Bermuda Regiment operations are moving into high gear this month, Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb said yesterday as he announced a number of officer promotions and upcoming activities at Warwick Camp.

But Lt. Col. Lamb also said he is plagued by the wall-sitting attitudes of many of Bermuda's young men which lead them to dodge their Regiment duties and opt out of productive lives in general.

Lt. Col. Lamb acknowledged that Regiment numbers continue to decline, largely attributing the decline to an "appalling apathy" on the part of young men.

"What else are they doing for their country if they don't show up at Warwick Camp?" he asked. "They are not participating in the churches. They are not participating in the clubs or other organisations. They are doing very little with their lives."

But, he added, the community at large has not really seen the importance of the Regiment in action since 1987 when it was embodied for clean up for Hurricane Emily.

As the community has lost sight of Regiment's role, young men have continued to dismiss it in ever growing numbers. "They are a product of our society," Lt. Col. Lamb said.

However, as Regiment Commander, he hopes to oversee a new era.

"I envision the Bermuda Regiment being an adaptable, robust and professional unit comprised of highly trained, well disciplined and motivated men and women, who individually and collectively are ready and able to render effective service to our country," he said yesterday.

"I envision a Regiment with a healthy esprit de corps, coupled with high morale and a sense of well being."

In announcing seven recent promotions, Lt. Col. Lamb praised the young men as examples to others. The four officer cadets completed a "gruelling" commissioning course in Bermuda over six months.

New Major William White completed a number of courses both locally and overseas, he added.

Both Lt. Col. Lamb and Major Brian Gonsalves also outlined upcoming activities for Regiment's Boat Troop.

A two-week camp is scheduled to begin on October 6, focusing on two phases of training.

The first week of the camp will see the Boat Troop upgrading the engines of boats and improving operational readiness and capabilities.

"During the second week, phase two, the Boat Troop will engage in inter-agency training with Marine Police, Bermuda Fire Services, Customs, Harbour Radio and the Department of Marine and Ports," he added. "Training will include search and rescue operations, navigational theory and practical, boarding procedures, GPS instruction and safety procedures.

Major Gonsalves said some of the training will be run by a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, with which Bermuda's soldiers have recently developed a relationship.

And two Marine Police officers from Toronto, Canada will be helping with other parts of the exercises, he added.

Meanwhile, the Regiment continues to monitor meteorological developments in the local vicinity, Lt. Col. Lamb added.

"In preparation for the hurricane season, the Regiment began its hurricane preparedness in May, an annual process that is designed to ensure that we are capable of responding as and when called to do so," he said.

"Our hurricane stores have been checked to ensure operational readiness and our support elements have continued their training for natural disasters.

"The Bermuda Regiment stands ever vigilant in its readiness and preparedness for its role in providing assistance to the community in the event of a natural disaster."

The new Commanding Officer said it was his intention to raise the profile of the good works of the Regiment and the rigorous training of its officers.

Lt. Col. Lamb said he would like to broaden skill sets of commanders through diverse training courses, while teaching military skills down to the Private levels which are applicable to professional and civilian lives.

Assistance to Police and Fire Service activities will be broadened through joint training operations, he said, and community projects which engender community spirit in the troops will be promoted and publicised.

"All of these efforts will be combined with the intention to retain as many soldiers as possible, particularly our commanders, who hopefully will continue their service having had a rewarding and unique experience," he said.

"Moreover, all soldiers will have a strong sense of, and fully understand, the importance of their service to this country through Bermuda Regiment."