Medics and storemen joined transport and communications teams as members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Logistics Company took part in inventories and instruction at Warwick Camp this weekend.

Soldiers developed their skills and ran checks on equipment so that the company can continue its support to the RBR and other organisations.

Kenneth Wainwright, the Regiment’s Quartermaster Major, said: “We are the procurement arm of the Regiment as well as the logistics arm of the Regiment.”

Corporal Melissa Brangman, 31, of Pembroke, enlisted in 2014 and started a full-time post with the RBR last week, where she will become familiar with all aspects of Logistics Company so that she can step into any of its roles.

She said: “I’ve been in the motor transport section just learning the day-to-day basics on how the day runs.”

The former butcher added: “The Regiment has always been a passion of mine. I did the Junior Leaders programme when I was younger, so my heart has always been green.

“I like the idea of meeting new people and being able to pass on knowledge that I’ve gained.”

Others also highlighted their varied roles and reflected what the Regiment offers.

Private Denzel Johnston, of St George’s, is a medic who enlisted after witnessing the work of RBR soldiers at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Private Johnston, 22, whose civilian employment is as a groundsman at Tucker’s Point and a dog sitter, said: “I just thought, despite everything that’s happened these guys are still out here trying to make an impact in my community. What’s the best thing that I could do? And it ended up being a medic.”

New to the team of medics is Lance Corporal Dilina Butterfield-Trott, 29, who has served eight years in the RBR.

Previously in the Regimental Police, the charity accounts administrator, from Sandys, said: “Being here for so long, this is a part of me, so I didn’t want to just leave yet.

“I felt that medics was a unit I could really be interested in, learn a lot of things that you can take outside of here.”

Full-time RBR staff member Colour Sergeant Curtis Grant, 38, a storeman for several activity areas, spent the weekend taking stock of hundreds of clothing stores items in preparation for an audit in March.

He said his experiences in the Regiment had made him more assertive and boosted his confidence. He said he surpassed his own expectations in terms of the responsibilities he has taken on.

Private Anthony Gutzmore, a business administration student at the Bermuda College, relished the “vast knowledge” he could gather from fellow soldiers and officers.

The 19-year-old, who is part of the motor transport section, said: “I came because I wanted to learn about mechanics as well as to help out the country.”

This year’s two-week training camp for new recruits will start next month. Other residents are invited to join the RBR ahead of an initial training period next month.

Colour Sergeant John Lema, a chef in the Regiment as well as in civilian life, said his passion for cooking offered a chance for him to serve his community.

The 42-year-old, from Flatts, added: “A regiment marches on its stomach. I’ve seen it first-hand — you do a great meal, the entire mood of the camp just changes. You do a really bad meal, everyone’s just depressed the whole day.”

Residents aged between 18 and 50 are invited to join the RBR’s ranks by January 26 to take part in initial training, which will run from February 12 to 24.

For more information or to sign up, click here or call 238-1045.