The Regiment has been cited as an entry point for Bermuda's young people to make a valuable contribution to the country by learning skills and disciplines that can be transferred to careers in the civilian life.

And Premier Alex Scott spoke of a desire to see the Regiment "expanding its role" in Bermudian life by linking up with the Police and Fire Department and Prison Officer service to form career pathways for soldiers as they left the military.

Some of the groundwork has already been laid following the Premier's visit to Jamaica where he witnessed the Regiment taking part in a two-week training exercise and spoke with Bermuda Fire Service Chief Vincent Hollinsid and Police Commissioner George Jackson along with Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton.

Mr. Scott endorsed the work of the Regiment as he visited Warwick Camp and met soldiers and officers who had taken part in the Rock Solid II training exercise.

And he said amongst their ranks are the leaders of tomorrow and a rich source of talent, skills and discipline that can be transferred to other organisations in Bermuda.

The Premier pointed out that there were already former Regiment officers who had risen to high Government office, such as Attorney General Larry Mussenden, Works and Engineering and Housing Minister Lt. Col. David Burch and Permanent Transport Secretary Marc Telemaque.

"I was fortunate to review the Regiment as they went through their paces in Jamaica. From first-hand observation the men and leadership of this organisation performed in the most extraordinary way," he said.

"I want to thank Lt. Col. Lamb and his officers for the way they represented Bermuda in Jamaica."

The Premier said there was a strong bond between The Regiment and the Jamaican Defence Force stretching back more than 30 years and that has been mirrored in a positive relationship between the two countries.

He spoke of the integrity and discipline of The Regiment, and said: "While watching the troops I had a tremendous sense of pride. You hear much about our young people, you hear much about what is not right about Bermuda. But I saw first-hand what young Bermudians can accomplish when they come together in a disciplined way."

He said parents could do very well by having their young people join the Regiment..

Mr. Scott said he had seen the soldiers carry out their military tasks, adding: "During their work they showed a genuine kindness for the community that welcomed them for the two weeks they were there. Without a doubt the training and experience is fundamental to the soldiers' growth."

The Premier said the Regiment instilled confidence and discipline in young people and created future leaders.

He said: "We believe The Regiment is ready for new challenges. We see the possibility of The Regiment expanding its role. While in Jamaica we talked to the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of the Fire Department about ways that the training and leadership qualities can manifest themselves with young men and women evolving into some role maybe with the Police, the Fire Department or the Prison Officers service.

"In short, this can be the entry point for young Bermudians going on to make a valuable contribution to their country ? our country."

Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton, said: "The training goes across all these services in Bermuda, police, fire or prison services. We hope that as we move forward we will seek to provide more opportunity to cross train and become members of those other security services."

And commanding officer Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb said: "There are many things going on in the Regiment. We are now offering scholarships for soldiers to go to Bermuda college.

"We recently had the culinary arts programme in Warwick Camp and in Jamaica we had a medical corp programme run by the University of the West Indies for our medical section, while the boat troop trained with the JDF coastguard. And upon those foundations we will continue to base our training."