Both Governor Sir John Vereker and Public Safety Minister Terry Lister were impressed and pleased when they visited the Bermuda Regiment Camp Blanding Training Site at the weekend.

Aide-de-camp Captain Derek Hurdle and Permanent Secretary Brian Rowlinson were also on hand at the close of the first week of Exercise Warrior, a two-week training camp in Jacksonville, Florida, designed to test the physical fitness, mental toughness and military discipline of Bermuda's soldiers.

The Governor and Mr. Lister were both taken to observe soldiers on a gruelling five-mile march from the Military Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) site back to Camp Blanding, a huge military training facility spanning 76,000 acres. Both took the opportunity to speak with soldiers as they made their way through the cold and muddy conditions.

"It's been impressive to see young Bermudians responding to quite adverse conditions cheerfully, with a high level of morale," said the Governor.

"I think overseas training provides an opportunity not easily available in Bermuda, that enables individuals to become more confident, to learn to work together, while also providing a far greater range of training opportunities," he continued.

"All Bermudians should be proud of them; and if they were here they would be convinced, as I am, that this kind of training is beneficial for the individuals concerned and Bermuda as a whole."

Mr. Lister agreed. "It's good to have young men working together. It's not often we work together in Bermuda, so it's a good thing.

"I'm pleased that the Regiment is using men who have skills in certain areas in similar positions while they complete their military service," he added. "With the changing role of the Regiment, it's important to let people know what it's all about."

Commanding Regiment Officer Lt. Col. Eddie Lamb was also pleased with the troops. "This has been an excellent camp so far," he said. "The soldiers are working hard and realising that nothing can overcome the power of positive thinking."

After the march on Saturday, soldiers took on the Camp Blanding Confidence Course. "Although wet and tired, everyone gave their best effort and completed the 17 obstacles which were spread over the course," said Regiment public relations officer Robin Simmons in a press release.

After the confidence course troops took part in a football tournament and volleyball match. The A Company defeated the Support Company in the football, however the Support Company had their revenge, defeating the A Company in the volleyball.

On Sunday the Regiment, along with Mr. Lister, Mr. Rowlinson and Lt. Col. Lamb, attended a church service at the Camp Blanding Training Site chapel.

The troops are due to return on March 15.