An officer who has focused on development and education throughout his military career has been named as the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Second-in-Command.

The appointment to the role of Major Thomas Wood was announced by Andrew Murdoch, the Governor and RBR Commander-in-Chief.

Mr Murdoch said: “Major Wood’s extensive experience, both in operational service and in leadership development, makes him exceptionally well qualified for this key appointment.

“I am confident that his experience, professionalism and commitment will further strengthen the regiment’s ability to serve the people of Bermuda with distinction.”

Major Wood joined the RBR in 2021 as executive officer, after more than 20 years of service in the British Army.

He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2001, after which his career focused on soldier development and leadership training, a statement from Government House said.

It added that a particular highlight for Major Wood was his 2013 deployment to Afghanistan, where he served as a leadership mentor to the Afghan National Army Officers Academy.

Government House added: “During his military career, Major Wood was selected to complete a master’s degree in global security, which laid the foundation for his continued focus on officer development and education.

“He has completed both the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Regular) and the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserve) at the UK Defence Academy in Shrivenham, Oxfordshire.”

Major Wood said: “It is a tremendous honour to be selected as Second-in-Command, and I remain fully committed to supporting the Commanding Officer in leading the regiment through its next chapter.

“The central focus of my new role will be mentoring and developing the regiment’s future leaders, at all levels, to ensure we continue to build a strong, professional force that stands ready to serve Bermuda for many years to come.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, the RBR’s Commanding Officer, added: “As an educator, Major Wood has played a key role in bringing to Bermuda the Junior Officers Tactical Awareness Course and, more recently, the Army Leadership and Development Course, both firsts for Bermuda.

“These courses are vital to raising our professional standards and preparing the next generation of officers and soldiers for leadership.

“As executive officer, and now also as Second-in-Command, I am confident that Major Wood will continue this important work, with a particular focus on developing the regiment’s future senior leaders.”