Regiment Prepares For Camp Lejeune Trip

Warwick Camp is currently a hive of activity as 168 of Bermuda’s soldiers prepare to deploy to their annual overseas training camp.

The soldiers, including 2 EMTs from the Bermuda Fire Service and 2 First Responders from St John’s Ambulance Service will again be deploying to the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for an intense 13 day training exercise.

Major Julian Wheddon, The Training Officer at Warwick Camp said, “We will be making maximum use of the facilities available which means the soldiers will be up every day before 0600hrs and lights out at around 2300hrs. The main focus for the majority of the troops will be honing their Internal Security skills. Camp Lejeune offers fantastic opportunities that aren’t available in Bermuda, including state-of-the-art Urban Skills Villages. ”

“These ‘mock’ villages are used by the military to practice responding to conflict situations in urban or ‘built up’ areas. In addition, the troops will be taught and tested on their live firing, fire and manoeuvre, night ambushes, and other advanced soldiering skills. Everything will culminate on the final day of the Exercise when the entire detachment will compete in a 10Km march and shoot competition. The soldiers will carry a minimum of 35lbs, not including water and weapons, and will have to make a tactical advance to battle through “hostile” territory. Once they have reached their destination they will be tested on specific firing skills at various distances”.

The Medics will be placed under the tutorage of specialist Combat Medics, while Boat Troop will undergo the rigors of capsizing craft drills and an open water survival course directed by the US Coast Guard.

Sergeant Major Fred Oldenburg, the Training Wing Warrant Officer said, “This training package is extremely comprehensive. The Regiment Soldiers are going to be afforded some of the best training in the world, in an environment that is second to none. Motorised Transport will be taught how to operate Humvees and specialist driving techniques, while Guns and Assault Pioneers will focus on demolition skills, obstacle clearing, and field fortification.”

“This will also be the first chance to fully exploit the capabilities of the Regiment’s new Sepura radio and communication system that replaced the old Bendix King last year. The entire training package prepares the soldiers to respond to disaster and emergency situations. It will be challenging for everyone; the long days, testing environments, and close working environment will create pressure. The situations will require everyone to act selflessly, make decisions, and follow orders when necessary. He or she must consider themselves as integral to the Exercise; there is no room for people who think they are just attendees.”

The Quartermaster of the Bermuda Regiment, Captain Graham Benjamin notes, “The training will be in several different venues, and we have to be able to support the soldiers wherever they are. Sometimes it’s as straight forward as requesting barracks and using the associated facilities. However, on this exercise, the troops will spend some time out in the field in austere accommodation. When the troops are in the field, we have to be able to resupply them with water, medical supplies, and food.”

“If the troops are in the same area for a while and it’s a fair way from a cook house, we may set up a field kitchen. Being able to supply the right kit and equipment is just as important, but there is only so much we can take with us. If we can borrow some from the training facility then it’s a plus as there are weight restrictions on the aircraft. Ammo and weapons are, of course, very important and we have to apply for special permission to take them into another country, store them, and carry them on the training areas.”

Lieutenant Colonel Brian Gonsalves, the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment said, “We are all very excited to return to Camp Lejeune. We have had a very cordial relationship with them since the early 1980s. Our soldiers will be working with US Soldiers, Marines, Airmen and two Canadian Service personnel who have operational experience and will be able to guide them through the training. Although they are the same age, the Americans and Canadians will probably have completed tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other military theatres.”

“The cultural exchange will be an eye opener for many. It works both ways too; the Marines find the experience of training with other nations good preparation for working with coalition forces. We will see how our troops react to pressure and allow them to demonstrate their teamwork, decision making, and leadership. We aim to produce more proficient soldiers who are also well rounded and better citizens. When they succeed in their training during these two weeks, we can be sure that they will be prepared for whatever tasks the Bermuda Regiment must conduct, at home or overseas.”

“They will be proud of what they have achieved.” There are few breaks in the training; however, when the soldiers are afforded a few hours off they must abide by very strict codes of conduct and dress. Camp Lejeune is well known for its conservative dress standards, polite and well mannered Service personnel, and high standards of decorum and discipline that all Bermuda Regiment personnel will follow.”

Camp Lejeune is the home of II Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group and other combat units and support commands. Camp Lejeune spans 156,000 acres – in contrast, Bermuda covers under 15,000 acres, and the city of Hamilton only 180.

Over the area of the base,  offers 11 miles of beach for amphibious operations training, 34 gun positions, 50 tactical landing zones, three Urban Terrain training areas and 80 live fire ranges. In all, including active duty, dependant, retiree and civilian employees of the base, there is a population of nearly 150,000 people, which generates almost $3 billion each year in payrolls and contracts to support the Marine Corps training.

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