Bermuda Regiment second-in-command Maj. David Gibbons is set to step up to the top spot when Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge stands down in November, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

But it is understood that -- while the post has not been made part-time officially -- Maj. Gibbons is believed to have made it clear that he will not be able to make a 9-5, five days-a-week commitment to the post because of business commitments.

And it is expected that the Defence Board and Governor Thorold Masefield are prepared to compromise in order to give Maj. Gibbons the opportunity to take over as CO.

The news came as the Regiment faces a series of changes as a result of a review by a British Army team -- likely to result in a smaller force with a higher proportion of full-timers and with a shortened period of conscription for soldiers.

It is understood the UK team has recommended that the current three years-plus term of conscription could be cut to as little as two years.

And it is believed that they have also suggested that the Regiment be cut from its current 700-plus strength.

But the Regiment is also likely to assume a greater sea-going role, with the existing Boat Troop boosted to plug gaps left in Bermuda's maritime capability when the US Navy pulled out around five years ago.

Deputy Governor Tim Gurney is off the Island visiting a contingent from the Regiment undergoing advanced training in Jamaica and could not be contacted for comment.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge and Maj. Gibbons are also in Jamaica, acting as CO and second-in-command respectively over the 250-plus troops involved in the exercises.

The review of the Regiment -- carried out under Brigadier-General Simon Young, with Bermudian support, ran over two weeks earlier this year.