maintain the high standards set by his retiring predecessor.

Warrant Officer One (WO1) Sherwyn Richardson has taken over the post of Regimental Sergeant-Major (RSM) from retiring WO1 Warren Furbert, who has returned to civilian life to continue his education.

The RSM is the most senior non-commissioned officer in the Bermuda Regiment and serves as the supreme disciplinarian and drill master. He also represents enlisted soldiers in the company of the Regiment commander.

RSM Richardson is a 21-year veteran of the Regiment and has pledged to toe-the-line in a bid to maintain the strict standards set by WO1 Furbert.

WO1 Furbert handed the RSM pace stick to WO1 Richardson outside Regiment Headquarters yesterday, relinquishing the post he had held for two years.

The pace stick, which resembles a short staff, was introduced to the military by the artillery who used it to measure the distance between guns.

Drill instructors took it on as a means to measure the paces between soldiers.

Departing WO1 Furbert said: "It (the pace stick) has become synonymous with the rank of Warrant Officer -- the RSM being the Warrant Officer of all Warrant Officers.'' RSM Richardson, a married father of two, was promoted to the position after successfully completing an extensive interview procedure initiated by Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Gibbons.

WO1s Richardson and Furbert share a similar military background. Both reluctantly joined the service more than 20 years ago, then decided to stay on after enjoying the camaraderie, unity and reward of the uniform.

RSM Richardson spoke highly of the Regiment, declaring: "It's a melting pot of personalities.

"We get people from all walks of life, all different backgrounds and we bind that into a unit.'' WO1 Furbert interjected: "To create teamwork.''