Regimental duties are proving to be a welcome challenge for the majority but at least one recruit - Andrew Jackson, the son of Deputy Police Commissioner George Jackson - is being punished for cannabis possession, The Royal Gazette has learned.

The news comes after Premier Jennifer Smith toured Warwick Camp yesterday, along with Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister, reviewing anti-riot training and other activities.

The private is facing harsh military discipline after being caught with a quantity of drugs as he returned to Warwick Camp Sunday night.

Regiment authorities would not release the name of the soldier but several sources confirmed the young man's identity and said he had been caught red handed with cannabis as recruits returned from their mid camp break.

“A soldier was caught with drugs and it is being dealt with accordingly,” said Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Edward Lamb, adding that it was in the best interests of all concerned that his name not be released.

“In keeping with our zero tolerance stance for drugs he has seen me as the Commanding Officer and he has been dealt with according to the powers afforded to the Commanding Officer by the laws of the land.”

He said the soldier was now under the supervision of the Military Police and has to return to the guardhouse after performing military duties.

“They were all warned about zero tolerance toward drugs - they were equally warned that they would be searched when they returned to camp and one was found to be in the possession of drugs. Happily there were 165 who were not.”

The recruit will take part in all military activities in his prisoner's uniform, said Lt. Col. Lamb, and will remain locked up “long after camp ends” on January 26.

Lt. Col. Lamb said that it was clear, judging from the small quantity involved, that the drugs were for personal use only and not intended for supply.

“It was a very small amount but even one seed is too much drugs for us.”

He added that he was “bitterly disappointed that young men make choices that have consequences for others and disappointed that soldiers, in spite of being repeatedly told to make positive choices, will then turn around and make foolish choices as that soldier”.

He added: “The Regiment is known throughout the community to have a zero tolerance stance towards drugs and this is a stance that is non-negotiable.”

Turning to the training, Lt. Col. Lamb said “orderliness to prevent chaos” - his motto for the Bermuda Regiment recruits in their first two weeks in combat fatigues.

For the next three years, recruits face adventure training, camouflage practice, beach rifle training, abseiling and kayaking to prepare them for handling natural disaster relief or as a support force for the Police.

With the opportunity to train in Sierra Leone, Morocco, England and Gibraltar, it seems like a $59.15-a-day paid vacation with all kit included. But guess again - You're in the army now, and it is a tough job.

The 167 new recruits are now responsible for internal security and for coping with natural disasters such as hurricanes.

The Regiment is equipped with Land Rovers, rifles, chainsaws, riot gear and rucksacks to deal with threats like Hurricane Gert and Hurricane Emily, and have been called out in the past to stop riots.

“There has to be more than Front Street foolishness for the youth of this country,” says Lt. Col. Lamb.

“Most recruits have not been told how to dress, how to live, they are very reluctant to serve, but the Army represents life's laws. You abide by these laws otherwise there is no order - there is chaos.

“Even little laws like deciding to drive down the same side of the road makes things run smoothly when people cooperate together. That's where we put our positive energies when we provide emergency services to our families and neighbours should something devastating happen to our country, and this can only be done with teamwork.”

The Royal Gazette sat down at lunch to talk with the recruits about how they are adapting to army life. The discussion ranged from their wives and children at home to how they are going to pay the rent while they are in camp.

Most recruits seemed to be in shock over their dramatic change in lifestyle.

“Send the guys in prison up here, not the guys who are working,” one private said.

“Who's going to support your children if you die? The Regiment? I don't think so,” said one recruit over lunch.

“But you can use this training to get a better job, like in the Police Service,” said another recruit.

One recruit mentioned: “We're here for things like if the British Embassy got blown up or a hurricane hit the Island, that would be worth it I guess. You get no rest, but it's better than Westgate.”