Bermuda Regiment yesterday.

And Capt. Larry Mussenden hailed the camp as a success, claiming just two conscripted soldiers had to be arrested for failing to turn up.

He said: "There were quite a few more than that last year and we're very pleased with the response of the privates this time around.

"Those that did not turn up were arrested by the Regimental Police and we also had to chase a few year two and year three recruits.

"But there were 182 first year privates and they reacted well to our demands for discipline.

"We told them at the start that it would be the best two weeks they've had in Bermuda and most of them agreed that it was,'' he said. "The camp was successful in that it achieved exactly what we set out to accomplish.'' The recruits, mostly aged 18 to 24, will go to drill every Thursday night for the next year.

Then they will be transferred to frontline duties with the rifle companies A and B until the end of their service, which lasts three years and two months.

The four platoons of recruits -- 7, 8, 9, and 10 Platoons -- ended boot camp with a drill competition.

The honours were taken by 7 Platoon, commanded by Lt. Corrin Smith.