More than 50 people trooped into Bermuda Regiment’s Warwick Camp at the weekend to learn about potential careers in the military.

Presentations and displays from several specialist units were on offer — including the opportunity to handle and hear about weapons.

Governor George Fergusson, the Regiment’s Commander-in-Chief, also came along to speak to potential recruits.

Several of those who attended the recruitment day were inspired to sign up.

Omar Hinds, 28, a barber from Pembroke, said he was keen to climb the military ladder.

“I definitely want to join,” he said. “I want to take it in stages — corporal first, then up. I’d like to be a full-time soldier if possible.

“I was most definitely encouraged by what I heard. It all looks really interesting.”

Shundray Gilbert, 18, who is studying for his GED exam, said he wanted he join “because I want to become a leader”.

“Whatever I learn in the Regiment, I can take to college with me and it’ll help me with whatever I want to do in life,” he added.

Ryan Robinson, 19, from Pembroke, said she was considering a career in the police and wanted to boost her fitness and mental toughness.

“I’ve worked with a few of the soldiers here and they said there were some girls who took an interest in it,” said Miss Robinson, a supermarket cashier and cocktail waitress.

“I want to try it for the experience and the exposure — be a better person physically and mentally. From what I’ve heard, it’s encouraging. It’s also kind of scary but I would be keen to apply.”

Those attending Saturday’s Open Day heard from senior officers and ordinary serving soldiers about life in the Regiment, including the rates of pay and overseas training opportunities.

They also met specialist units such as the Boat Troop, which protects the Island at sea, and the Operational Support Unit (OSU) which supports the police if there is large-scale civil disorder on land.

Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Michael Foster-Brown said the event attracted more than twice the number of a Government House reception last year, and that this boded well for volunteer recruitment in the future.

“We had a really good day and we were able to give them a better idea of what Regiment life is like by bringing them into Warwick Camp,” he said.

“Hopefully we gave people a flavour of the benefits of service and what service is actually like after meeting people who have been through the process themselves and seeing what life is like for a serving soldier.

“Even people who decide not to join the Regiment are better informed, which is a good thing and I hope they tell their friends about us and the good things we offer.

“There are a lot of people who served a long time ago who don’t necessarily know what the modern Regiment is really like — people saw what service today consists of and I think they liked it.”

Lt Col Foster-Brown said that those who could not make it to the Open Day could contact the Regiment to arrange a visit or attend special recruitment nights scheduled for 6pm on Tuesday, September 30, and Thursday, October 2.

The Governor praised the success of the event in informing people about Regiment life.

“There is a shift going on, which I very much welcome, to show people that the Regiment is an interesting, challenging, useful and enjoyable organisation to be part of — for women and men,” Mr Fergusson said.

“Today’s event is an occasion for people to come and have a look, talk to some currently serving soldiers, and decide for themselves whether it is for them”.

For more information about a Regiment career, call 238-1045 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm