The new Commanding Officer of Bermuda's part-time army is set to take over next month, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Major David Gibbons will assume command of the Bermuda Regiment at a special hand-over ceremony in June -- five months ahead of schedule.

The early take-over is due to the recent in-depth review of the Regiment by British Army experts.

The review -- expected to lead to major changes in the Regiment structure -- will be a major responsibility of the new CO.

It is believed that Government and Commander-in-Chief Governor Thorold Masefield want the new CO -- the seventh since the Regiment was founded in 1965 -- in place before full details of the review are unveiled.

A Regiment insider said: "It will be a little bit earlier than normal but that's understandable from the point of view of the review.'' Current CO Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge was expected to retire from the post at the end of the year after three years in the top job.

Deputy Governor Tim Gurney declined to comment on specifics of an early take-over but said: "The Regiment are in the planning stages of an early handover.

"It makes sense for a handover to take place sooner rather than later to allow the new CO to be closely involved with the review recommendations.'' He added: "The Commanding Officer designate is likely to take command to enable him to start to tackle these recommendations which will come out of the review.'' Mr. Gurney added that the review is likely to go to Cabinet for its consideration in a week or two and will also be discussed in the Governor's Council.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox -- who has delegated powers over the Regiment -- said: "Clearly, as we are having a change of the guard, it's an opportune time to make other changes.'' Details of the top secret probe are yet to be made public -- but major changes in the 700-strong conscripted force are on the cards.

Standard UK military doctrine in recent years has favoured smaller, all-volunteer forces with a high standard of equipment and training.

It is likely the UK team has suggested something similar for Bermuda, which still relies on conscription to fill its ranks.

One option could be a smaller Regiment, with more full-timers, in line with Government's attempt to make life in uniform more attractive through enhanced career opportunities.

The current three-year-plus conscription period is also likely to be cut -- probably to two years.

Gibbons to take early command A greater sea-going role for the Regiment -- signalled last year -- is also likely in a bid to plug the gaps in Bermuda's marine rescue and drug-busting role.

Ms Cox said: "The review has some very progressive aspects to it and there is a lot to incorporate and use.

"First, we have to get it accepted, if not in whole, in part. There is much in it to commend it, but there are aspects which will be less favoured.'' Maj. David Gibbons