Next year's raw recruits with the Bermuda Regiment may have an even tougher time than usual.

Top local runner Jamal Hart has been named as the Regiment's first ever certified instructor of military fitness.

Newly promoted Sgt. Hart recently returned from a Physical Instructor course in the United Kingdom.

Yesterday Sgt. Hart said about 60 other soldiers learned how to conduct classes in running, swimming and obstacle courses.

And the two-week exercise -- which he described as both challenging and rewarding -- also included written assignments dealing with health and nutrition.

Sgt. Hart's first order of business will be to create an organised fitness programme with the Recruit Training Team.

But Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge said in the future the Regiment hopes the general level of fitness throughout the force will improve and also allow them to field teams in local competitions.

The coming year will also see the Regiment's traditional assault course moved from behind headquarters to the South Shore coast line.

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