The Royal Bermuda Regiment plans to offer learning credits for soldiers to enhance their training.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, announced the move as he updated the House of Assembly on the Regiment’s activities.

He said the credits would allow soldiers “to further their education and development”.

Mr Caines added: “Growing the capability of the men and women who make up the regiment can only result in the growth of the capability of the Regiment as a whole.”

He said the force reorganised last month into two operational companies of about 100 soldiers each, supported by a logistics company and training wing.

One company will focus on internal security in support of the police, and the other has a dual focus of humanitarian aid and disaster relief, locally and overseas.

Mr Caines added that work continued on “the much anticipated Coast Guard Unit”.

He said: “The Regiment has taken possession of Watford House on Watford Island and, pending final approvals, a floating dock and fencing will be installed.”

Mr Caines said the Coast Guard will work jointly with police in its first year to enable training to be completed.

He described 2018 and the formal end to conscription as a “turning point” for the Regiment.

Mr Caines said that 2019 would be the years when “the seeds of change bear fruit”.

He added: “The renewed offer to our soldiers of enhanced training and increased education and development will be a key feature.

“The Regiment will continue to market itself as a feasible, long-term-career, and will provide leadership and management training for enlisted ranks and junior officers.”

Mr Caines said that two recruit camps would be held next year with the first intake starting on February 19.

• To read Wayne Caines’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”