underway.

The procedure is still in the early stages, but there will be a new man in the post by November 2000, when current incumbent Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge steps aside.

Yesterday, Lt. Col. Outerbridge said it was premature to say who would be put forward to be considered for the position.

But only those officers who have attained the rank of major can be considered.

Currently there are four majors in the Regiment, but there could be promotions in the pipeline.

Once candidates have been put forward, then Lt. Col. Outerbridge will make his recommendations to the Regiment Promotions Board, who will then forward their choice to the Governor for final approval.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge said he expected to make his recommendations by the end of October, but could not say how long the remainder of the process would take.

He will have been in the post for three years by the time a replacement takes over.

His tenure has seen stormy times, with some officers complaining about the direction the 500-strong force was taking -- which prompted a report which stated that better communication was required in the army.