Bermuda.

The Bermuda Regiment consists of a battalion of approximately 630 people and service is mainly required on a  part time basis for a minimum period of three years. The unit is made up of 3 rifle, 2 support and 1 training companies, a Silent Drill team, an Attack squad, a howitzer unit, and the Regimental Band.  There are 27 full time staff which includes The Commander-in-Chief, who is the island's Governor and a Lieutenant Colonel from Bermuda. The main role of the unit is to assist the Police Force in maintaining internal security. Military service is compulsory for Bermudan males 18-25 years old who are chosen by computer ballot. Inducted males must serve, unless they are members of a religious group and can claim exemption. Service for women is voluntary.

Training takes place regularly throughout the year, chiefly at the Regiment's headquarters located at Warwick Camp in Bermuda. Other  training sessions take place overseas in Jamaica, at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and in Quebec. There are also training courses in the U.K. and Canada.

History.

The authorities decided to raise a local armed force in 1895 to supplement the regular British Army units stationed on the island. Two units were formed, and due to the segregation that existed in Bermudan society, one was the Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA), which recruited black inhabitants and the other was the Bermuda Volunteer Rifles Corps (BVRC), later the Bermuda Rifles, which recruited from the white inhabitants. Other units were raised at various times, these being the Bermuda Militia Infantry, Bermuda Home Guard and Bermuda Volunteer Engineers.

The BMA and BVRC served in France during the First World War and suffered terrible casualties. The BMA served in the Royal Garrison Artillery and the BVRC served in the 1st Battalion Lincolnshire Regiment. 

During the Second World War the BMA were the Bermuda Contingent of the 1st Caribbean Regiment which served in North Africa and Europe. The Bermuda Rifles served as a company in the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment in Britain and Europe.

On the 23rd November 1965 the BMA and the Bermuda Rifles were combined to form the The Bermuda Regiment.

Note: The 1st battalion of the West India Regiment was also stationed on Bermuda in 1901.

Regular Parades

1. Beating Retreat.

The Beating Retreat ceremony is performed about once a month, more frequently in the summer at sunset. It is led by the The Band of the Bermuda Regiment, in full dress uniform consisting of red coats, blue trousers and white pith helmets. It is a ceremonial call for soldiers to return to barracks at the end of their working day, except for those on picket duty. The Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and Dancers also participate on occasion.

2. Her Majesty The Queen's Birthday Parade - June.

The natural birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is in April, but her official birthday is celebrated in the middle of June and is an official Bermuda Public Holiday. There is a formal military parade held in the city of Hamilton, led by His Excellency the Governor and Bermuda's Premier.

The Bermuda Regiment marches down Front Street in full dress uniform, complete with cannons firing a salute and the Regimental Band playing. The Governor, on behalf of the Queen, accepts a General Salute from the regiment as they do a musical march past.

3. Remembrance Day - November.

Bermuda's Remembrance Day is held to honour those who fought or fell in the First World War, Second World War and Korean War. There is a formal parade held in the city of Hamilton, led by His Excellency the Governor and Bermuda's Premier. The Bermuda Regiment and Regimental Band march down Front Street in full dress with other organised groups. The Bermuda War Veterans Association is also in attendance.