Regiment Lt Colonel Issues ‘Half-Term Report’
Regiment Commanding Officer Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown is optimistic that the first all-volunteer Recruit Camp will be before the completes his tour of duty,
Col Foster-Brown [pictured] – with just over a year in the job – said, “The challenge will be to maintain that into the future.
The Premier has repeatedly said ‘the Government will not eliminate conscription in a manner that leaves the Regiment unable to fulfil their mission’, so my aim is to shift the debate from anti-conscription to pro-volunteering and pro-service, and I encourage those who wish to see the transition succeed to do the same.”
Col Foster-Brown said that one of his key priorities was making sure service in the Regiment was worthwhile, fun and fulfilling.
And he pointed to an increase in volunteers and re-enlistments after conscript service and a massive 25 per cent drop in long-term absenteeism as indicators that soldiers “appreciated the benefits of service to their country.”
Col Foster-Brown added new initiatives – like a $500 bounty for new volunteers, a planned re-enlistment bonus, the introduction of one-off payments for serving soldiers who attract new recruits, as well as links with employers and discounts from retailers for soldiers – were all aimed at keeping the Regiment up to strength.
And he said that plans to expand the Regiment’s roles in key areas, as well as provide more full-time opportunities, would not only improve service to the country but make soldiering more attractive for recruits.
Col Foster-Brown said, “If soldiers are going to give up their spare time, they’re only going to do that if they’re enjoying and value what they’re doing – and I’m pleased we’re seeing dividends not only in the number of volunteers, but in retention and the reduction in absenteeism.”
He added, “We need 400 people to do what we have to do. We’ve had a 340% per cent increase in volunteers (albeit, from a low starting point) and we’re working year on year to increase that number in order to meet the Government’s commitment to phase out conscription.”
Col Foster-Brown added that other top priorities included improving the operational capability of the Regiment for key roles like disaster relief through rewritten operational orders and a robust call-up procedure using modern technology like text messaging, phone apps, as well as closer links with partner agencies.
Immediate response teams with a mix of skills from medics to chainsaw operators had also been re-vamped, with plans to station equipment in the east end if the Causeway is closed.
He said that the Regiment’s internal security role had also been boosted by a new memorandum of understanding with the Bermuda Police Service, which will include an established role for soldiers in bomb disposal and on the water with the Boat Troop and a new team of divers.
Col Foster-Brown added, “Support from our boats will be extended so they can move people from the east end medical care centre in case the area is cut off and we are discussing joint reassurance patrols with police in the event of severe damage to commercial premises to help maintain law and order.”
And he said, “We’ve had a ringing endorsement from the National Security and Defence Review, which looked at all aspects of the Regiment in detail.
“The future looks secure and Premier Michael Dunkley described the Regiment as ‘an iconic institution’ – we intend to build on that to make the Regiment an even more valuable part of the Island’s emergency responses and make it even more attractive as a place to serve.”
He added, “People also don’t always realise how good the pay is – the commitment of time is also less than many may think, with soldiers earning about $15,000 for a 3 month commitment over 3 years, with one of those months abroad in places like the US, Canada and Jamaica.”
Col Foster-Brown, a career officer with The Rifles in the UK with front line experience in theatres ranging from Northern Island to Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was mentioned in despatches for leadership and gallantry, including leading an attack on a Basra police barracks run by rogue officers terrorising the local population, said Regiment kit would also be improved.
He said he was working on a deal with the British Army to provide its standard infantry SA-80A2 rifle at bargain rates to Bermuda to replace its ageing stock of Mini Rugers.
Col Foster-Brown said, “I’m pleased with what we have achieved in the past year and intend to continue the momentum. The key to that is maintaining the number of enthusiastic, keen volunteers.
“And a larger role for the Regiment and increasing the numbers of full-time staff can only be a good thing, not only for the Regiment but for Bermuda as a whole.”
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Nice boss…