Major Herman Eve

Major Eve, 57, did not want to be conscripted in 1970 — but his early qualms gave way to such dedication that he ended up serving in the Regiment for 35 years.

"I wasn't at all happy when it happened. When I got in there, they locked me up on the first day for three days because I had long hair and wouldn't let them cut it," he explained. However, after what he describes as three cold days in a jail pit, "I decided I'd better get out and soldier on — and I liked it".

Having grown up in an orphanage, Major Eve explained: "One of the reasons was the actual leadership. I was a person who grew up in a structured environment where everything had its place. It's a positive experience if the leadership is right."

He added: "Within the army one thing I liked was to be able to meet such a wide range of people from all walks of life in Bermuda which was really good. They remain friends."

Having joined at the age of 20, he spent ten years as a conscript then 25 years as a full-time soldier, serving in every rank apart from Commanding Officer. He ended his career as Quartermaster Major.

He took every training opportunity possible, describing himself as "the most coursed man in the Bermuda Regiment" after time on attachments and courses in Jamaica, the UK and the US.

Asked about the stance taken by Bermudians Against the Draft, he said: "I think sometimes I can flip flop on it because I understand the other side of what people feel. But I also feel that if Bermuda had to just have people to volunteer, unless it was a full time military establishment where they could have a career you would be lucky to get ten people."

Asked about B.A.D. members who compare conscription to slavery, he said: "Government says you live in this country and you serve once a week and weekends. You can't put it down to slavery. I go to work every day and think I'm worth a lot more than my boss gives me. You can equate everything to something, but it's not slavery."

One of the things the anti-conscription group points out is that only men are picked for the Regiment and not women — although they do not wish to see either sex made to serve.

Maj. Eve commented: "I do believe women should be included in the pot because there's a lot of roles in the Regiment that women can do. When you hear about them out in the streets fighting — they could gain some experience. I also think it's a good melting pot (for young people) to get away from the gang-related issues if they become friends within the Regiment."

Andrew Schwaegerl

Andrew Schwaegerl experienced conscription first-hand after being called up to the Regiment — and is a firm advocate of the policy as a result.

"I'm a strong believer in the Regiment and all the good that it does for the youth of the Island. One of the many things it has done for me was to support my educational goals — hence I'm studying at a top-ranked university in Florida and my service has pointed me in the right direction," he said.

Mr. Schwaegerl attended Recruit Camp 2006 at the age of 22. He completed a year in the Regiment before heading to Florida International University to study hospitality management. He admits that prior to being conscripted "college wasn't really for me". However, he credits his time as a soldier — in particular lectures during Recruit Camp — for inspiring him to pursue further education.

He described his experience at Warwick Camp as "a great time" and "a life-awakening experience," telling The Royal Gazette: "Originally it was that I wanted to be a better role model and then a couple of classes during boot camp convinced me that I wanted to do something in hospitality.

"The experience definitely made me a better, stronger person and made me think for myself. The Regiment really pushed me in a lot of things. It gave me the motivation and inspiration to do what I do now."

Mr. Schwaegerl, 24, from Southampton, is looking forward to completing his remaining two years of service once he graduates and is contemplating staying on beyond that.

Of complaints from B.A.D. that conscripts are poorly-treated, he said: "I didn't find it bad at all. As long as you do what you're told it's fine. I had no problems, I just went in with an open mind.

"Maybe there were some people that might have been picked on — probably because they talked back to the people above them and just didn't do what they were told to do."

Mr. Schwaegerl said he will be watching today's case with interest. While he said it would be "pretty disappointing" if conscription is stopped as a result, he believes that voluntary service within the Regiment could work as an alternative "as long as they get organised and have a full-time troop down there and make it more career-orientated."