One need not study this to death in another major force structure review. The policy makers can be given a fairly straight forward set of options. A simple matrix of what the implications are of doing away with some of the tools in the toolbox would suffice. Of course it is. This sort of cost benefit analysis must be done with the utmost care and objectivity.
Sacred cows are difficult to slaughter.
The future is not predictable. What is however clear is that the current trend leads to a military capability that will continue to be marginalized in an inexorable slide to third world status. If Canadians feel secure at home and do not wish ever again to participate in foreign wars then let us be clear about it. If it is too soon to preclude future combat operations for Canada's military yet we are not prepared to fund versatile general purpose combat capable forces then let us determine which specialised capabilities we should retain and those which we do not wish to fund. That is a policy choice and one that must soon be presented to our government.