Young men causing violence on the streets would be better off in Regimental boot camp, according to the Island's top military man.

Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Edward Lamb yesterday spoke out following the mini riot on Front Street in the early hours of New Year's Day, which involved an estimated crowd of 1,000 people, mostly spectators.

At a press conference yesterday Lt. Col. Lamb implored young men not to ignore their call up to the Regiment, adding that the organisation was about discipline, not violence.

"We don't train soldiers for violence," he said when questioned about the view held by some parents that their sons should not be in the Regiment because of its violent nature.

"Eighteen-year olds in our country don't need to be more violent. If your son's not going to serve, who will? The onus is on young men to stand up and protect this country. Stop this foolishness they are engaging themselves in.

"We teach them discipline and organisation in order to serve our country internally."

A list of around 200 names of young men who have so far ignored this year's call up by the Regiment appeared in yesterday's edition of TheRoyal Gazette.

The final chance for recruits to present themselves for processing by the Regiment will be at a test station night at the Bermuda Regiment Headquarters at Warwick Camp this coming Monday at 6 p.m.

If they fail to turn up, Regiment Police will go out looking for them, Lt. Col. Lamb warned.

And he strongly urged the young men to turn out on their own accord, rather than being picked up.

"We have shown that we are prepared to collect people from all corners of this country, including football pitches, homes, places of employment, and even at the Bermuda International Airport," he said.

"This is the least desirable option for all concerned, but one that the Regiment will continue, should persons persist with ignoring the law pertaining to their military service."

Those who have been attested but not yet seen by the Regimental Medical Examiners must also appear at the test station night on Monday in order to be examined by the Regiment's doctors.

And those who have been completely processed, said Lt. Col. Lamb, are reminded that they must report to Warwick Camp at 8 a.m. next Sunday, January 12.

If men who have so far ignored the call up do appear at the test night on Monday they will simply be processed, not punished in any way, said Lt. Col. Lamb.

"However, if we don't get our numbers by January 12, the commanding officer can exercise rights under the Defence Act, which may involve punishment.

"But we are less inclined to punish. We are more interested in them showing up and doing what they have to do."

Boot camp begins Sunday, January 12, and ends Sunday, January 26.

During the fortnight's training, soldiers will learn basic military skills such as weapons handling, ceremonial drills, First Aid, and basic internal security operations.

"They will receive a thorough grounding in military discipline and training which will form the basis of their three year career," said Lt. Col. Lamb.