Defence Minister David Pratt says it's time to scale back Canada's commitment to international missions in Afghanistan and other countries.

Pratt says Canadian troops are simply worn out after serving a series of missions in the Balkans, the Arabian Sea and Afghanistan.

Canada doesn't have limitless military capabilities, Pratt noted, adding that six-month deployments are tough on military families.

Canadian soldiers have earned praise for their work in Afghanistan; the United Nations has asked Ottawa to send more troops.

Speaking Friday at an Edmonton base, Pratt said the 2,000 Canadians serving in the region are exhausted and need some time off.

Pratt said it's likely Canada would keep a reduced number of troops in the region, but didn't say how many.

Early next week, some Canadian soldiers stationed in Kabul are expected to begin returning home.

They'll be replaced over a four-week period, mainly by members of the Royal 22nd Regiment, commonly known as the Vandoos.

Pratt said he hopes a new white paper on the Canadian forces due by the end of 2004 will help to spell out the future of Canada's military.