Bermuda Regiment corporals will be equipped for any emergency, internal security matters and national disasters after completing a two-week training course at Camp Blanding in Florida.

The men went on Saturday for their annual overseas training mission, and will be brushing up on a variety of skills, including handling conflict in urban settings.

"The aim is to prepare the soldiers for anything that might occur on the Island and it is hoped they will be in line with their United States counterparts for cases of internal security matters or national disasters, said Bermuda Regiment media relations officer Wayne Caines yesterday.

"This is the first time that the corporals have attended Camp Blanding; the Bermuda Regiment normally uses Camp Lejuene in North Carolina or a camp in Jamaica."

The training given at Camp Blanding is used by the National Guard and it is similar to what is needed on the Island.

"The second year corporals will carry out night and day navigational exercises, urban internal security, training for conflicts in an urban setting, regular field and military skills training, a confidence course, a patrol skill competition, an inter-platoon sport competition and a church parade," said Mr. Caines.

"They will also take part in community service, training in the field for three to five days, infantry training and platoon command."

The medics, the boat troop, the supply company, rifle men and the A company are all taking part in the camp. They will also have a visit from Labour and Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister between March 6 - 9 and Governor Sir John Vereker will be hosting a dinner for the men on March 9. The soldiers will return on March 15.