Bermuda's part-time army is set to go under the microscope within weeks as part of a major review of its role -- likely to be carried out by UK military experts.

And the review could see more full-time soldiers at Warwick Camp, an increased naval role and more joint responsibilities with Government and Police.

It is understood that the Regiment will take part in a massive exercise involving Police, Customs and the Fisheries Department later this year -- seen by some as a taster of things to come.

Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox said: "We are looking to expand the areas of responsibility for the Regiment.

"We have a problem trying to attract people and give them a sense that there are career options.'' Deputy Governor Tim Gurney said that Governor Thorold Masefield -- commander-in-chief of the Regiment -- and his office were still thrashing out details with the Ministry of Defence in London.

He added: "The PLP said they would be looking at the Regiment in their manifesto and the Governor is very keen to do it as well. Times have changed and things have moved on since the last review was done some time ago.'' But, like Ms Cox, he declined to go into detail on what might be the end result of the review. Mr. Gurney said: "We have obviously put together details of what we think the Regiment's role should be and asking the reviewers to come up with suggested structures, manpower and all the rest of it.'' The news came only days after a report on the Regiment sparked by claims of splits in the officers' ranks along racial grounds recommended better communication as the key to quelling unrest.

Ms Cox said she had not seen the report as yet -- and would not comment on its contents until she had had the chance to discuss it with Regiment top brass and the officers' corps. Mr. Gurney stressed that plans for the review were not influenced by the row which rocked the Regiment's Warwick Camp HQ. Ms Cox added: "Certainly, there are issues which have to be addressed and there is still some way to go.

"The Regiment is one of the most critical areas of Bermudian life and one I have to take as an urgent priority in trying to address.

"There may be some issues which can't be dealt with immediately because of the succession planning so far.''