The Regimental Police may experience the quietest New Year's they have in years after nearly 200 men ? almost all of those who were conscripted ? showed up for boot camp yesterday.

Some 204 recruits were conscripted, and 189 of them turned up at Warwick Camp early yesterday morning ? four of whom were women. Two years ago the number of recruits who showed for the first day of Recruit Camp barely topped 100, and last year just 120 recruits turned up.

"It shows the success of the hard work of the Administrator, Defence Larry Burchall," Regiment spokesman Capt. Wayne Caines said.

A print and radio advertisement campaign also paid off, he said, while the recruits themselves also deserved some of the credit.

"This is a testament to the character of the men that answered the call to serve ? I am very happy, for a number of reasons," Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb said. Not all of the recruits, however, appeared to be as happy at the Colonel. Despite the early hour, a large crowd gathered outside the gates of Warwick Camp ? many to see off brothers, boyfriends and cousins, but many others for the sole purpose of witnessing the spectacle ? and jeering at any latecomers. The majority of the recruits arrived on time, however several arrived late to be greeted by catcalls from the crowd and a fiery reception from sergeants inside Warwick Camp.

Grabbed by their rucksacks by yelling sergeants, the latecomers were half run, half pushed past the crowd of waiting recruits, disappearing further into Warwick Camp. One or two fought back, swearing at the sergeants, with one recruit in particular being pushed to the ground after he refused to move.

Aside from the latecomers, the recruits waited patiently as they were placed with military efficiency into platoons.

During their two weeks at boot camp, the recruits will learn weapons handling, physical training, camouflage and concealment skills, field craft, as well as compete in inter-platoon sporting matches (such as football games, drill competitions, and even barrack room inspections).

"Every morning at 6 a.m. they will run along the beach, and they will take part in a Regiment tradition of swimming in the healing waters of the South Shore," Capt. Caines said.

Every soldier has different strengths, he added, and all will have to learn to work together as a team.

"Every soldier has value and we will maximize every soldier's potential."

Bermuda will benefit from the strong turnout, Col. Lambe said. "This means there are 200more men in this country who will benefit from the experience of serving their country." The Colonel was also happy for the sake of the Regiment.

"The increased number of recruits means we are going some way to closing real gaps in numbers. We are getting close to our established strength.

"The more manpower we have, the more resources we have to answer the country's call during its hour of need."

As for the new recruits themselves, Col. Lambe firmly believed they would become better men as a result of their time in the Regiment.

"Benefits include increased discipline, better time management, pushing beyond their own physical and mental limits, learning what it is to serve one's fellow man ? this is a powerful experience," he said.