Bermuda Regiment recruits on an overseas training exercise are facing the opposite problem to their loved ones at home — the rain in Jamaica just won’t stop.As Island residents here pray for tank rain, more than a hundred Regiment soldiers taking part in Exercise Rum Runner are getting soaked each day in Portland Parish and the Blue Mountains.When the sun comes out, the area turns into a “large natural steamer”, according to Regiment chiefs, who say the soldiers have proved they don’t quit when they get wet.Major Julian Wheddon, the Regiment’s training officer (TO), said the biggest concern about the rain was how it affected training, which is mostly based around the Rio Grande River and waterways.He said: “The riverbanks are swollen, and we are making appropriate adjustments to ensure the safety of our guys.“However, this is the Army and we are risk aware, not risk adverse.”Maj Wheddon, who has been decorated for operations in Bosnia, Northern Island, the Falklands and Afghanistan, is no stranger to challenging environments.He spent ten years as a British Army Officer before returning home to Bermuda a few years ago.Speaking on day three of the Regiment’s two-week exercise in Jamaica, he said fatigue had yet to set in but would “prove a challenge” in time.“No matter where you are operating, the environment can impact your unit more than anything else,” said the officer. “They have been trained and equipped to operate in this environment, so it’s now up to them to demonstrate their ability.”To help them do so, the soldiers visiting Titchfield Camp have been issued new “Multicam” uniforms, British Army personal equipment, Gortex rain suits and state-of-the-art radio systems.They have heard presentations from jungle specialist Sergeant Major Fred Oldenburg, the training wing warrant officer, on proper kit preparations, waterproofing personal effects and the secrets of operating in a tough environment.On Monday, the troops began acclimatising with firing range work, jungle survival skills and jungle operations training.Commanding officer (CO) Brian Gonsalves visited the troops from 3 Section, 1 Platoon, as they were taught the use of the shotgun in close quarters.Further down the river, another platoon was instructed by Sgt Maj Oldenburg on making a raft for a river crossing — and the sunshine came out during that activity.Deep in the jungle, invisible from the air or tracks, the soldiers of the third platoon set up their accommodation for the evening, after training from the Jamaica Defence Force.The Bermudian soldiers, armed with machetes, were taught how to build shelter by cutting down bamboo and lashing together struts. They also learned how to make fire without matches or lighters, collect water and catch edible birds.Most soldiers taking part in the exercise are in the jungle but the Assault Pioneers, a specialist group of engineers, are working in the local community refurbishing a dilapidated parish infirmary.This evening, the recruits begin their three-day field training exercise, testing all the skills they have been taught in the previous months, especially those in the past few days.They will then move into an adventurous training phase called Portland Patrol, where they will carry all their equipment to various ‘stands’ to experience abseiling, orienteering, medical evacuation training and similar pursuits.l The Regiment is looking for volunteers to train in a variety of trades including medical, signals, regimental police, rifles, motor transport and music. For more information e-mail Major Warren Furbert at wsfurbert@gov.bm or call 238-1045.