The hunt ended last night for AWOL soldier Ankoma Cannonier after he reported to the Bermuda Regiment with his father on Monday evening.

Regiment officers had waited outside of CedarBridge Academy on Monday afternoon for Mr. Cannonier, who managed to elude them.

The Bermuda Regiment had been visiting places of employment searching for recruits that were enlisted. Yesterday, Lt. Col. Eddy Lamb said the army will be stepping up the pressure and begin visiting places of residence soon.

"Searching for the enlisted men is costing the tax payer $750 a day," said Lt. Col. Lamb.

Administrator of defence Larry Burchall said the men listed in Official Gazette on November 22, were enlisted as soldiers, and those who did not turn up for their medical examinations on November 25 at 13.00 hours were effectively AWOL (away with out leave).

"On Monday night we had another eight who turned up," said Mr. Burchall.

The Bermuda Regiment is still short of 60 to 70 soldiers, but Lt. Col. Lamb said he is an incurable optimist:

"I know we will get the numbers. He welcomed enlisted men saying that they can be all they can be in joining the army.