New Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Brian Gonsalves has vowed to actively work to increase volunteers and retention in Bermuda Regiment.

Taking over from Lt. Col. William White at a change-of-command ceremony on Saturday, Lt. Col. Gonsalves also pledged to improve efficiency, kit and equipment, the Warwick Camp infrastructure and full-time staff skills through developmental training.

"I have no magic pill to solve the many challenges facing the Regiment," said Lt. Col. Gonsalves in a speech at Warwick Camp.

"What I do have though is the determination, the drive and the desire to do my best to improve in areas that we can.

"Strengthening the leadership core of the Battalion will be a key focus. The continued success and strength of our Regiment rests on the shoulders of each and every soldier.

"Regular, robust and progressive training must be a priority to increase knowledge, confidence and leadership within all ranks in order that we may execute our duties with the highest levels of proficiency and professionalism."

Lt. Col. Gonsalves also called for people to help ensure the Regiment's numbers are kept up.

He said: "If we don't encourage those persons who are drafted and fail to present themselves for initial service; if we don't encourage those absentee soldiers to report to camp; if we don't encourage young Bermudians, male and female, to volunteer to serve their country through the Bermuda Regiment; if we don't provide our soldiers with the respect, support and training they deserve, then we, as Bermudians, cannot be certain that our 'insurance policy' will be there to call upon in times of need. And make no mistake, that time will come."

The former battalion advisor to Sierra Leone said phrases used to describe himself include: 'What you see is what you get', 'no holds barred', 'straight up' and 'by the book'.

Lt. Col. White delivered a parting speech in which he pointed to highlights of his three-year stint he believes underline the practical purpose served by the Regiment.

These included ceremonial performances like the Virginia International Tattoo in Jamestown; internal security roles such as for the cricket World Cup in Barbados; and preparation for the demolition of Club Med.

"I have indeed been extremely proud to stand as I have done upon the shoulders of giants," he said.

"I am sure that some of these accomplishments will resonate with each of you and, at the same time, cause you to pause for reflection that all this has been achieved, not by full-time serving soldiers, but in a very large way by individuals who are not in the regular employ of the Regiment, and already have a full load of pre-existing family, work, church, sporting and other personal interests in their individual lives."