Bermuda Regiment troops embark on the final stages of an arduous military training exercise in Portland, Jamaica today.

Speaking to from Jamaica yesterday afternoon, Lt. Col. Edward Lamb said he will be sending the troops out into the field for three days of gruelling field exercises.

Over the weekend, the troops were given a morale booster when Premier Alex Scott , Governor Sir John Vereker and Home Affairs Minister Randy Horton paid a visit to the base camp.

"The Premier was impressed with the troops, he was encouraged by what he saw and he had a chance to meet with the troops and speak and mix and mingle with them," said Lt. Col. Lamb.

The regiment has been in Jamaica since March 13 conducting annual training exercises and helping with a number of community projects, including painting a hospital in the parish of Portland and helping with roof repairs on the Port Antonio Infirmary. Lt. Col. Lamb said the troops will return to the Island as a leaner, sturdier bunch after their time spent out in the bush.

"They've done extremely well over the last two weeks ? it's been a tremendously hard week or so. Bermudians can be proud of their husbands, sons, and brothers," he added.

Lt. Col. Lamb said there have been a few challenging situations for the soldiers, namely twisted ankles and broken down vehicles, and he has not had to discipline any of the well-behaved troops.

"They'll be in the hills for the next three days basically with very little sleep," said Lt. Col. Lamb.

"It will test all they've been doing in the previous weeks as well as testing the general strength and robustness of our soldiers."

Today, the troops will be sent into the bush to begin exercises based on a narco-terrorism scenario, which Lt. Col. Lamb said was chosen for its applicability to countries like Bermuda.

The troops will return to Bermuda on March 26 after two days of rest and relaxation in Montego Bay.