Regiment's boot camp.

The Warwick site was a flurry of activity with commanding officers and staff readying the facility for the arrival of 196 new recruits on Sunday.

Serious preparation for the two-week camp began last September but this week the various divisions were making final changes before the troops arrived.

The Regiment's training company is responsible for the administrative side of the camp and seeing that the soldiers are proficient in military and ceremonial activities.

"Our biggest hurdle (before the start of camp) is ensuring that everyone gets kitted out before camp,'' said Sgt. Major Sherwyn Richardson. "All recruits were issued with letters at the end of October informing them to come and collect their kits but that doesn't always work out.'' Sgt. Major Richardson said he expects the number of recruits to change before the end of the 15 days due to various reasons.

"That number will fluctuate between now and by day three of the camp,'' he said. "We usually lose five percent during the first couple of days.'' Sgt. Major Steve Catton added that while some recruits are excused for medical reasons, the army has learned to accommodate persons with special problems over the years, even those with flat feet.

"Some still manage to cope quite well,'' he said. "We actually have a major in the Regiment with flat feet. But for some it becomes a very severe problem.'' Sgt. Major Catton said the Regiment first accepts those who state they have problems which would make them unfit for duty, but will then make a final decision based on doctors' recommendations.

"Sometimes we just place them in an area which does not require as much physical activity as the next,'' he said.

The spread of AIDS through Bermuda's population has not yet impacted on the Regiment, with both officers citing asthma as the major illness.

Accommodation, food and housing of the recruits falls under the responsibility of the Regiment's quartermaster, Major Glen Brangman.

"I take care of the support and service aspect,'' he said. "It's much like running a hotel.'' Major Brangman said the barracks are for lectures while the Regiment is not active and the buildings must be painted and sometimes upgraded to make acceptable for the recruits.

He said that the camp operates three different kitchen units -- one for the recruits and junior staff, one for officers and sergeants and a third for officers. The menus, he said, must be reviewed every year, making changes where necessary.

Major Brangman is also responsible for seeing that the recruits are properly outfitted.

"It's a bit of a hit and miss,'' he said. "It's difficult because we buy in April and how can we say who is going to be selected six months later. It's remarkable how sizes change from year to year. The standard is a size 15 shirt, size 32 waist and a size eight or nine boot.

GUNS AND SOLDIERS -- Sgt. Ashley Campbell from the Jamaican Defence Force, who will be helping get the Island's recruits into shape, is seen checking an SA 80 gun yesterday before the recruits arrive at Warwick Camp on Sunday.