The Bermuda Regiment is to launch a campaign to recruit more female volunteers to join its ranks.

In newspaper adverts to run ahead of January’s annual recruit camp, 18 to 30-year-olds will be urged to consider the challenge of a military career.

The Regiment has around a dozen female soldiers at the moment. Lt. Col. William White, Commanding Officer of the Regiment said yesterday: “Women have contributed greatly to the success of the Regiment over the last forty years, serving as equals alongside male soldiers in many key roles.

“It has been three years since we have advertised for women volunteers, yet we have continued to welcome a handful every year.”

Major Brian Gonsalves, Training Officer and Regiment Second-in-Command, said that other than separate accommodation and ablution arrangements, the female recruits would go through identical training to their male counterparts.

“Some of our best recruits have been women and they have gone on to serve the Regiment, and their country, with pride. As there’s only a dozen or so women currently serving, we very much welcome new female recruits,” he said.

* See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for full story.