defence, in consultation with the Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), has designated the tasks as Special Duty Operations (SDO). Identifying the tasks as SDO ensures that CAF members have the timeliest access to disability and pension programs. Today, and from when the operation started, you are covered by the SDO/Special Duty Area regulations, which have a direct relationship to VAC compensation and benefits. It includes all training directly related to the deployment, during mission leave, and until you are returned to your home unit.