Royal Bermuda Regiment recruits battled stormy weather and “enemy” targets on Exercise First Encounter this week.

The cohort of 34 — 12 of whom are from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment — took part in the overnight experience, which combined instruction with assessment.

Sergeant McLaren Smith, the exercise conducting officer, said a scenario-based activity was designed to simulate a battle environment and test how the troops responded under pressure.

He added: “For recruits, they did fairly well. There was some hesitancy, but they got through their drills.

“They’ve come a long way since they started almost ten days ago.”

Recruits made their way to a South Shore training area on Monday, when they learnt hand signals, camouflage and concealment, sentry duties and movement methods.

They carried out a night-time observation exercise and established a harbour area as thunderstorms rolled overhead.

The following day, the troops were put through more patrol exercises, this time reacting to enemy presence and using cover to return fire.

Recruit Yaiisa Russell, 21, said that rigorous training combined with lack of sleep proved demanding, but added that she ultimately enjoyed her sense of achievement.

She said: “We camped out and there was a thunderstorm, so that was a lot.

“We set up our tents, stayed the whole night, which was a very original experience.

“The storm was horrendous, but we just had to persevere.”

Ms Russell, from Warwick, said she joined the RBR to challenge herself and find a change of pace.

She explained that many of the recruits had built up their resilience and ability to weather discomfort.

TCI Regiment recruit Nikito Balbuena, 25, said he hoped that enlisting would “upgrade” his life.

“Really I just love the military,” he added. “It has been a little tough — very tiring, very taxing — but I’m trying to push through it.”

Mr Balbuena added: “I can say I was a bit relaxed up to this point, now I think I’m on point. I’m always ready for anything.”

RBR recruit Christian Smith, 31, said he enjoyed the structure and organisation of regiment life, as well as the physical fitness that came with it.

The St George’s resident added: “I like the bleep test, the push-ups, even the battle run — anything physical.”

Activities listed for today included a personal fitness assessment and live firing on the range at Warwick Camp, while tomorrow the troops will undergo a foot drill test.

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