The Bermuda Regiment is packing its kit bags for its annual training trip to Jamaica -- and, for the first time for years, two rifle companies will go on annual camp at the same time.

And a third company was to start a series of exercises yesterday, continuing over the next two Thursdays.

A total of 250 members of the Bermuda Regiment will travel to the Caribbean for 15-day manoeuvres, while Training Company will hold exercises in Bermuda to hone its internal security role.

Regiment spokesman Capt. Stephen Caton said the Regiment faced a testing time in Jamaica.

The troops -- who will arrive in Jamaica on March 11 -- will take part in live firing exercises in a special "close quarter'' battle range, and undergo day and night navigation exercises. In addition, the soldiers will do advanced internal security training and take part in a gruelling route march through the Blue Mountains.

Regiment commanding officer Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge said: "A rewarding adventure training package with abseiling, water sports and rafting down the Rio Grande River will follow the conventional training.'' He added: "I have every confidence in my training team and I am sure this will be an excellent camp.'' The Regiment will also work closely with the Jamaican Defence Force and win hearts and minds with a series of community projects.

Specialists from the Quartermaster's Company will help out with housing and education programmes in the areas used by the Regiment for training, backed by Support Company, which includes medics, combat engineers and truck drivers.

The Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums will accompany the frontline personnel to Jamaica and are expected to tour the Island.

Capt. Caton said the Bermuda training would take place over tonight and the following two Thursdays.

He added: "There will be foot and vehicle patrolling in the area of Camp, South, Horseshoe and Middle Roads.

The public may also encounter vehicle checkpoints on these roads.'' But he added: "No pyrotechnics will be used and no disruptive noise should result from these manoeuvres.'' Capt. Caton said, however: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the training is necessary.

We wish to forewarn the public to avoid any alarm, but there will no danger and we will keep any disturbance to a minimum.''