Bermuda Regiment Welcomes 17 New Recruits
Seventeen recruits began foundational training with the Royal Bermuda Regiment as Recruit Camp got underway at Warwick Camp.
A spokesperson said, “Four women and 13 men are this afternoon settling into life at Warwick Camp as they embark on foundational training with the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
“Recruit Camp 26 Bravo began today with orientation and kit issue while the rookies looked ahead to an intense two weeks that will transform them from civilians into soldiers.”
Lieutenant Samuel Hewitt, who is Second-in-Command, Headquarters Company and the recruits’ platoon commander, said: “We’ll focus on the basic skills and drills of being a soldier, covering elements as simple as making a bed and dress standards all the way through to firing rifles on the range.”
Lt Hewitt, from Sandys and a project manager in civilian life, added: “At the beginning, I’m looking for the recruits to bond with each other and show a level of teamwork and cohesion. It’s very important for them to start working with each other and understand that each one of them has an objective to achieve but they must do that together.
“By the time they leave, the recruits will be instilled with a different level of discipline, a different level of fitness and a different level of mental robustness.”
A spokesperson added, “Over the next two weeks, the newcomers will develop skills in foot drill, weapon handling and fieldcraft.
“They will be challenged with tough physical fitness exercises and called upon to remain calm under pressure as their limits are tested in scenario-based serials.”
Among the recruits is Shasta Saunders, a 33-year-old from Warwick, who said: “I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the community with people here, to increasing my cardiovascular health and to having a good time.”
Ms Saunders, a reinsurance analyst who is also enrolled in a pre-medical course at Bermuda College, added: “Prior to being here, I heard that there is a strong sense of community among soldiers, that it will be challenging, it will test my character and ultimately reveal who I am – my true self.”
Marseille Williams, a part-time cashier from St George’s, said that by enlisting she had “heeded the advice” of her cousin – a serving soldier who suggested that she could benefit from being in the Regiment.
The 18-year-old looked forward to bonding with the other females and vowed to do her best during physical challenges, saying “People look at me and see I’m smaller, I’m younger but I feel like I can at least show out in the physical aspect.”
Ashwin Mariridza, 32, who lives in Warwick and is originally from Zimbabwe, has been in Bermuda for six months and joined the Regiment after a friend recommended it as a great way to meet people.
“I’m looking forward to learning new things and improving my fitness,” he said.
“My cardiovascular fitness is not so strong – I’m worried about all the running, so that may be a challenge but I’m sure I will make it through.
“I’m someone who is determined to achieve whatever I put my mind to.”
