Regiment Soldiers Train For America’s Cup Role
A total of 16 soldiers from the Royal Bermuda Regiment have completed a four-day course in security and search techniques in the run-up to the America’s Cup.
Now the group will use “skills learned from airport and ports security expert John Pears to train other soldiers to keep the Cup a safe and enjoyable experience,” the RBR said.
“And the Miami-based specialist said soldiers trained in search and security would provide a valuable back up to civilian staff at the airport if a natural disaster meant that airport employees could not get to work.”
Sergeant Curtis Grant, a full-time soldier based at RBR headquarters, said: “We’ve touched on dangerous goods, pat downs and a whole lot of stuff.
“There is a lot to consider for the America’s Cup – it will be good to get out in the public eye and show them how professional we are, apart from the hurricane clear ups people are used to.
“This training shows how capable we are and able to help Bermuda in a large number of ways.”
[L to R] Security expert John Pears watches as RBR Corporal Chris Burchall and Colour Sergeant Shaun Williams practice search techniques
Mr Pears, who has worked as a security consultant in Bermuda and the other Overseas Territories for more than a decade, said the training was vital to a successful security operation for the summer sailing competition.
He added: “They have done very well – they are all trainers anyway. Usually with this type of programme, it’s getting the confidence to get up and teach.
“These guys already have that, so it’s more about the techniques.”
Mr Pears added: “If people don’t understand the arena they are stepping into and what people are trying to achieve, they will be at loggerheads with everyone else. It’s important to understand the limitations and what they can and can’t do.
“They have to comply with all the rules and regulations – there are no short cuts.”
Mr Pears, an ex-Royal Navy regular and former police officer, said: “If for any reason after that there is an issue with a natural disaster or a hurricane and staff can’t get to the airport, we can bring in qualified personnel, which we couldn’t do before.”
Sergeant Patricia Alexander, 29, an analyst at the Bermuda Monetary Authority in civilian life, added: “The course has been very informative.
“We’ve learned a lot about search techniques and why certain things are done. What’s been an eye-opener for me is the way people can get things into an event they could use as weapons.
“You’ve really got to keep your eyes open and know what you’re looking for. If you don’t, the simplest thing could pass you by and that might be what does it.”
They have come long way from the photo of the “tick search”? Lol.
More taxpayers dollars gone, how much more is it gonna cost to put on a party for billionaires?
“how much more is it gonna cost to put on a party for billionaires?”
Ask ewart, he was always good at partying with your tax dollars.
so the best way to address the national debt is too add to it? We expect the OBA to be better but its just more of the same
you’re assuming that AC isn’t paying for any of these services.
Yes AC is paying for it, also the AC is fully funded by the people of Bermuda.
Four days of training so they can replace Police, Customs and Immigration at the airport? In a support role perhaps, but they cannot replace law enforcement services as suggested.
After Hurricane Fabian essential personnel were taken by boat to the airport so it could begin recovery efforts and processing of passengers. This is a more useful role for the RBR then carrying out searches of civilians. Also, there are dozens of above and below wing workers who need to attend along with rescue services
Further, if staff cannot get to the airport, assuming the RBR can, how will the passengers be transported?
relax. The article is just pointing out at that, as an additional benefit to the America’s Cup related training, 16 soldiers now have the training to fill in for airport security if need be.
Can they not wear camo greens. Nothing screens third world welcoming more than soldier standing around in crowds in place of police…
Or am I the only one who thinks its sketchy when you are overseas and see soldiers sometimes walking around as though we are at war.
Are you serious? Would you rather them wear torn up jeans & football jerseys?
Ever been to, I don’t know, Italy, France, Spain, Germany? The list goes on…
Ignorance…