Early Sunday morning will see 170 new recruits join the Bermuda Regiment as Recruit Camp 2009 gets underway.

New soldiers are to report to Warwick Camp Sunday morning at 8 a.m. will all the requirements for the 44th annual two-week camp.

The new recruits will be busy over the two weeks with 18-hour days filled with drill, weapons handling, live firing and basic military skills training.

They will also learn the history of the Regiment, its role in the community and listen to lectures in special interest areas outside of the military.

Commanding Officer Lt Col William White said: "The preparations for the Annual Recruit Camp have gone very well.

Training Company, the Recruit Training Team, Quartermaster's Company and full time staff have once again worked very hard on the training syllabus and infrastructure for this year's camp."

He continued: "We are grateful to the soldiers' families and employers for their support. I am confident everyone, especially the soldiers themselves, will benefit from this first two weeks of introductory training."

The purpose of recruit camp is to introduce the soldiers to basic solder skills and ensure they understand their role in the regiment. They must also learn to use a firearm in the highest degree of safety and instruction for drill to be used in ceremonial parades.

Captain Robert Spurling, new Officer in Commanding Training Company said: "We are expecting a great two weeks and look forward to the recruits overcoming challenges, learning new skills and working as a team.

"It's great to see new soldiers from diverse backgrounds and experiences come together for a common purpose and achieve the training objectives in a relatively short time."

Major Brian Gonsalves, the Regiment's Training Officer, explained the training team will add four overseas instructors from the Jamaican Defence Force, the Royal Anglian Regiment (UK) and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

New recruits should be on time and be prepared to bring all issued uniform and equipment for the camp along with permitted personal items.

Male soldiers should be clean shaven with a close haircut.

For more information or any questions, called 238-3883 or visit www.bermudaregiment.bm.