equipment, more responsibilities and full-time opportunities for young Bermudians.

And a major review by British Army Brigadier Simon Young of the Bermuda Regiment -- due to be carried out next month -- is almost certain to recommend a bigger sea-going presence for the Island's part-time conscript army.

According to Government House, the review will focus on the Regiment's role as an emergency service and the possibility of it having a bigger seagoing capability in the future.

The terms of the review are understood to be wide open and Deputy Governor Tim Gurney declined to speculate on which direction the review might take.

But the UK Armed Services have long held the view that a smaller, well-equipped professional force is far superior to a larger, conscripted one -- which could be a pointer in the direction the review team will go.

And standard UK military philosophy would suggest a recommendation that the Regiment become smaller, with more full-timers -- in line with Progressive Labour Party thinking on greater opportunities for Bermudians.

Brig. Young will head a five-strong team set up to examine the future role of the Island's part-time army.

A Government spokesman said: "The review will be aimed at re-examining the role of the Regiment, recognising its Constitutional duty to be in continual readiness to assist in ensuring the security of the people of Bermuda and their property.

"It will also reassess the suitability and appropriateness of the Regiment's organisation, roles and training as a new Millennium dawns and following the end of the Cold War.

"In particular, the review team has been asked to look at the support that can be provided by the Regiment in response to natural and man-made disasters and maritime operations.

"The team will also be asked to look at arrangements for providing the Regiment's manpower, including the size and composition of the local, loan and permanent staff, conscription and demographics -- as well as finding ways to encourage soldiers to stay on voluntarily beyond the three-year conscription period.'' And full-time career opportunities, together with a greater maritime role, could be seen as one way of encouraging Bermudians to stick with the Regiment.

Brigadier-General Young will be assisted by British Major Tim House, as well as three Bermudians, retired Regiment Capt. Larry Burchall, former officer Charlton Dill, and lawyer Victoria Pearman.

The review will be carried out between mid-January and early February, with Governor Thorold Masefield -- the Regiment's Commander-in-Chief -- and Premier Jennifer Smith being briefed by Brigadier-General Young on his recommendations before he leaves.