RBR And TCI Recruits Face Elements
New recruits from the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment were tested in stormy weather during Exercise First Encounter, a scenario-based training activity on the South Shore.
A spokesperson said, “New Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] recruits faced stormy weather and mock confrontations with enemy targets when they took to the field for a test of their mettle this week.
“The cohort of 22, joined by 12 people from the Turks and Caicos Islands [TCI] Regiment, embarked on Exercise First Encounter, which combines instruction with a scenario-based patrol activity.
“They left Warwick Camp yesterday [Monday] for a training area on the South Shore, where the rookie soldiers learnt about hand signals, camouflage and concealment, duties of a sentry and methods of movement.
“Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled across the South Shore as recruits carried out a nighttime observation exercise and established a harbour area.
“The troops spent a night under the stars before further instruction this morning [Tuesday] on firing from different positions.
“Their new skills were put to the test with the patrol exercise, during which they were asked to react to the presence of an enemy and make use of cover to appropriately return fire.
Sgt McLaren Smith, the exercise conducting officer, said: “The purpose was to take the soldiers a stage further with everything that they’ve learned over the past 24 hours; this was their confirmation exercise.”
The spokesperson said, “He explained that by simulating a battle environment, the troops could be tested on how they respond under pressure.”
Sgt McLaren Smith said, “For recruits, they did fairly well, There was some hesitancy, but they got through their drills.
“They’ve come a long way since they started almost ten days ago.”
The spokesperson said, “Recruit Yaiisa Russell, from Warwick, joined the RBR to challenge herself and do something different.
“The 21-year-old said that the rigours of training combined with lack of sleep were physically demanding but she is enjoying a sense of achievement.
Of her time in the field, Yaiisa Russell added, “We camped out and there was a thunderstorm, so that was a lot. We set up our tents, stayed the whole night, which was a very original experience.
“The storm was horrendous, but we just had to persevere.”
The spokesperson said, “Ms. Russell believes that troops have already increased their resilience and ability to cope with challenging circumstances.
“TCI Regiment recruit Nikito Balbuena, 25, said that by enlisting he hoped to “upgrade” his life.”
Nikito Balbuena said, “Really I just love the military, It has been a little tough – very tiring, very taxing but I’m trying to push through it.”
Mr. Balbuena said: “I can say I was a bit relaxed up to this point, now I think I’m on point. I’m always ready for anything.”
The spokesperson said, “RBR recruit Christian Smith, 31, from St George’s, has enjoyed the structure and organisation of regimental life, as well as fitness-related activities.
Christian Smith said , “I like the bleep test, the push-ups, even the battle run – anything physical,”
The spokesperson said, “Activities scheduled for Wednesday include a personal fitness assessment and live firing on the range at Warwick Camp, with a foot drill test on the agenda for Thursday.”
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