officers and non-commissioned officers mature and philosophical.

Reporters from the British Army's magazine, `Soldier', completed a week long review of the Bermuda Regiment on Sunday and although having mixed opinions, they said the final word would be in print in a few months.

Acting on an invitation from officers in Regimental Headquarters, Soldier magazine's managing editor Chris Horrocks and chief photographer Mike Weston, joined the Bermuda Regiment during last weekend's security drills.

The journalists' VIP inspection party included Britain's Washington D.C.-based defence attache, Air Vice-Marshall John Thompson and Bermuda Regiment commander-in-chief, Governor Thorold Masefield.

Mr. Horrocks said the Bermuda Regiment, as part of the British Army, is the only section that still uses conscription. He said that fact would be interesting to his readers.

Of the 90,000 circulation of Soldier it is estimated that some 80,000 copies are bought by soldiers within the British Army.

"The Bermuda Regiment is part of the British Army, it equates to the TAs (Territorial Army),'' said Mr. Horrocks.

"As a part of the British Army, it is the only part that still has conscription and the debate goes on back in the UK (United Kingdom).

"But here it is, it's still working -- to a point,'' he added.

Features in `Soldier' magazine's Bermuda Regiment article include personality profiles of Regiment soldiers, officers and privates.

Mr. Horrocks said he also found the close family-like atmosphere around Warwick Camp very interesting.

"Everybody knows one another. It's a very friendly place -- everyone's got the time of day for you.

"I don't know how the recruits feel but it leaves a great impression. I know there's problems with new recruits.

"But on the other hand, among the older soldiers who stay on, there's a great maturity and a great philosophy among them,'' he said.

Much like the Regiment, the British Army underwent a core functions review in 1997/98 and the Territorial Army is now taking on a more pro-active role with traditional army missions, such as peacekeeping.

Mr. Horrocks said: "They decided to make it (TA) more usable and flexible, and make use of skills from regular life.

"The TA is geared toward supporting what the regular army does -- that is peacekeeping and missions such as Kosovo and Bosnia.

"In the Bermuda Regiment, your role is to support the civilian authorities,'' he said.

Mr. Horrocks also concluded that under the Bermuda Regiment review, the Island's armed forces is now more oriented towards natural disasters like hurricanes.

He said: "I feel that the Bermuda Regiment and Bermuda is capable of looking after those things (core functions) itself.'' The journalists also witnessed the United Nations disaster training programme last week.