The ranks of the Royal Bermuda Regiment have been boosted by 16 new recruits who have taken the King’s shilling.

The two women and 14 men marched through the gates of Warwick Camp on Sunday to begin basic training.

It is the second recruit camp that the RBR has held this year.

Acting Warrant Officer Class 2 Curtis Grant, who is in charge of the two-week training session, said: “Recruit camp is the initial training and introduction to the Regiment.

“That and continuation training gets soldiers ready to be posted to another company.

“In the first week they do all their weapons and foot-drill lessons. They also have presentations on topics that include the terms and conditions of service, some history of the regiment and its roles and responsibilities.

“We’re outlining what’s expected of them as members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.”

He added that the new recruits — aged between 18 and 50 — seemed eager and had already shown improvements in terms of their deportment and presentation.

Among the group is Private Shawn Bremar, 19, who was previously a Junior Leader in the RBR and wanted to see how the “big guys” operate.

He said: “Everything has been great — I can’t complain at all. The food has been great, our section commanders treat us well and they’re fair.

“I’ve definitely made new friends.”

Pte Bremar, of Southampton, said he was enjoying drill and rifle lessons and highlighted how the regiment builds discipline.

He said: “For instance, on the square when we’re drilling, the rain could be pouring down and we’ve got to stand still. There’s no other option.”

Decent remuneration and the chance to develop life skills were among the factors that motivated Private Mikhyla Ming to enlist.

The 18-year-old found that further benefits include increased fitness and opportunities to improve communication techniques.

She added: “I definitely enjoyed learning how to handle the rifle.

“It required a lot of team support and I got that, which made me feel really good, especially being one of the only females.”

Private O’Neal Lindsay, a 40-year-old father of two, signed up for the different experiences and instruction offered by the RBR, and hopes to become part of the Regiment’s coastguard unit.

He said: “I’ve been in the corporate field for a very long time and am trying to do something different.”

He added: “I’m looking to achieve some leadership goals and there are a lot of different skills I hope to get out of the regiment.”

The camp, which includes physical training sessions and fieldcraft lessons, will run until July 21.

For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, click here or call 238-1045.