The latest class of Royal Bermuda Regiment volunteers have completed their two-week recruit camp.

Each of the 19 people who started training last month officially became a Private at Warwick Camp on Friday.

Major Preston Gill, Officer Commanding, Training Wing, said: “It’s a well-honed package that we’ve been delivering over a number of years. It’s a good indoctrination to military life.

“From day one to now, you can see that the soldiers have essentially developed to where we want them to be, so they met the initial two-week standard. It’s really good to see some of the hard efforts, thus far, rewarded.

“You can see a remarkable change in people who are from all walks of life and backgrounds – a disparate group but by the end of the camp they’re formed into a tight-knit team.”

Recruits will now take part in continuation training, which will include drills with weapons, further instruction in first aid and more advanced fieldcraft exercises.

After that, the soldiers will have the opportunity to request placement in the Regiment’s various units, such as coastguard, A or B companies or logistics.

Major Gill said: “There are some great opportunities for the troops to, right away, get stuck in for some further development this year.

“To get the most out of the Regiment, I would recommend that the soldiers – for both their military career and their civilian development – try to get on one of our leadership tracks, whether it’s the non-commissioned officer or officer track.

“That really opens up more skills and training.”

He highlighted opportunities for troops to access funds for education, take part in sports and join the Royal Bermuda Regiment Association, where they can network with former and serving soldiers.

“I just think the sky’s the limit,” he said.

Private Matthew Powell, 33, described the two-week camp experience as “incredible”.

He said: “There were parts that were mentally and physically challenging.

“For me, the patrol at night time in the dark was difficult. Being in unfamiliar territory was very challenging but on the flip side of it, the friendships that I’ve made I will take with me for the rest of my life.”

Private Bernardo Ramos, 48, said he felt a sense of accomplishment during training.

“So far I am enjoying the physical challenge, for sure – that’s one,” he said.

“Two is the friendships you make and the network of people you meet. Three is the opportunities you can have while being in the Regiment.”