The Royal Bermuda Regiment’s latest recruits got a break yesterday after completing their first week at Warwick Camp.

The 60 recruits, who are going through a tough two-week training programme, have been given a welcome day off to mark the completion of the first stage.

Their week went “pretty well”, according to Captain Shea-Tai Smith, second-in-command of this year’s Recruit Camp.

“The morale of the troops is high and they’re looking forward to their well-deserved break.”

Training in the first week concentrated on skill at arms using the RBR’s new stock of SA-80 rifles, as well as classroom lessons on the role of the Regiment and its structure.

All went well and according to schedule, Captain Smith said.

Highlights of the second week will include more live firing on the ranges, and an introduction to living in the field and night patrolling.

Soldiers will also practise for the inter-platoon drill competition, Captain Smith said.

A total of 60 recruits last week entered Warwick Camp to begin a two-week programme designed to produce troops of the highest possible standard.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley, Commanding Officer of the RBR, attended the weekend in Jamaica for the funeral of businesswoman and Montego Bay community figure Hazel Dalley, who was known as Miss Hazel or Auntie Hazel to generations of Bermuda’s soldiers, and a major source of friendship and support to the Regiment.

Lt Col Curley said earlier that some of the new recruits would get the chance to undergo extra training for duties on land or out on the water for the summer’s America’s Cup races.