for a second recruit camp at a US Marine base in May.

The plan was scrapped when the volunteer military instructors had already cashed in their two-week vacation.

Regiment commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel David Gibbons said: "I had several people who were interested but there was a common problem. They already had two weeks off (of work).'' The decision to cancel the anticipated training exercise came after Regimental Headquarters, praising employer cooperation with the military, decided not to strain the relationship between the Regiment and the military instructors' full-time employers.

"It would be asking an extra favour on the basis of that,'' said Lt. Col.

Gibbons.

But the Regiment commander added: " ... as well as looking at budgetary factors, it would be better for our resources to be spent on a full recruit camp in January 2002.'' When the numbers of available volunteer instructors fell short, Lt. Col.

Gibbons said saving money for better applications would be more feasible.

He added the money could be allocated from the Regiment's training budget but more could be accomplished focusing those resources on next year's recruit camp.

Lt. Col. Gibbons said he had no problem with the civilian employers and finding time for training.

"I find on the whole that employers are very supportive in allowing potential non-commissioned officers (NCO), NCOs and officers time off to fulfil their military duties.

"And at large, they have recognised that the employee is more employable because of what they have learned in the Regiment.'' Lt. Col. Gibbons said the opportunity to do something different was appreciated by the full-time staff.