The Bermuda Regiment faces internal warfare if Maj. David Gibbons becomes commanding officer, it is claimed.

The Royal Gazette has been told of a possible exodus of officers and non-commissioned officers if the appointment is made.

A Regiment insider said it seemed one had to be "well connected'' rather than a proven leader to command the Island's army.

Particularly rankling is the knowledge Maj. Gibbons -- currently second in command -- would be in charge while still running the family business, within the Gibbons Company empire.

Race may also play its part in the building controversy with the favourites -- Maj. Eddie Lambe and Maj. Larry Mussenden -- being black, while Maj. Gibbons is white.

"Quite simply he doesn't have the support of a large percentage of people within the Regiment,'' the insider said. "We are at pains to understand why it is they are tailor making this job to fit him. It's an insult.

"It's never been done, in recent years at least,'' he added.

"Particularly when you consider what may or may not come out in the recent review (of the Regiment headed by a British general).

"He doesn't have the requisite qualifications to be commanding officer and the preference for him over candidates like Eddie Lambe and Larry Mussenden is felt by many to be a slap in the face.'' He added: "A number of junior people are questioning whether or not they have a future there if in fact all you have to be is white and well connected in the regiment.'' Currently the Governor appoints the Defence Board and the Defence Promotions Board.

The Promotions Board is headed by retired Col. Alan Rance, and made up of Larry Burchall, Randall Butler, and Eugene Raynor who are retired officers, and Garry Madeiros and Roderick Pearman. The sitting Colonel in charge makes a recommendation to the Promotions Board who make a recommendation back to him on the best choice for the Regiment's leader.

There is also disappointment within the ranks that at least two members of the board -- Capt. Burchall and Maj. Butler -- would have represented their views more, only to be disappointed.

Regiment battle brewing "The view of a lot of serving members is that with the appointment of Capt.

Burchall and Maj. Butler you would see a lot more justice,'' he said. "But apparently not. Even Col. Raynor who was someone we all looked up to as the first black CO. But nothing's forthcoming.

"It just seems to be business as usual in the regiment. The blacks are made to go off and do all the arduous courses and rigourous training in order to be promoted.

"And the whites get away with nothing. You just can't justify it.'' Lastly, the soldier said: "People remember that Col. David Burch had to compete with three others back in 1994 to get the job. Something which had never been done before.

"Relatively speaking he's not eligible to be a captain, never mind the CO.

We're confronted with a blatant disregard for service and quality of sacrifice. Try and justify that to the ordinary soldier.'' But Col. Rance yesterday defended the board's process, and said no one had been recommended to the Governor yet -- and he alone makes the decision.

He said Maj. Gibbons has a "proven track record and considerable experience at section, platoon, and company levels''.

In addition, running the Regiment is not much different from running a business.

"We recently interviewed Majs. Lambe, Mussenden, and Gibbons, and others and I think it's fair to say that we were able to make an assessment for ourselves who at this point is most capable,'' Col. Rance said.

"And with regard to race, if you look at the board that did the interviews, with one white member and three black, all former senior officers, that there would be racial bias speaks for itself.'' He added: "If you were to ask the other members, they would very quickly and hotly, deny that race played any role in our recommendations. We're looking for the best candidate at this time.'' Col. Rance added: "Notwithstanding that sometimes means in a military unit you step up and step into the breach.''