'Can you handle it?" is the challenge Kallan Thomas has thrown out to Bermuda's youth.

The Year 12 Warwick Academy student, who is also a non-commissioned officer with the Bermuda Regiment Cadets, invited fellow teens to test their mettle by joining the cadet programme, which stretches intellect, physical endurance and emotional strength through a variety of activities.

If you're bored, think there's nothing to do in Bermuda and are looking for something different, the Cadets offers excitement and fun. Cadet Sergeant Thomas, who has been with the Cadets for six years, has travelled overseas to Canada, learned a lot of basic survival skills, and handled pyrotechnics and small arms, including Uzis. And in the process had "a whole lot of fun."

Of course there's drill, field crafts, map reading, firing practice and a healthy dose of discipline. But the young leader assured: "It's not all regimental."

He is one of 34 cadets, male and female, from middle and high schools across the Island who meet every Friday from 18.30 to 20.30 (that's 6.30pm to 8.30pm to the non-military types) through the school term. There's also a two-week residential camp during the summer holidays.

And the opportunity for overseas travel. In addition to the trip to a Canadian Land Force Training Centre in Ontario, Canada, cadets have also travelled to Barbados, and toured European battlefields. Lt. Neil Phillips, a Cadet Staff member, who himself moved up the cadet ranks, found the European tour particularly exciting: "It was exciting to see how many of our soldiers went over and gave their lives."

Lt. Phillips started with the cadets when he was in Sandys Secondary Middle School. "I thought I'd try something different," he explained, "and once I tried it, I enjoyed it and have been here ever since."

Currently enrolled in the University of Buckingham, he serves as an adult instructor during the holidays. When asked what was particularly exciting that kept him in the Regiment, he declared, "It would take less time to list what isn't exciting."

He, along with nine other adults under the command of Commandant Major Henry Campbell, are responsible for the training of the cadets, making an amazing three to one ratio, meaning cadets get a lot of individual attention.

The training, while fun, also prepares the young people for adult life. Cadet Corporal Ryan Pacheco, a Warwick Academy student who's been a cadet for three years, claimed, "I like the discipline. Once you're in the working world you will have bosses telling you what to do." He was one of six cadets who put together a silent drill display – a very moving demonstration of co-ordination, discipline and team work.

The cadet programme is open to all young people 12 to 18 years of age, and is free.

More information is available on line at www.bdacadetcorps.org or by telephoning 238-8206.