A new group of recruits this week welcomed the chance to build character and volunteer their services through the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

The cohort of 24 privates began their two-week basic training on Sunday, with the programme including intensive drills as well as lessons in fieldcraft and weapons handling.

Private Kyle Fisher, 31, said on Wednesday that he hoped to one day become an officer.

He added: “I know that’s going to be a tough goal to meet, but you’ve got to set the bar high and see where it takes you.”

Activities for the new soldiers this week included drills along South Shore and lessons in weapons training.

They will soon take courses in map reading and live firing, while physical training is also on the programme.

Mr Fisher, an engineer from Devonshire, said that he fulfilled his career goals and now had time to challenge himself in other aspects of his life.

He said that he looked forward to working with the coastguard, where he would participate in search-and-rescue drills and learn diving skills.

The rookie soldier said that he hoped to one day take the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Cadre, a promotions course where privates aim to advance to the rank of lance corporal, and later be selected for the tough officer’s commissioning course.

As for training, Mr Fisher said the first four days were “so far, so good”.

He added: “Not much sleep, but the food’s great, which is always a plus.

“I know it’s been tough for some of the platoon, but once we get into some of the more strenuous exercises I think it’ll be very rewarding.”

The two-week camp will get the recruits accustomed to military life before they participate in continuation training until May.

Speaking on why she joined, Private Ava Simons said: “I wanted to join based on fulfilling a purpose, having a patriotic purpose to Bermuda, our people and serving our country in a dignified manner.”

She said that she hoped to sharpen her self-control and discipline through her service while also boosting her self-confidence.

Ms Simons added that being in the regiment felt like “joining a family”.

“It’s loving, respectful and supportive,” she said. “Overall, it’s been a positive impression that has greatly impacted me already.”

Second Lieutenant Shane Helberg, the camp’s platoon commander, said this year’s cohort had been very enthusiastic.

He added that he was “quite impressed” by their work ethic.

Lieutenant Helberg said: “I can see they’re working hard, they’re listening to what I’m saying, which is the most important thing.”

He credited the RBR’s “dedicated PR team” and stronger social-media presence for the boost in recruits, which is six more than last year.

Lieutenant Helberg admitted that the regiment would not get back the numbers seen during conscription, which ended in 2018 and would bring in about 85 new recruits twice a year.

However, he added that given Bermuda’s population size, the latest intake of cohorts represented a good number, especially when compared with waning recruitment numbers in other countries.

Lieutenant Helberg said: “Because it’s not full time, it [the RBR] can be seen as a second job.

“Not everyone’s here purely for financial reasons — they’re here because they want discipline, they want a purpose, they’re looking for somewhere to grow and to do something different.

“The fact that we do pay pretty well is not the primary reason they’re here — for the most part they want to get their lives in order and get some discipline in their lives.”