Overseas mission for Regiment

An advance guard of soldiers last weekend left for the state-of-the-art US Marine Corps venue for the Regiment’s annual training exercise.

A total of 22 soldiers have flown out to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina to prepare the way for the arrival of the main body of troops this weekend.

Regiment Training Officer Major Martin Wyer said: “An exercise like this requires considerable planning and we all want to make the most of it. The advance party will make sure all the equipment we need is in place and prepare the training areas, as well as organize accommodation and vehicles.”

Around 160 soldiers will leave Bermuda on Sunday morning for Exercise Island Warrior – designed to make sure the island’s troops are trained to the highest standards of military skills and tactics.

Maj Wyer said: “The facilities and opportunities available at Camp Lejeune are among the best in the world and we aim to take full advantage. The Regiment operates to standards in line with the UK and Canada, some of the best in the world and this facility will ensure our soldiers are at the peak of professionalism.”

The exercise will include a three-day intensive field training exercise to put the whole Regiment through its paces in a realistic urban environment.

In addition, soldiers from Support Company, including medics, signallers, engineers and Regimental Police, will train with their Marine Corps counterparts in their specialist areas.

The Boat Troop and a member of the Bermuda Police Reserve Marine Section will train with the United States Coast Guard, a leading maritime agency.     

Two Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service firefighters and a St John’s Ambulance medic will also travel with the Regiment to provide additional medical coverage.

Commanding Officer Lt Col. Brian Gonsalves said: “Our soldiers appreciate and take full advantage of the superior training facilities at Camp Lejeune together with the opportunity of meeting many Marines who have developed years of war fighting experience, and that type of exposure is priceless.

“Whatever we’re called to do, whether at home or abroad, I’m confident our soldiers will be ready, trained and equipped to the highest standards.” n

The Bermuda Regiment is looking for volunteers. For more information, call 238-1045 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm
Editor’s note: Reporter Raymond Hainey is a volunteer member of the Bermuda Regiment.