RBR Soldiers Train In North Carolina
Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] soldiers took part in a two-week training camp held this month at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
A spokesperson said, “Ambitious Royal Bermuda Regiment troops were put through their paces on a grueling two-week overseas camp where they were assessed on command and strategy skills as the soldiers aim to earn their first stripes.
“Phase 1 of the 2025 Potential Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Cadre culminated in a packed programme of activities run at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina this month.
“About 20 soldiers, including members of the Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands regiments, faced conditions ranging from hot and humid to stormy downpours that tested the troops’ mettle and resilience.
“They were evaluated on leadership and tactics capabilities during navigation, fieldcraft, patrol and attack exercises.
“Successful completion of the two-phase cadre means a Private can be considered for promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal.
“From March through May, the PJNCO Cadre training team instilled in soldiers the basics of understanding tactics as well as how to receive, extract and present information from battle orders.”
Platoon Commander Lieutenant Corrie Cross said: “We put all that to the test in the two-week camp.
“We try to summarise all the learning from the previous few months and really push the troops to push themselves and determine if they can cope under pressure.
“Ultimately what we’re trying to do is replicate a stressful scenario to test their leadership capacity as well as check how much of the information they’ve retained.”
The spokesperson said, “The camp, which ran from June 1 to 14, included a 10.5km map-reading and navigation exercise, an obstacle course endurance run, and live firing on ranges of size and style not available in Bermuda.
“A highlight for troops was an infantry immersion training component that featured a recreated foreign urban environment where role players acted out high-pressure scenarios that forced soldiers to act quickly and decisively.
“Two field exercises that spanned several days each included ambushes, the establishment of harbours – or temporary bases, and section-level patrols in darkness as soldiers demonstrated their teamwork capabilities.”
Lt Cross said: “The course was really successful. I was really proud of how our troops developed and met the different challenges that were presented to them. It was nice to see everyone come together with one focus and execute.”
She added: “We also had a good opportunity to work with troops from different nations. The regiment always loves to maintain those British Overseas Territory connections, so I was really happy for them to join us on the trip.”
The spokesperson said, “Private Tahj Toussaint, 30, has been in the regiment for 12 years and saw the cadre as an opportunity for personal development.”
The bartender, from Warwick, said: “It has taught me a lot of patience and that everybody deals with life in their own way. It’s also taught me to look at things from different perspectives.
“During the camp, I enjoyed the hands-on work – the tactical elements as well as the infantry skills and drills. I didn’t like the insects or the weather.
“The most challenging for me was the map-reading and the orders process but over the two weeks I improved in that area as I had the opportunity to develop those skills.”
The spokesperson said, “Private Tyzhae DeSilva, 20, a boat maintenance business owner from Sandys, achieved the rank of Corporal when he was in the RBR’s Junior Leaders programme and has his sights set on surpassing that as a member of the regiment, with the cadre being the first step to promotion.”
He said: “I’ve learned to slow down and think before I do. I’ve learned a lot about myself with regards to recognising my strengths and I tightened up in different areas.
“The cadre is helping me learn how to deal with different people, different issues and to communicate.
“I kept my head in the game during the camp. There were times out in the bush when I asked myself why I was there but I stuck to it and before long we were on our way home.”
The spokesperson said, “The PJNCO Cadre training team will soon determine which of the participants have passed the first phase of the course, with successful students going on to take part in Phase 2 – Defence Instructional Technique, which places focus on the delivery of lessons.”
Read More About
Category: All
