Regiment Lt Colonel in volunteer drive

New Regiment Commanding Officer Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown is a man with a mission — to boost the number of volunteers and beat the drum for service as good for recruits and their employers.

Col Foster-Brown — who is due to take over command on Saturday — said: “One thing I want to see is a big push on recruiting and I have discussed with the Paymaster the introduction of a $300 bounty for volunteers.”

He added he also wanted to see a fresh recruiting campaign to sell the benefits of Regiment service, not only to recruits, but to employers and the public as a whole.

Col Foster Brown said: “The benefits include working as a part of a team, developing leadership potential, self-discipline and self-confidence.

“It also provides relevant skills, depending on the specialisms people go into. And these are not just life skills for the individuals, but reflect back on the employers as well.”

Col Foster-Brown, a career soldier with The Rifles regiment in the UK, will be given command on the Regiment in a glittering ceremony at Warwick Camp on Saturday evening, while present CO, Lt Col Brian Gonsalves, steps down after four years in charge.

Col Foster-Brown said other plans include annual reports for soldiers, which they can use as references for promotions or new jobs in civilian life and even closer cooperation between soldiers and organizations like the police force.

Col Foster-Brown said his appointment came about largely through the tragic death of Major Chris Wheddon in a road accident in England while he was preparing to take over command.

He added: “While it is unusual, there is no intention to repeat it in the future.”

Col Foster-Brown has not only held front line command positions in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, he has also worked in postings to the UK Ministry of Defence.

He said: “Hopefully, I can bring that experience to bear for the benefit of Bermuda and Bermudians.”

Col Foster-Brown added he had visited the Regiment earlier this year and also seen the troops in action during their annual camp at a US Marines base in North Carolina a few weeks ago.

He said: “I was pleased to find the Regiment so enthusiastic when I visited them on camp. 

“Since I got back, I have mostly seen them preparing for ceremonial functions where they looked smart, efficient and well turned out.”