The benefits of part-time service with the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) are highlighted as the battalion celebrates the promotions of officers whose civilian careers neatly complement their military pathways.
Major Ryan Eve and Major Travis Stevens were promoted from the rank of captain, while Major James Johson joined the RBR after moving to the island from the UK, where he is a British Army Reserve officer.
RBR Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons said that the three “bring a wealth of experience and leadership” to the battalion.
He noted that Maj Eve and Maj Stevens recently completed the Intermediate Command and Staff Course at the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham.
“Throughout their careers, they have served in a variety of appointments across the regiment, demonstrating exceptional commitment to both military and public service,” Lt Col Simons said.
“As reserve officers, they exemplify the advantages of a dual-career pathway. The leadership, decision-making and professional skills they have developed through military service have complemented successful civilian careers in Bermuda’s insurance sector.
“Equally, the regiment has benefited from the expertise and perspectives they have gained in their civilian professions.”
Welcomed Maj Johnson to the RBR, the Commanding Officer added: “We look forward to drawing upon his extensive experience to further strengthen the regiment’s training, capability and policy development, particularly in the area of disaster response.”
Maj Stevens, who joined the regiment in 2011 and became an officer two years later, is Officer Commanding, A Company and said his day-to-day mission will remain the same.
“Service has never been about rank, and respect isn’t something you can demand; it has to be earned,” he noted.
“It comes from acting with integrity in camp and outside it, in uniform and out of it, and from never asking your soldiers to do what you wouldn’t do yourself.
“The rank is a recognition of the work we’ve done together as a team. My job is still to motivate, inspire and challenge those around me.”
Maj Stevens highlighted how the regiment invests in its people at every stage of their service.
“Whatever your starting point, there’s a clear path to grow and the regiment backs you the whole way,” he said.
Maj Stevens pointed out: “The regiment brings together the most diverse group of people on the island.
“In a single room you will find masons, doctors, plumbers, lawyers, mechanics, architects, electricians, engineers, historians and hospitality professionals, from different backgrounds, nationalities and walks of life.
“I bring my own civilian career in cyber, and I’ve found that managing risk in the office and in the field has more in common than less.
“Our training is designed to draw on that variety. Cross-training is built into the syllabus, so knowledge is constantly shared and a soldier’s civilian expertise becomes a capability for the whole unit.”
Maj Eve, who enlisted in 2014 and became an officer in 2017, is Officer Commanding, Headquarters Company.
He said: “Joining the regiment provides the chance to develop discipline, resilience, teamwork and self-confidence in an environment that challenges and supports you.
“It exposes individuals to experiences they may never encounter elsewhere, from specialist training and adventurous activities to leadership opportunities and operational deployments.
“The friendships and professional networks formed within a regiment are often lifelong, and the sense of belonging and shared purpose can be extremely rewarding.”
He noted how becoming an officer develops decision-making, communication and problem-solving skills.
“Officers are given responsibility for leading and developing others, often in demanding and complex situations,” Maj Eve added.
“The experience gained can be invaluable, not only within the military but throughout a person’s wider career and life.”
Maj Johnson, who is from the West Midlands in the UK, is the chief environmental health officer with the Government of Bermuda, having moved to the island last year.
He has been able to retain his British Army Reserve role as part of the medical operational support unit, where his work covers providing support to developing countries to improve their healthcare systems.
Tours of duty for Maj Johnson have included deployments in Afghanistan, South Sudan and the Middle East.
“My strength in the British Army, and I hope in Bermuda, lie in the operational deployments that I have done,” he said. “I’ve been to some interesting places so hopefully that can bring value to the training that takes place at the regiment.
“Equally, I’m certain that there will be lots of experiences I can gain. This is a chance for me to keep my military skills up but also learn how an overseas territory unit works.”
Also promoted was Captain Samuel Hewitt, who advanced from the rank of lieutenant.
- For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm.
