The island’s new governor told a cohort of Royal Bermuda Regiment recruits how military service imparted life skills, experiences and friendships.

Andrew Murdoch said he was delighted to join the new soldiers on their final day of recruit camp during his first official tour of the regiment’s operations at Warwick Camp.

The visit to observe troops and battalion operations also included a trip to the RBR Coast Guard base in Sandys.

During his visit to Warwick Camp, the Governor joined in as the regiment’s newest soldiers and members of its full-time staff completed mandatory fitness tests.

They included a personal fitness test, which includes push-ups and sit-ups, and the operational fitness test, where participants undertake a two-mile weighted run before several scenario-based physical exercises.

The visit took place on the last day of the recruits’ foundational training course.

Mr Murdoch, who was escorted by Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons on his tour of Warwick Camp, said: “I’m delighted to join you on your final day of recruit camp.

“Congratulations on getting this far. I can see you are working well as a team.”

He met key operational personnel including medics, cooks, regimental police and members of the motor transport section.

Mr Murdoch said: “As a former logistics officer in the Royal Navy, I wanted to make sure, while on my first visit to Warwick Camp, that I was able to speak with departments that make things happen behind the scenes.

“It’s a good thing to meet and show support to soldiers who don’t normally get the chance to meet and talk with their Commander-in-Chief.”

He also visited the RBR’s Southampton dock and Scenic House, the maritime unit’s headquarters in Sandys, getting a brief tour of the Great Sound en route.

At Scenic House, a presentation and tour of the facilities was done by Coast Guard Commander Acting Major Jeffrey Patterson.

The Governor said: “It was good to visit this full-time operational arm of the Royal Bermuda Regiment to see the assets and learn about the unit.

They are clearly a skilled, dedicated and essential unit to support the people of Bermuda.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Simons noted: “As Commanding Officer, it was a privilege to show His Excellency around both Warwick Camp and Scenic House and to introduce him to the recruits and the staff supporting recruit camp.

“His interest and engagement in the regiment is refreshing and I look forward to working together to improve the unit and ensure its future success.”

• For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit bermudaregiment.bm or call 238-1045