The Bermuda Regiment’s commanding officer is optimistic of having the first all-volunteer recruit camp before he completes his tour of duty.

But Lieutenant Colonel Michael Forster-Brown, who has been in charge for a little more than a year, believes the real challenge will be “to maintain that into the future”.

“The Premier has repeatedly said the Government will not eliminate conscription in a manner that leaves the Regiment unable to fulfil their mission, so my aim is to shift the debate from anti- conscription to pro-volunteering and pro-service,” he said. “I encourage those who wish to see the transition succeed to do the same.”

Lt Col Foster-Brown, who is expected to serve here for at least another 18 months, said making Regiment service worthwhile, fun and fulfilling was a priority for him.

He highlighted an increase in volunteers and re-enlistments after conscript service and a 25 percent drop in long-term absenteeism as indicators that soldiers appreciated the benefits of service to their country.

Lt Col Foster-Brown said efforts to ensure the Regiment kept up its strength included new initiatives such as a $500 bounty for new volunteers, a planned re-enlistment bonus, one-off payments for serving soldiers who attracted new recruits, links with employers, and discounts from retailers.

He added that plans to expand the Regiment’s roles in key areas, as well as provide more full-time opportunities, would improve service to the country and make soldiering more attractive.

“If soldiers are going to give up their spare time, they’re only going to do that if they’re enjoying and value what they’re doing — and I’m pleased we’re seeing dividends not only in the number of volunteers, but in retention and the reduction in absenteeism,” Lt Col Foster-Brown said.

“We need 400 people to do what we have to do. We’ve had a 340 percent increase in volunteers, albeit from a low starting point, and we’re working year-on-year to increase that number to meet the Government’s commitment to phase out conscription.”

He said other priorities included improving the operational capability of the Regiment for key roles such as disaster relief. This will be achieved through rewritten operational orders and a robust call-up procedure using modern technology such as text messaging, phone apps, and closer links with partner agencies.

Immediate response teams with a variety of skills, from medics to chainsaw operators, had also been revamped, with plans to station equipment in the East End if the Causeway was closed.

Lt Col Foster-Brown said Regiment’s internal security role had also been boosted by an agreement with the Bermuda Police Service, which includes an established role for soldiers in bomb disposal and on the water with the boat troop and a new team of divers.

“Support from our boats will be extended so they can move people from the East End medical care centre in case the area is cut off,” he said. “We are discussing joint reassurance patrols with police in the event of severe damage to commercial premises to help maintain law and order.

“We’ve had a ringing endorsement from the National Security and Defence Review, which looked at all aspects of the Regiment in detail.

“The future looks secure and Premier Michael Dunkley described the Regiment as ‘an iconic institution’. We intend to build on that to make the Regiment an even more valuable part of the Island’s emergency responses, and make it even more attractive as a place to serve.

“People also don’t always realise how good the pay is. The commitment of time is less than many think, with soldiers earning about $15,000 for a three-month commitment over three years, with one of those months abroad in places like the US, Canada and Jamaica.”

Lt Col Foster-Brown — an acclaimed career officer with the Rifles in the UK who has front line experience in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq — said Regiment kit would also be improved.

“I’m pleased with what we have achieved in the past year and intend to continue the momentum,” he said.

“A larger role for the Regiment and increasing the numbers of full-time staff can only be a good thing, not only for the Regiment but for Bermuda as a whole.”

For information on a Regiment career, attend the Regiment’s Open House on September 20, call 238-1045 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm