The 2003 Recruit Camp got off to a good start with close to 200 new privates showing up to begin their three-year, two-month stint with the army.

"The response has been good," said Regiment Captain David Curley, who is in charge of training at the Regiment. "We were expecting 175, and so far 173 have turned up and we still have many new recruits who have to be processed."

Armed with cameras and video camcorders, more than 100 well-wishers and onlookers -some still in their pyjamas - gathered outside Warwick Camp to get a glimpse of the new privates for the 2003 Recruit Camp.

"I come here every year just to see the new recruits," said former corporal, Andre Scott. "It's tradition."

Mr. Scott, who served with the Bermuda Regiment from 1987 until 1991, said he enjoyed his experience, although several of his comrades did not feel the same way.

"For a new soldier not to want to be here is nothing new," he said. "It's always been like that."

And the Warwick resident said he was grateful for serving as the Regiment made him a better person.

"It's good discipline. Just come in, serve your time and get out," he advised. "Do what you have to do and make your time easier. It saves the embarrassment."

While most of the new recruits seemed to be taking their first morning as a private in their stride, it was obvious that many did not want to be there. Several reported late and before they could get out of their vehicles, the Regimental Police (RP) were there to hurry them through the gates.

One young man, who appeared at 8.30 a.m. - a half an hour late - had a smile on his face and seemed to be enjoying being prodded by the military officers.

As she was told to move her car from the gate, his girlfriend begged to take a picture of him being haggled.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," she said as she snapped away at the activity.

One young man, not only appeared close to 45 minutes late, but he had not cut off his ponytail and wore a do-rag on his head as he sauntered through the gate. Not even the screaming RPs seemed to bother him.

In contrast, another young soldier who arrived late seemed so frazzled by the RPs that when they told him to hurry, he took a wrong turn and started running in the wrong direction.

Dozens of the new soldiers lined up to have their hair cut because it did not meet regulation.

"I cut off my hair yesterday," said 19-year-old Densil Gibbons. "But I guess it wasn't short enough."

But he was all smiles anyway, as he said he was excited to begin serving with the Regiment.

However, one of his comrades was not as enthusiastic as he sat in the barber chair: "Bald guys don't get no play," he said.

As the morning progressed while some soldiers still appeared disgruntled, a 30-year-old private, one of the oldest recruits, said he was ready for what lie ahead in the next two weeks.

"I'm here to enjoy it and have fun," he said.

And as he acknowledged that he would have completed his regimental duties in 1994 had he reported for duty when he was first conscripted, he shrugged it off: "I don't mind. Plus I get to keep an eye on my 19-year-old nephew who's here as well."