Canadian military authorities give no explanation for the fluctuating numbers, but the increases may appear more dramatic than they really are. Year over year condom distribution to the Canadian military looks like this:
-1998: 219,312 condoms
-1999: 295,200 condoms
-2000: 158,991 condoms
-2001: 84,684 condoms
-2002: 25,355 condoms
-2003: 173,769 condoms
-2004: 285,751 condoms
-2006: 306,522 condoms
In other words, there were more condoms purchased for distribution in 1999 than in 2004. Although Canadian military authorities offer no explanation, the lower numbers in 2001 and 2002 look like aberrations, possibly explained by differences in reporting methods.
In the Canadian forces sex between military personnel is strictly forbidden, as is sex between military and non-military personnel such as journalists, interpreters and other support staff.
But sexual activity between soldiers and either other soldiers or support and ancillary staff must certainly go on, given the consistent number of condoms handed out by the military. The attitude tends to be "Sexual activity is against the rules, and if two people decide to break those rules it's their decision."
In fact, it is well-known that soldiers have often used visual cues to indicate "Do not disturb." For example, at the now-closed Camp Julien base, when a white T-shirt was draped over the back of a light armored vehicle it was understood this meant sexual activity was going on inside the vehicle. Signals like this are as old as military activity itself.
Canadian military leaders have clearly decided that preventing disease is more important than being overly judgmental about sexual activity. As one spokesperson has said, "Our (role) isn't to be judgmental. It's to keep people safe."
This underlines the official policy position of the Canadian military. They distribute free condoms to help keep soldiers safe and healthy. Both at home and abroad the official policy is "Don't ask, don't tell."
Even among the general public there seems to be a recognition that young men and women will be sexually active when confined in a typical military environment. While there may be concerns about the influence this could have on the family life of soldiers, or the possibility of strained relations between military personnel, health concerns generally take precedence.
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