bang for the latest group of new recruits.

For Sgt. Maj. Raynor is the man in charge of the Regiment's firepower -- the armourer.

And he has been shouldering the burden of arms provision for the nearly 200 young men expected to descend on Warwick Camp at the weekend for their first taste of army life.

But Sgt. Maj. Raynor said the latest batch of Bermuda Regiment recruits will not be firing at will.

He explained: "If they're not with the Bermuda Cadet Corps, they come in thinking they know all about guns.

"But they don't know anything about weapons -- they learn the very basics of the weapon.

"There are nine different weapons lessons lasting hours before they ever fire a round on a range.'' And he added all recruits have to pass the Regiment's personal weapons test to prove their fitness to carry a gun.

Sgt. Maj. Raynor said the armourer was the Regiment's expert on weapons, weapons maintenance and ammunition.

He added: "Our job is showing them the different weapons, how they work and what to do -- and, just as importantly, what not to do.'' Sgt. Maj. Raynor -- who has seen countless rookies pass through Warwick Camp -- said most settle down after the initial shock of military discipline and enjoy the gruelling two-week programme.

He added: "A lot of them don't want to be here when they arrive -- but once they come in and mix with their friends, they realise there are a lot of people just like them and that they have to get on with the job.

"I'd guess 90 percent of them enjoy the recruit camp once they settle in.

"And after the first week, they can't wait to go home and tell all the tall tales about what they've been doing.''