going very "smoothly'', according to Capt. Nicholas Mansell.

Very good weather conditions have contributed to high morale at the camp this week as the new recruits undertake camouflage concealment sessions and weapons instruction.

According to Capt. Mansell drill instructors and section commanders have been impressed by the ability of the recruits to cope with the pace of the training and understand basic training procedures.

There have been no major injuries apart from minor problems such as discomfort with army boots which have caused a few sore feet. But the recruits "have a lot to learn to take care of their kit and learn about weapons handling, firing and safety caution procedures,'' said Major Brian Gonsalves.

One hundred and forty-three privates have enlisted this year, including four females. L/Cpl. Danika Pereira is in her second year of training and finds the pace of training "hectic and challenging''.

But she said: "You reap the rewards in the end.'' This week the privates will undergo weapons tests and by Friday will fire live weapons.

Pte. Rahji Shrinarine said he found the training "hard and the days are long but there are a lot of fun aspects to the experience and on a morale level you meet a lots of new people''.

The purpose of camouflage sessions is to teach the recruits how not to be seen and to hide obvious parts of the body such as skin.

As they build confidence Major Gonsalves said he hoped the privates will learn "team work and have fun''. They will also learn ceremonial duties and be able to assist in times of emergencies.

To assist the privates in their training are Lt. George Jones, Lt. Jamie Pedro, Second Lieutenant Derek Hurdle and Second Lieutenant Everard Barclay Simmons and Corporals and other staff who help run the camp.