Some 12 new recruits signed up for service in the Royal Bermuda Regiment at the weekend after an open house showcasing the roles on offer.

The recruits volunteered for service in the island’s defence force after watching the various units display their skills.

Luis Viera, 17, said he was impressed by the Operational Support Unit, the RBR’s public order troops. He said he was keen on adventurous training and planned to sign up.

Father Paul, 52, whose own service in the late 1970s was cut short by a serious bike accident, said: “I just think, for him, at his age, it’s the best thing for him.

“It’s a way to meet new friends, give back to society and give him some structure.”

Members of the public visited Warwick Camp on Saturday afternoon to talk to soldiers about their roles and check out the kit and equipment used by different arms of the island’s defence force.

They met soldiers and officers from specialities including the Band and Corps of Drums, Medics, Boat Troop, Motor Transport, Communications, the Operational Support Unit and Guns and Assault Pioneers, the RBR’s engineers.

Kyle DeRoza, 19, said he aimed to join the RBR in next January’s intake for Recruit Camp.

He said: “The soldiers are very knowledgeable. It’s good to get a different view instead of thinking that up here’s really bad. It’s a really good place to learn something new.

“I will probably go for Guns and Assault Pioneers because I’m a hands-on person. I like working with my hands.”

Acting Governor Ginny Ferson toured the event with her husband Mel.

Ms Ferson said: “I’m learning — although I know a lot about what the Regiment does, I don’t know everything.

“I am interested to learn how they are highlighting it and making the public aware — it’s very important we get volunteers in.”

Ms Ferson added she had been particularly impressed by the transport experts and mechanics from Motor Transport.

She said: “That’s such a useful skill for anyone, in any walk of life, and it’s a wonderful thing to do.”

And she added: “You hear about people who have been conscripted and once they get in they enjoy it. The commanding officer tells me the retention rate is very high.”

Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley, RBR CO, said the RBR would play a major role in next year’s America’s Cup, working in security on land and at sea.

He added: “We have a lot to offer to people who volunteer and we want to get the best out of them, for their benefit as well as ours. A lot of our work will revolve around the America’s Cup next year, which will be a great experience.

“We are Bermuda’s insurance policy in case of disaster — whether natural or man-made — strikes. Working to assist the police is a major part or our role.”

Lt Col Curley said that two enlistment nights will be held this month to give extra opportunities for volunteers.

And he promised new troops: “If they focus and work hard they can get life skills and trade skills they can build on.”

He added that the RBR was working to strengthen its links with Bermuda College to offer trades courses, while full-time staff had been signed up for management courses at the Paget campus.

A regiment career offers recruits opportunities to travel, acquire skills useful in civilian life, test themselves to their limits and competitive rates of pay, as well as a $500 bounty for new volunteers. For more information, call 238-1045 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm