Regiment rookies reflect on recruit camp experiences
Troops from the Royal Bermuda Regiment and the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment found themselves with increased confidence, new friends and great memories as they completed foundational training last week.
The cohort closed out the RBR’s second recruit camp this year on Friday, after two weeks of instruction that included lessons in weapon handling, drill and first aid.
Marines from the TCI Regiment, which was launched in 2020, were invited to join the group from Bermuda so that the younger battalion may benefit from the experience and expertise of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, which marks its 60th anniversary this year.
Private Aidan DeFrias, from Somerset, signed up thanks to a continuing interest in the military and with a view to potentially joining the RBR Coast Guard.
Reflecting on his two-week camp, he said: “I most enjoyed the teamwork – working with each other and getting through all the obstacles. Sometimes one of us would struggle and we would reassure each other.
“I would say the most difficult part was probably waking up early after going to bed at 11pm or midnight once I’d ironed my uniform for the next day.”
Pte DeFrias, 18, who works part-time at Sports “R” Us, highlighted the experience of firing a weapon for the first time as being memorable and added: “Going out in the field was pretty cool, even though there were struggles. When we did night patrols it felt pretty real.”
TCI Regiment Marine Olivia Graveley enlisted because she felt aligned to the organisation’s principles. She was also encouraged by its influence on her brother, Lance Corporal Kylon Graveley, who joined about four years ago.
Mne Graveley, 33, who is a football director in civilian life, explained: “I believe in the core values – integrity and discipline – and figured that the regiment would enhance and strengthen those. It was right up my alley in terms of what I respect.
“I also saw how it benefitted my brother, so that was inspiring.”
She added: “I’m looking to make a difference in my community at home so that hopefully I can inspire and help to take my town in the right direction.”
Second Lieutenant Shane Helberg, the recruit camp’s platoon commander, noted that the programme gave several troops a confidence boost.
He said: “They come through the gate quite nervous and unsure of themselves – there are a lot of youngsters who’ve just left school and they’re trying to figure life out. In that respect, the training is good because it gives them something they can say they’ve accomplished. With a few of the younger recruits, they’ve come out of their shell a bit.”
2Lt Helberg added: “If I was an 18-year-old, I would definitely see the regiment as a mechanism with which I could build myself, develop confidence and increase fitness discipline in my life. It offers opportunities to learn new skills and to travel.”
Fitness and discipline were among the reasons that TCI Regiment Marine Jalyn Prospere signed up.
“I loved the running, the drills, the obstacle course – the competitions were my favourite,” the 18-year-old said.
“What’s been tough? Carrying the bags when we did the overnight exercise, that was really a test of my skills.”
Mne Prospere, a biochemistry student, added: “I think that this will strengthen my résumé. The goal overall is to join the military in the UK, so I think this is a good stepping stone.”
He said: “It’s very worthwhile, it’s a great experience, even through all the struggle. Coming up to the last few days it all made sense and there was a feeling of accomplishment – it was a great moment.”
For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm or call 238-1045.
