Mr Akin: search and rescue can be rented: "Australia provides a model for ASD-style SAR. Like the CF, the RAAF was responsible for SAR in the past. RAAF aircraft still assist with SAR, but the key FWSAR type is the Bombardier Q200 ( Dash-8 ) with maritime search radar and electro-optical sensors. These aircraft are owned by the Coastwatch (a division of the Australian Customs Service) but operated and maintained, under contract, by private contractors. This arrangement allows Australia to control the aircraft and determine its sensor suite, but the mixed fleet of modified Dash-8-200/-300 series aircraft are operated by the successful bidder (currently NAS) for a 12 year contract." And much maritime surveillance of considerable distance can either be rented or at least civilian: "A civilian maritime patrol aircraft fleet?" You also wrote: "That's why I wonder, wouldn't the money spent on C-17s have been better spent on capabilities where old, outdated equipment is in danger of imperiling lives and missions?" That's a fair description of what might happen if our small remaining fleet of more-modern Hercs has to continue doing the main job of flying equipment for Afstan. The C-17s will take on most of this job letting the Hercs concentrate on tactical, not strategic, lift. The DART role was essentially just PR to gain support for getting the C-17s. But they could well be vital in the case of a major natural disaster in Canada. During the 1998 ice storm the USAF provided strategic lift for supplies within Canada, as well as from the US. If C-17s are such a luxury why have the UK and Australia also bought them, and why is NATO on the verge of doing so? Mark Ottawa