Regiment Continues Training In Canada

Bermuda’s soldiers at the weekend showed off their marksmanship in front of a VIP audience using hi-tech targets designed to register hits.

And specialist engineers put their classroom training into practice, using plastic explosives to destroy a variety of ‘suspect’ devices.

Troops used the Canadian Army C-7 rifle on a 300m firing range at the Meaford training ground in Ontario and practised urban tactics using a ‘village’ built for training.

Governor George Fergusson toasts marshmallows with soldiers on adventure training in Canada.

The exercises were watched by Governor George Fergusson and Junior Minister of National Security Jeff Baron.

Pte Kariim O’Connor, a volunteer soldier, said, “I love to push myself – when they tell me to get something done, it’s 110 percent and no complaints. Until the job’s done, that is.”

The 21-year-old from Pembroke, who is preparing to return to college to train as a physical therapist, added, “It’s good to relax and just shoot – that’s what I like.”

Volunteer Pte Swayne Campbell, who has two brothers already serving in the Regiment, said, “It’s good to get off the island.

The 18-year-old from St George’s added, “When I first started in the Regiment, I thought I’d hate it, but once I got into it, I really started to enjoy it.

“This is exciting – we’re learning all sorts of manoeuvres and training drills. It’s great.”

Pte Koshua Simmons and Pte Kallan Simons prepare for urban warfare training.

Pte Keni Douglas, 19, a computer technician from Pembroke added, “My favourite part of the Regiment is coming to places like this.

“Being in Bermuda, it’s kind of small and limited. I’m having fun.”

Pte Edward DeSilva-Ottley, 21, a restaurant worker in civilian life and a member of Guns & Assault Pioneers (GAP), spent Saturday morning practising destroying ‘unexploded bombs’ using C-4 plastic explosive.

He said, “They’re teaching us a lot and took us out to physically do what we’ve been taught. That’s what I enjoy the most.”

GAP soldier Pte Robyn Phillips, 34, from Smith’s, said, “It’s been really great and the Canadian instructors are excellent – we’ve done the theory, now we’re doing the practical.”

She added, “Canada is very beautiful and very clean and the people are wonderful – very hospitable.”

Canadian Army engineer Sgt Jonathan MacLeod said, “The Bermuda soldiers are doing very well. They are picking things up fast and asking questions if they don’t know.”

But it’s not been all work – soldiers have been rotating through a day’s adventure training, a new addition to the annual overseas camp.

Left to Right: Junior National Security Miinister Sen. Jeff Baron, Regiment CO Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown, Governor George Fergusson and his ADC Capt. Clifford Powell walk the urban training centre in Meaford, Canada.

Mr Fergusson, who joined soldiers taking part in kayaking and hiking, said, “It’s a very useful addition. The experience of getting lost then getting un-lost is very good for anyone. It’s been testing, but testing in a good way. They are tired, but cheerful and enjoying themselves.”

Mr Fergusson, who stayed on the Meaford base during a two-day visit, added, “That goes for the exercise generally – they seem to be quite stretched, but learning a lot.

“I’ve been impressed by their commitment, teamwork and leadership. It’s a well-organised, worthwhile exercise.”

Mr Fergusson added, “It’s been interesting to see the Canadians being impressed by Bermuda soldiers. They said they were articulate, took a wide view of things and were diligent.

“There’s been very good feedback.”

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