Regiment Soldiers Receive Lessons In Archery
Regiment soldiers went “back to basics” during their training in the U.S. with lessons in archery.
The bow and arrow experience – once the main infantry weapon – was part of a break in training that saw the troops try their hands at paddle boarding, kayaking, a climbing wall and other sports.
Soldiers started the day at the gym, taking part in competitive sports team sports like dragging sledges loaded with weightlifters’ bar bells in a race against the clock and a gruelling push up challenge.
Private Jabari Robinson, 21, from Southampton, said: “It’s good – it’s a nice change of pace of pace before we get back into it.
Dinner date: Regiment soldiers enjoy barbecue style food after a sports day at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
“I enjoyed the volleyball and I enjoyed canoeing.”
The Bermuda College IT student added: “This is my first trip overseas and it’s been really good – I just came off of exams, so it’s good to get away and think about something else.”
Pte Robinson was speaking after the Regiment got access to the massive Wallace Creek gymnasium on the sprawling US Marine Corps base for a morning of sports, including basketball, volleyball and outdoor activities, with prizes being awarded to the top teams and individuals.
Camp Lejeune fitness trainer Laura Whiteside, who worked with the Bermuda contingent, said: “They’ve done really well, been really competitive.
Paddle power: Regiment soldiers kayaking at Gottschalk Marina at Camp Lejeune.
“They’ve pushed each other and they’re very encouraging and motivating to each other and that’s very motivating for us as instructors.”
She added: “Everyone is very polite and good mannered and they listen. I think they’re worn out from training, but still giving it a go – you tell them the score to beat and they try for that.”
The troops later moved to Gottschalk Marina, where a climbing wall, archery, kayaking and other sports were on offer, before enjoying a catered barbecue.
Pte Craig Smith, 24, a 2013 conscript now in the Motor Transport section of the Regiment, said: “I’m having fun and I’m enjoying all the facilities here. The gym was A-1 – everything is A-1.
A Regiment soldier takes to paddle boarding like a duck to water.
“It’s good to get time to do something fun – everybody bonding together, basically. It makes the two weeks a lot easier.”
Pte Smith, a self-employed spray painter from Warwick, is driver of a four ton Humvee during the exercise.
He said: “They’re doing a pretty good job of working us hard – late nights and early mornings. But that’s army life. I’m just doing what I’ve got to do.”
Lance Corporal Michiko Campbell shows the strain in the plank challenge – holding the up position in a push-up for as long as possible.
Private Sheneve Campbell, a volunteer soldier and member of the Regiment’s Operational Support Unit [OSU] added: “I love this – sport is me.
The 21-year-old Bermuda College psychology student from Smith’s said: “The first few days of training were a bit challenging. It’s the first time I’ve done a lot of the things we’ve been doing so it’s been quite hectic.”
Regiment CO Lt Col. Michael Foster-Brown said: “It’s a busy exercise – deliberately so, so to have a break and some fun is important.”
Sled weight: The troops take the strain in a race while pulling a sled laided with bar bells.
Col. Foster-Brown added that the three external trainers from the Royal Anglian Regiment had praised the efforts of the Bermuda troops.
He said: “The exercise has been a success and we have worked very well with the US Marine Corps.
“There is bad weather due at the weekend, and we were joking with the Marines that, if it gets really bad, we can borrow some chainsaws and help them out.”
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