The Bermuda Regiment is holding an open night at Government House on September 25 for potential volunteers.As Government plans to end conscription, Commanding Officer Michael Foster-Brown said the event would allow recruits to learn what the Regiment offers and what the experience is like.The hour-long event starts at 6pm and will allow volunteers, their family and employers to hear about careers in the Island’s defence force.“Joining the Bermuda Regiment gives you a chance to serve your community and country,” Lt Col Foster-Brown said. “Putting your country first and serving for the safety and welfare of others is arguably the noblest cause.”It’s hoped that a $300 sign-up bonus and the $140 a day pay cheque — roughly $2,000 for boot camp and $4,700 during the first year of service — will help to entice recruits, he said.The aim is to attract volunteers aged 18 to 40, although older recruits are welcome.The Regiment’s first ever non-Bermudian commanding officer said he brought a fresh perspective.Asked what would be different for this year’s recruits, Lt Col Foster-Brown said: “You can’t expect anything dramatically different from what’s gone on before but we use recruits’ and soldiers’ time wisely. So you might expect a little bit less hanging about and less of the traditional breaking people in.“Our aim here is to build people up and make them feel like part of a team and train them into effective soldiers.”On the subject of enhancing the Regiment’s role in concert with marine police, Lt Col Foster-Brown said: “The Regiment has the willingness and the capability but not necessarily the finances to do more — that will be considered by the National Security Review going on at the moment.”The Regiment and Marine Police have been working closely for the past 18 months, Defence Board Chairman Wendell Hollis added.“One of the things the National Security Review Commission is looking at is how the maritime policing role is handled in the future and who does it,” Major Hollis said.“It’s a question of whether it’s all Regiment, all police or a combination. But at the end of the day, it’s really going to come down to two essential questions: manning and money.”Those wishing to attend the Bermuda Regiment’s open night should register by September 18 — either via the Regiment’s website at www.bermudaregiment.bm or by calling 238-3885.