Regiment recruitment halved due to budget cutbacks

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5: Recruitment for the Bermuda Regiment has been slashed as a result of the economic downturn.

The Regiment’s 2012 recruitment camp will have just 80 places, compared to the record number of 160 recruits in 2011.

The island’s armed service is also on target to have more volunteer soldiers than ever before – meaning fewer people will be conscripted into the Regiment.

It is also expected that more of the existing troops will re-enlist – partly because of the economic downturn.

Regiment CO Lt Col. Brian Gonsalves explained that, because of the numbers wanting to extend their service, an increase in the number of volunteers and cutbacks, the Regiment would require fewer conscripts this year.

He said: “We’ve already received a significant number of volunteers, male and female, from across the community. This is excellent for the Regiment and we’re really pleased to see it.”

Col. Gonsalves added that the Regiment wanted volunteers before conscripts and that all the factors combined would make this year’s recruit camp “significantly different” from previous years.

He explained: “It will be much smaller and secondly it will have a greater number of volunteers. Economics have dictated that as a battalion we need to reduce the overall number of soldiers.

“The high percentage of those who want to continue serving past their mandatory service time, we will not need as many recruits.”

Col. Gonsalves said: “Economics play a significant part, but it is also a sign of the times. Our pay is competitive. A recruit will make almost $1000 a week when in camp and all of their expenses are paid – food, clothing, lodging – so nothing comes out of their pocket.

“In addition to this basic pay and entitlements, once a soldier is trained, he or she has the opportunity to earn bonuses and learn new skills.”

He was speaking as the Regiment prepared to welcome its new recruits on Tuesday and tonight.

Col. Gonsalves added that changes to Regiment training and a commitment to developing into a modern service meant that Regiment service was more useful and relevant to recruits than ever before.

He said: “Long gone are the images that a lot of the public hold on to – all the training contributes to making the men and women of the Regiment operationally effective.

“We have put a great deal of work into focusing on ‘what does Bermuda society want from us?’ The answer is a capable Regiment of professionally-trained soldiers that can work independently or with our sister services in times of need.

“I think a lot of people still see us as a parade unit. That, however, is one small part of the truth. The soldiers on parade are doing that as a secondary duty.

“What you see on a parade are smartly-dressed, well-drilled medics, boat handlers, chefs, engineers, musicians, logisticians, administrators and a host of other trade specialists.”

Col. Gonsalves said that every recruit does the same two weeks of basic training – but that on completion, soldiers could opt for a range of training, including junior command, working with the Bermuda Police Marine Unit or work towards a commission and training at the British Army’s prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, in Surrey.

Those balloted to turn up for mandatory service are assessed alphabetically, with surnames beginning A-P required to attend Warwick Camp yesterday.

Surnames beginning Q-Z should attend tonight. Those who want to volunteer can attend either night, but must have applied by October 20 to be considered.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Regiment service should contact Major Warren Furbert at [email protected] or call 238-1045.