provided by the Bermuda Regiment in the aftermath of Hurricane Emily.

The part-time soldiers -- most of them unwilling conscripts "doing their time'' -- worked day and night for weeks to help bring the Island back to normal. Without the Regiment, the task would have taken much longer.

In many ways, it was the Regiment's proudest moment. The fact that it was performing a role which was not particularly martial has some resonance today, when the Regiment's role is coming under fresh examination.

The decision by the Governor to excuse two professed Rastafarians from their duty in the Regiment on the grounds that they are conscientious objectors has raised concerns that there will be a rise in the number of people being excused from service.

Equally, the Regiment's practice of randomly selecting its recruits has been criticised as unfair. Based on chance, some people have to serve their country for three years, while others avoid any form of service.

The primary role of the Regiment -- as an internal security force in case of a civil disorder -- has also come into question. It would be cavalier to say that Bermuda will never have another riot; at the same time, it has been 20 years since the last one, and inevitably people will question the sense and expense of maintaining the Regiment for an event which may not occur.

Yet there is much to commend the Regiment for. If most soldiers start their service unwillingly, a large number complete it having, in the best sense, gained more than they have given. It gives them a level of self-discipline and self-esteem which they may not have received in their home or school lives.

It also acts as a great equaliser, bringing together young men on a level playing field where they have a chance to succeed regardless of race, background and educational achievement. That may be the Regiment's most important legacy -- greater than learning how to control riots or their performance on the parade ground. It would be a shame if this was lost in a re-examination of the Regiment.

But it should be possible -- as some people have called for in recent days -- to duplicate what's good about the Regiment in other forms of community service, either for those who are excused from service on grounds of conscience or for those men -- and women -- who are not required to serve at all.