An 18-year-old Bermuda College student was among 24 people who began a two-week recruit camp at the Royal Bermuda Regiment yesterday.

Sophia Card said she enlisted at Warwick Camp to stay fit and enhance her discipline.

Ms Card, from Pembroke, said: “I’m really excited about the weapons range; it sounds fun.

“I’m also looking forward to drill weekends and the teamwork aspect of the regiment.”

Over the next two weeks, the recruits — 17 men and seven women — will undergo intensive basic training.

They will learn essential soldiering skills such as drill, fieldcraft and weapons handling.

The recruits’ first day included an orientation of the camp and receiving their kits as they familiarised themselves with their new environment and fellow troops.

Second Lieutenant Shane Helberg, a recruit camp platoon commander, expressed enthusiasm about the training ahead.

He said: “I’m looking forward to training the new recruits — I enjoy building people up and seeing them succeed.

“I’m also excited for the physical challenges, such as the section competitions and the assault course.”

He added: “The number one thing I look for in recruits is their best effort.

“Everyone has different strengths — some may struggle with the physical aspect, while others might find the classroom work challenging — but as long as they put in their best effort, we will teach them the rest.

“That level of commitment and teamwork is what makes a great soldier.”

Kinte York, a 23-year-old from Devonshire, joined the regiment to expand his skill set.

He said: “I wanted to gain new resources and connections.

“I’m looking forward to both the physical and mental challenges.”

Dowiga Grant, a 38-year-old carpenter from Somerset, said joining the military had been a longtime ambition.

He added: “I admire the discipline and the courage that comes with serving.

“I hope to push myself to the top of my game and, hopefully, pursue a full-time career with the regiment.”

Training continued today with the recruits’ first drill lesson, which will be followed by rifle instruction tomorrow.

• For more information about joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visitbermudaregiment.bm or call 238-1045