natural and man-made disasters is set to emerge from the long-awaited review of the part-time army.

Plans revealed yesterday include cutting 100 soldiers from the present 700 force, establishing more full time troops, cutting conscription from three to two years and creating a new marine patrol force.

Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Gibbons and Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said the aim was to shift the Regiment towards a more modern role -- and to make it more relevant and interesting to recruits.

Lt. Col Gibbons said: "For some time training has been modelled upon the UK Army training, which doesn't really have an application in Bermuda.

"This gives us the opportunity to bring a whole new dimension on training to a more relevant level where the soldiers can learn real skills.

"The Regiment will benefit as will Bermuda.'' Officials hope the new direction will breed enthusiasm among recruits, who have been reluctant to attend Warwick Camp for square bashing sessions.

It will focus on more real-life situations such as crisis response relevant to Bermuda. Floods, hurricanes, pollution, emergency support for the Fire, Police and Prison Services have all been identified as possible roles.

Regiment to be revamped A new Marine Patrol Organisation will have five full-time and 15 part-time staff and there will be the opportunity for soldiers to join United Nations operations.

However, there will still be a military element in the force and the Commanding Officer was confident the resulting force could deal with any civil disobedience.

Mr. Gurney said they were aiming to produce a revitalised Regiment, teaching life skills that were important to the Island and also to individuals.

"It means the responsibility will transfer the Regiment from the old Cold War approach to something relevant to the year 2000, producing training that people will find interesting and exciting,'' he said.

The review, undertaken by a joint UK and Bermuda team, recommended a raft of changes. An implementation team will now bring the proposals forward.

In reducing conscription, recruits will serve a two year period and then be placed on a reserve list for the third year.

Volunteer full-time soldiers will take over Police guard duties at the Premier's residence and the Cabinet Office.

Also recommended was basic literacy and numeracy training for those in need, full time staff to be given three year contracts, the retirement age will be 50 and a reporting system will be created for measuring performance.

A team of ten Regimental Police will be established, with five full time staff.

LEANER AND MEANER? Plans for a leaner, more focused Bermuda Regiment include: Conscription cut from three to two years.

Shift from military to civil crisis response.

Establish a Marine Patrol Organisation.

Reduce force size by 100 soldiers from present.

Establish Regiment Police Force.