New Regiment recruits were put through their paces today — their first day of boot camp — with physical training sessions; drill, weapon and field craft lessons.Yesterday, 162 recruits passed through the gates of Warwick Camp to begin two weeks of intense training that will mould what was a group of individuals into a coherent team of men and women.Of the total number of new recruits, 36 were volunteers, and nine of those were female recruits. “This is a significant increase in the number of volunteers, both men and women, from recent years,” said a Regiment spokesman.Over the next two weeks these recruits will be challenged both mentally and physically: they will rise at 5.30am every day for physical training sessions; drill, weapon and field craft lessons which will last until 10pm before lights out at 11pm.The spokesman added: “Throughout their introduction to military life, young Bermudians from diverse backgrounds will learn to get along and work together to accomplish common goals and tasks.“Day 1 commenced with squadding by the Company Sergeant Major, WO2 Rupert Lambert, where recruits were allocated to sections and platoons.“The new recruits met their section commanders who gave instruction to the new recruits on the proper way to wear their uniform, before taking them on a tour of Warwick Camp. During the two weeks recruits will either run or march whenever they move around Camp, and until they learn to march they will run.”The new recruits also headed down to the beach range for a firepower demonstration. “Recruits were introduced to the various weapon systems held by the Regiment and their capabilities were demonstrated with an emphasis on safe handling,” said the spokesman.Throughout both weeks of training the recruits will be visited by senior government officials and other members of the community, to observe their training and to get a sense of the programme that the recruits undertake.Today the troops were visited by Premier Paula Cox, the Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Cabinet Secretary, and the Minister of National Security, David Burch, along with his Permanent Secretary.Tomorrow, the Governor Sir Richard Gozney will visit Warwick Camp, accompanied by the US Consul Grace Shelton, and the Honorary Colonel of the Bermuda Regiment, Col. Eugene Raynor.