Bermuda Regiment's boot camp yesterday.

A volley of abuse awaited the crowded conscripts and volunteers, and that was nothing compared to what was in store for the few latecomers.

The first official duty of the latest group of 18 to 30-year-old recruits will be the visit of the Queen in March.

And the next two weeks will mark the intense start of a training programme which will prepare them for the important role.

The recruits were guided into the entrance of Warwick Camp at 8 a.m. and then ran to find their platoons.

An amused crowd of family and former Regiment members showed their approval as late arrivals were terrorised by non-commissioned officers. A couple who showed their disapproval were chased up to the cells.

Officer in command of the training camp, Major Edward Tucker said: "There is no doubt in their minds that they are in the Bermuda Regiment.'' Training begins almost immediately with men split into platoons and then taken to their quarters. They were given drill training and were even given the basics of their firearms training yesterday.

Much of the training the new recruits face will be passed on by last year's new men. Capt. Larry Mussenden said: "Most of the training team were recruited last year. They are all 19 to 20-years-old. They will probably be teaching weapons courses to their peers.

"There is no other institution in Bermuda where someone is given the confidence to be able to teach in just one year.'' Also in camp for the two weeks are two NCOs each from the United Kingdom, Jamaica and Canada, to help with training.

Drill lessons will be inspected on three occasions over the next two weeks by the Governor Lord Waddington, and other dignitaries who will visit Warwick Camp.

The public will also get to see how the training is progressing during route marches close to the camp and a church parade on Sunday. There is also an open house on Saturday, January 22.

Other things the recruits will learn will be how to survive in the field, the use and dangers of weapons, including tear gas, and, above all, how to work as a team.

Capt. Mussenden said each day would begin at 6 a.m. with physical training and there would also be plenty of swimming to keep the men fit. They will normally finish at 7 p.m.

He added that they are all likely to be given three large meals every day -- probably more than they usually eat.

"While we try to make sure they know the military side there are also some recreational aspects to being in the Regiment,'' he said.

WELCOME TO THE REGIMENT -- Cpl. Bernie Woods (above) greets a late-arriving new recruit with a few words of wisdom at yesterday's boot camp. At right, Bermuda soccer international Paul Cann, also arriving late, is chased into camp by Cpl. Maria Cox.