proposed radical changes.

It is understand B Company is set for the axe, with 120 soldiers to get their marching orders.

And, in a move that will find favour with many young men, conscription is set to be slashed from three to two years. The size of the conscription force could also be reduced.

The proposals were part of the recommendations contained in a core functions review of the Regiment, undertaken by British military last year.

The full details of how the proposals will be implemented are not yet known, but it could be that B Company, which is made of up of third year conscripts, could shut down as the soldiers come to the end of their term.

In addition, there is likely to be a move towards having more, full-time professional soldiers, particularly with the ability to help with man-made and natural disasters.

The proposals look set to become reality as Government officials, Crown representatives and Regiment top brass meet to discuss the battle plan for the future.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel David Gibbons hinted that some changes have already taken place, but said today's meeting could determine the next steps.

Lt. Col. Gibbons, said: "The meeting will define how the Minister (Paula Cox) and Governor want to proceed. We will discuss all aspects of the review.

"The progress report has it, what has happened, what we hope will happen and if there are any situations where alternatives are.'' When asked if any changes had already been implemented, he said: "Certain things have happened.'' The move toward fewer conscripts serving less time comes at a time when the Regiment has launched a campaign to haul hundreds of non-attenders before the courts.

Meeting today will be Defence Department administrator and retired officer Larry Burchall, Deputy Governor Tim Gurney, Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Robert Horton, Defence Board member Martin Law, Defence Board Chair Colonel Allen Rance and CO David Gibbons.

The review, conducted by a senior British officer, was handed to the Governor's Council. It was then forwarded to the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety.

But Minister Paula Cox kept her cards close about the precise contents.

She said: "It's more like a shopping list -- I don't think every one will be adopted wholesale.'' Ms Cox made further recommendations and submitted them to the Governor's Council, who subsequently formed an implementation team headed by Defence Board Chairman Colonel Allen Rance.

Regiment in for change Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Robert Horton said the teams were formed to look into the implementation of the reports and they are required to give a progress report before the end of the year Governor's Council.

Another group, headed by Lt. Col. Gibbons, is looking into more physical applications.

Mr. Horton said: "The second team looks into a more hands-on, nuts and bolts recommendations.'' During last month's Throne Speech, Governor Masefield, Commander-in-Chief of the Island's military forces, said: "Government has accepted recommendations from this review that enhance the role of the full-time complement of the Regiment and are considering plans to reduce the size of the conscription component and reduce the length of service.

"Pending further study and consideration, these changes and further details from the review will be made public and amendments to the Defence Act 1965 placed before the Legislature.''