66 New Recruits Start Training At Warwick Camp
A total of 66 new recruits yesterday [Jan 10] started their training at the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s [RBR] Warwick Camp, with this year’s recruit camp the first one ever to host all volunteers.
The recruits will be the first to train with the RBR’s new stock of SA-80 rifles – and learn new parade ground drills as the rifles are shorter than the ageing Mini Rugers they have replaced.
Dijon Arruda, 27, who works in hospitality at the Hamilton Princess, said his family connections to the RBR motivated him on to join.
He said: “I grew up at Warwick Camp – my mom Cynthia was a Corporal in headquarters and my great-uncle was the groundsman here.” It’s about getting more fitness and more discipline. Depending on how it goes, I might pursue a career in the military. It’s always been there since I was young.”
He added his participation in the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme had helped his fitness and given him a taste for adventure. Pte Arruda said: “I like a challenge and I want to push myself further than I think I can push myself. I also want to help my team mates.”
Zeko Rubaine, a truck driver from Devonshire, also said family connections to the Regiment had influenced his decision to sign up. The 24-year-old added: “The Regiment is something new to try and a new experience. It’s all right – I can follow instructions. My uncle serves in the Regiment and he gave me the enthusiasm to join.”
Slideshow showing the recruits heading into camp on Sunday morning:
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Eddemiko Harris, 22, from Sandys, said he had wanted to join the Regiment when he was younger, but had moved overseas. The assistant manager at a fast food restaurant added: “I’m very much looking forward to it. I always wanted to be in the army – it’s the whole belonging to something and working as a team.”
Hairdresser Sediqua Darrell, 22, said: “I did it for the experience – I want to learn different things.” The 22-year-old added: “I was in the Cadets in 2012, so I thought I would try the Regiment. I think having been in the cadets will help.”
Newly-promoted Lieutenant Mark Prior, who only completed recruit camp himself three years ago, said he would be commanding one of the two recruit platoons over thetwo week camp.
Lt Prior, a firefighter in civilian life, added: “Looking back, it seems quite long ago, but really it’s not. I know what it feels like to be a recruit and I know what to look for.”
And he said: “I’m looking forward to it. There’s an energy in the air. It’s a bit different this time because I’m a platoon commander now, but everybody is positive and the recruits have got a lot of enthusiasm.
“The troops are going to be tested and hopefully they push through it – diamonds are made under pressure.”
Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Michael Foster-Brown, who welcomed the new soldiers into the RBR family as part of their first day, told them that “as with all great endeavours you will get out of it what you put in. No one is here to make it unnecessarily difficult for you. No one wants to see you fail. We want you to succeed.”
And Col Foster-Brown said: “We have an important role as the country’s insurance policy and in an emergency we can put the same number of troops on the ground as there are Bermuda Police Service officers to support them or others.”
New Regimental Sergeant Major [RSM] Alvin Harvey told the new soldiers: “Service to your country and your fellow man is one of the highest honours you can have – it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
Col Foster-Brown, a career British Army officer, will hand over command to Major David Curley next month.
He said: “I will be sad to leave. Being in command anywhere is a privilege, but Bermuda is a special place. The Regiment is a unique organisation and I shall not only miss the country, but the troops as well.”
Why is this the first camp made up entirely of volunteers? Weren’t the regiment supposed to be trying to fill via volunteers for the past 50 years?
It’s a lie. I know people there who definitely did NOT volunteer.
no you THINK you know people there that didnt volunteer. Everyone that originally got conscripted was then told they were not required.
Sorry, my apologies, I didn’t realize you knew my business or my life, or the people involved in it. I forgot ignorance was a side effect of mind reading. Idiotic premonition, maybe? I’ll apologize again, I don’t want to offend you when I say that you’re grossly incorrect.
Sorry but there were several conscripts who asked to volunteer once they were told they weren’t required. There is nobody here “against their will”
Great reading all these stories, seems a lot of people are doing it to better them selves which is great.
There is some BS in RBR but don’t let it discourage you, looks like the weather is getting ready for two week camp as well LOL.
These are the young people who will do something with there lives,they will be the successful ones in the future,and completely unlike the CRY BABIES.
Alot of females…