Final Days Of Regiment Exercise

The Bermuda Regiment troops have endured rain, heat, mud, mosquitoes, blisters, fatigue, and all the other pleasantries that have been part of Exercise Rum Runner 2012. The overseas camp has come to an end with the group expected back to Bermuda this afternoon [May 12].

A Regiment spokesperson said, “The aim of the final phase of Exercise Rum Runner was to confirm the skills that the soldiers had learned during the camp and the months prior to deploying. To add incentive and encouragement, the phase – named Portland Patrol – is set up as a competition.

“Over three days, the soldiers move as platoons to various staging areas to complete assigned tasks: medical treatment, emergency evacuation, abseiling, river crossing, navigation, shot gun range, and military knowledge skills and knowledge tests.

“Naturally, having the “stands” near to each other would diminish the challenge and were spaced several kilometres from each other. While most Bermudians wouldn’t consider walking that distance in the best conditions, the soldiers were given the extra burden of transporting their kit and weapons with them – which totalled a load around 50lbs per person.

“A group of VIPs led by the Governor, who is the Regiment’s Commander-in-Chief, and The Minister of National Security The Hon Wayne Perinchief visited the troops in Jamaica. The group visited a local infirmary where the members of the Assault Pioneers – under the command of Sergeant Edwards – had spent two weeks performing a renovation on the dilapidated building and its surrounds.

“Corporal Furbert, Lance Corporal Burgess and Private Raynor were tasked with doing much of the masonry work which involved creating a perimeter fence, rebuilding steps to one of the accommodation buildings, and repairing many of the walls.

As the floors were in a particularly poor state, Pte Burgess assisted Sergeant Edwards in the refurbishment and tiling of the floors in the washing and cleaning facilities. Speaking about the project, LCpl Burgess said, “It felt good to help out the community here; the nurses, patients, and especially the elderly really appreciated it.”

“Another team member, Pte Wilson, who is a painter by trade, was tasked with the resealing, priming and painting of all the walls and newly made ceiling. The soldiers said there were a lot of challenges with the project as much of the materials were in short supply.”

Pte Raynor said, “We had to be more resourceful than in Bermuda and had to modify items to fit the task. It was also really hot and we all lost a few pounds, but we are really proud of what we did.”

“All the soldiers from the section were very pleased with the results, and just before leaving the site the Mayor of Port Antonio, the local Chief Constable and other dignitaries stopped by to personally thank the Bermudians for their hard work and reconfirm the respect and fondness that they have for the Bermudian Unit.

“While the Community Project was concluding, some soldiers of “A Company” were having a charitable experience of their own. As the soldiers transited to different training sites they were able to view the state of poverty that many of the locals in the Portland area live in.

“Deciding that the locals were in far more in need of food then they were, they would give them part of the their rations. However, rather than go hungry themselves they were able to employ the skills that they had learned over the past ten days and start living off the land.

“In scenes that would be almost impossible to place in Bermuda, the soldiers were combing the jungle for edible flora, fauna, and fruits and cook or eat raw as appropriate. Fortunately, their Jamaica Defence Force hosts were able to guide them away from the dangerous items and towards more palatable ones.

“The final day of the Portland Patrol saw the troops participate in a raft building and river navigation exercise. Armed with wire and cutters, the sections were given stacks of bamboo and directions on how to construct an “almost” authentic river raft. The experience was a welcome break from the difficulties they had been facing over the previous 10 days.

LCpl Nigel Smith of 3 Section 3 Platoon said, “It was a fantastic experience. All the sections were in an unofficial competition to build the best craft – everyone was fully engrossed with the activity. We were completely soaked by the time we got the end of the 3km course.

“We had to ensure that we were working together the entire time – looking out after each other, communicating effectively, all trying to keep the raft afloat and balanced. However, we ran into some difficulties when we attempted to cross some turbulent rapids, that’s when it went a little wrong and before we knew it we had capsized.

“This was my first time as a Section Commander and I really enjoyed it. I am due to finish my conscription period later this year, but when they offer me a leaving certificate I will refuse it; in its place I want a reengagement form, there is more for me to learn. I think the Regiment offers a platform for anyone to enjoy experiences that you wouldn’t normally get.”

LCpl Smith also said that he was aware that some people have a distorted view of the Regiment, “If anyone thinks that this was just two weeks of chilling out, they are 100% wrong. My guys have worked exceptionally hard and we are so proud of what we have achieved.

“I dare anyone who thinks this is a waste of time or money to come out here and try it themselves. This was a character developing experience for me.

“My whole Regiment service has been a constant learning experience, not just the hard military skills, but the soft and intrinsic skills too – I think anyone who wants to challenge themselves and realise their true potential should join. Once you have realised what are really capable of, you will never settle for anything less – I keep on amazing myself with what I have achieved with the Regiment.”

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