Regiment is a hit.

The Bermuda Regiment wants to recruit former soldiers to form a reserve platoon to pass on their experience to the Island's younger troops.

Officers believe there is a vast untapped wealth of experience on the Island that has been lost to the Regiment over the years -- and they are aiming to harness it.

In return, the old soldiers will get the chance to take part in training camps, parades and even overseas visits.

Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge launched the recruitment drive this week -- hot on the heels of a similar plan to attract women to form their own section.

He said: "There are a lot of good people out there who enjoyed their time with the Regiment, but unfortunately due to job or family commitments were unable to put in the time they would have liked and left after three or four years.

"Those experienced in specialised areas such as boats, medics, cooks or signals can keep their hand in and enjoy themselves.'' Lt. Col. Outerbridge said they were aiming to recruit enough men and women, including a chain of command, for a 30-strong platoon -- to be known as the Bermuda Regiment Reserves.

The commitment would involve five or six camps a year or possibly more if the team is keen.

Interest has already been expressed by some former soldiers, and the officer in charge of the Reserves, Major Tom Godet, is expected to interview potential candidates.

Already there has been a good response to the plans to sign up women to form their own section.

Many women have already expressed an interest in joining and officers are hoping that a good number will have applied by the time the early November deadline comes.

The Regiment is hoping to get up to 20 women to make a complete unit. They will then get the chance to train as specialists and take part in events such as the Queen's Parade -- competing with their male counterparts.

"In the 1980s we used to have a healthy female section,'' said Lt. Col.

Outerbridge.

"The numbers dropped off, it could have been they felt they had been given the opportunity before.'' He is hoping that once some women have signed up, that word of mouth will encourage others to come forward.

As well as training in roles such as medics, cooks and communications, the women will also get the chance to train the same as the men -- including physical fitness.

Former soldiers who are interested in joining the Reserves need to hand in application forms by October 30.