FACTS AND FIGURES

• Bermuda has had modern-day conscription since 1957. More than 7,000 male Bermudians have served. At first, only white Bermudians were conscripted. The policy became race-neutral in 1960.

• An electronic ballot is used each year by the Defence Department to pick conscripts. Justices of the Peace oversee the selection process.

• The pool of names available each year comprises of all male Commonwealth citizens possessing Bermudian status aged over 18 and under 23. Actual service ages range from 18 to 33 as some conscripts defer.

• The Regiment is tasked with tackling natural disasters and civil unrest, supporting the Police, Customs and Fisheries, and providing guards and bands for parades and state occasions.

• Reasons for being excused service include being a full-time student at home or overseas, working or living overseas, and being medically or psychologically unfit.

• Ministers of religion, Police and prison officers and members of the British, Canadian or US Armed Forces are also excused. Alternative voluntary service can be completed with the Police, Fire Brigade or St. John Ambulance.

• Recently, soldiers became entitled to free educational programmes through links with the National Training Board, Bermuda College and Community Education Programme. They are also entitled to free transportation on buses and ferries, whether in uniform or not.

• Pay for private soldiers ranges from $120 to $135 per day, prior to the deduction of Social Insurance. Four nights of training — each lasting two to three hours — equate to the daily rate. Payment is also made for parades, and soldiers are entitled to an annual performance bonus of up to $1,000.