On the eve of the Bermuda Regiment's annual recruit camp, Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox yesterday hinted at changes to how soldiers would be recruited.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, she responded to a Royal Gazette question on what major changes in the Regiment, brought on by the review, would affect the Defence Act.

She said: "If any major changes were to impact the Defence Act regarding the review recommendations, it would be conscription.'' She also said she hoped some review recommendations would be implemented within twelve months.

Ms Cox and Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. David Gibbons called on the public to support conscription.

"The Government urges these young men, their families and friends to fulfil their obligations to Bermuda,'' she said. "There is perhaps a growing feeling amongst our young men that by not showing up for attestation, they can simply get away with it.

"The Bermuda Regiment is poised to become even more interesting and vital organisation.

"This year recruits can look forward to a worthwhile experience in a service that is highly valued by the Government and people of Bermuda. Surely there are few ideals more noble than service to one's country.'' And while an implementation team has been set up to establish changes, Ms. Cox does not think all recommendations will be implemented.

"It's quite a copious document,'' Ms. Cox said of the review, "Some recommendations might not see the light of day.'' Lt. Col. Gibbons assured those who missed conscription night, or attestation, that they will not be penalised if they show up before 8 a.m. Sunday morning for Recruit Camp.

Those who do will find the normally empty drill square of Warwick Camp teeming with life as the two-week camp gets started.

The Recruit Training Team, or RTT, led by Major Brian Gonsalves has a simple goal -- to turn civilians into soldiers in a fortnight.

After recruit camp, the 35-member RTT evolves into Training Company when the conscripts join the company's ranks.

This year's RTT is made up of six officers, seven sergeants and 22 corporals as well as four foreign instructors from the Jamaican Defence Force and the British Army.

RTT preparation includes brushing up on weapons training, lesson plans, presentations, kit and equipment checks.

Other elements of the 600-soldier Regiment will be embodied turning the camp including some Quartermaster cooks, stores clerks and waiters.

Adjutant Capt. William White said: "The first order of business is to take a civilian and turn them into a trained soldier.'' Capt. White said he hopes the camp will reinforce life skills, build teamwork and develop leadership.

Asked if the recent Regiment Review would change training, Capt. White said: "Well, recruit camp is continually changing -- more building military skills competition. Of course the backbone is always drill because that teaches unit cohesion.

"It's always an exciting time when all the part-timers come in, whether it be for a weekend or a two-week camp.'' Captain White also said Regiment Headquarters has prepared tours for Governor Thorold Masefield, Premier Jennifer Smith and Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon.

Other camp visitors would be the conscripts' employers.

"The employer's tend to come up and have a look around,'' he explained.

Capt. White said it was warranted since the Regiment pulls their employees away for two weeks. Employers have the right to see what their people are doing, he added.

POTO Call up: Paula Cox