Soldiers Undergo Public Order Training
Soldiers from the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] faced petrol bombs and other projectiles during public order training as a battalion-wide exercise reached its dramatic climax.
A spokesperson said, “Soldiers, equipped with riot gear including shields and batons, confronted a simulated unruly crowd during a scenario-based activity on Sunday. The exercise marked the culmination of a weekend designed to test and enhance the Regiment’s capabilities across multiple locations island-wide.
“Beginning on Friday, troops were stationed at key sites, including the grounds of Government House in Pembroke, Sol Petroleum in St. George’s, and Warwick Camp. The training focused on guarding critical infrastructure, patrolling, and responding to potential threats.”
Major Larenzo Ratteray, the RBR’s Second-in-Command and senior planning officer for the weekend, explained: “It’s been many years since we conducted our own internal assessment for public security. This weekend provided a valuable opportunity to ensure we are meeting the high standards we set for ourselves and to train collectively as a unit.
“We started with key point security, which gave soldiers practical experience in patrolling and sentry duties. Scenarios were designed to test commanders’ problem-solving skills in situations such as boundary breaches and the discovery of explosives.”
The spokesperson said, “The exercise culminated on Sunday at Government Quarry in Hamilton Parish, where troops practiced extinguishing petrol bomb fires and worked through de-escalation and crowd control techniques.”
Maj Ratteray emphasized: “A public order incident is something we hope never to witness in Bermuda, but it is essential to practice and prepare for such scenarios. Training like this ensures that we can respond effectively as a unit if called upon.”
Lieutenant Corrie Cross, a platoon commander and claims analyst in civilian life, noted the weekend’s focus on unfamiliar environments and real-world applications.
“Our platoon was stationed at Sol Petroleum, which I had never visited before. This experience helped us understand our capabilities in that specific space and identify what we would do differently if tasked there again,” she said.
Reflecting on the public order training, she added: “We gained valuable insights into managing group dynamics in chaotic situations. It was a successful weekend in terms of learning and identifying areas for improvement.”
Private Demar Turner, a teacher from Hamilton Parish, found the exercise both informative and transformative. “I learned how to keep my composure during stressful situations, especially in public order scenarios. The training was amazing,” he said, adding that the skills developed can be applied in civilian life.
“These exercises help me regulate my behavior, remain calm under pressure, and effectively communicate to achieve results.”
New recruit Josai Williams, 23, who plans to begin foundational training with the RBR early next year, acted as part of the civilian crowd during the exercise. Following in the footsteps of his father, retired Captain Marlon Williams, Josai remarked: “The Regiment is what you make of it. If you come in with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, the experience can be truly rewarding.”
The spokesperson said, “A selection of photos from the training, including soldiers tackling public order scenarios and performing key point security tasks, is available to accompany this release. The images capture the intensity of the exercises and the dedication of the troops involved.
“Exercises like these ensure the Royal Bermuda Regiment remains ready to serve and protect Bermuda in any circumstance. The discipline, professionalism, and readiness displayed by the troops during this weekend reflect their commitment to the island.”
Read More About
Category: All
