Budget restraints cut the number of new recruits at the Bermuda Regiment in half this year, but when it comes to enthusiasm the small platoon is twice as lively.And several male recruits who were firmly against conscription two weeks ago have had a change of heart as recruit camp draws to a close.There are 71 recruits this year, including nine women, under the command of Capt Duncan Simons, who is leading the training company for the first time in his eight years’ service.Unlike some of the recruits he did not come reluctantly. “I was drafted like most of the people who join the Bermuda Regiment, I was 19 and I was pretty happy to serve. I come from a family that’s used to service. My father did it, but I’m the first to stay as long as I have,” said Cpt Simons.In sharp contrast Kevin Simmons, told The Royal Gazette: “I wasn’t happy at all to know that I had to come here, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. I’m actually getting something out of it. My fitness level is increasing, I have a lot more to do new things. My attitude has changed, I’ve learned how to suck it up and just do what I have to do, and then everything is smooth sailing after that.”Akeem Wolffe, 19, was also reluctant to serve. “I didn’t want to come, I was not happy at all to see my name on that list. I had heard a lot of rumours about it and just didn’t want to be here but now all the things we do. I like the rifle drills, the fitness requirements, it just might make me a better man. My attitude still stinks, but it’s getting better, and my parents should be real happy about that.”Twenty-year-old Geoffrey Willoughby had the same reaction when he was drafted. “I was not impressed, at first I wasn’t going to come and then I decided to man up and just get it over with. I still wish I didn’t have to come here but the things you learn are nice, you learn how to use a rifle the proper way, basic drills and basic exercises.“I’m learning how to do things I didn’t think I could learn before, now I know I can. I’m not sure what I want to do as a career and my future plans. I know I want to get a better job, but I’m sure this will help while I figure it out.”For the nine women enlistment is voluntary. L/Cpl Patricia Alexander is a Section Commander this year, with seven men and one woman in her platoon. “It’s a bit challenging, however you always feel good seeing your troops succeed. Once you see you can actually get your troops to do something, complete it, and they feel good, you feel a lot better, especially when you see them at the beginning. Right now my one female doesn’t really want to do this, but I’m going to try and get her motivated and get her through it hopefully it will work.”In her younger years she was drawn to physical activity. “I just tried it out to see if I could handle it, and now I love it. I volunteered last January, one year later I’m still with it. I think women should join if they are going to be focused on the physical and discipline aspects, the Regiment is a good foundation to have, it teaches you a lot.“Self-discipline, self-motivation and drive all of these things I did not have coming in and now you get to accomplish so much more having these qualities as an individual, plus you learn how to work with a team and become an actual team player and that’s always a good thing to have.”The Regiment has also set L/Cpl Alexander on a new career path while she contemplates a career in nursing. “Even if you’re not a medic you still have to learn at least the basics which gives you a lot of foundation in regards to medical training and right now I work with the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute, and it’s just opening my eyes even more. They have invited me to join them and I’m seriously thinking about it. I’m a community support worker with MAWI, it’s equivalent to a nurse’s aide. I help take care of the learning disabled in the community home.”For Marquisha Douglas this is her fifth year in the Bermuda Regiment. She started out in the cadet programme and decided to volunteer. “It’s awesome, this is my second year in charge of a platoon and I love it.“For other women thinking of joining understand this is not just something you can come and do for just two weeks, you are signing up for three years, two months and two weeks. As women you will need to work just as hard as everybody else, there is no special treatment and you must have a good mindset. It has helped me to grow, it helps a lot of the females who join to mature a lot more, be able to work well with others and have the ability to understand that they can do just as much as a man can.”Capt Simons believes the Regiment is a great opportunity for self-development. “There aren’t many organisations where, as a young person, you can be placed in a position of leadership and get leadership experience at a young age. I won’t necessarily say that it’s changed me, it’s just been an environment in which I could develop talents that I already had.”He is also an intern architect nine years into professional training and due to earn his qualifications within two years. When asked if the Regiment helped him with discipline in his professional studies, he replied: “Yes and no. I don’t know, I sort of came to this with certain strengths and certain skill sets and they may work better in some environments than in others. I personally don’t think the Regiment changes people, it can bring out what’s already in there.”The recruit camp started off with 85 recruits, but due to a number of pre-existing medical issues and a few injuries, the total dropped to 71. That number would be double in previous years.Today, the Bermuda Regiment will host the Recruit Camp 2012 Passing Out Parade. The gates open at 2pm, the prize presentation will be made by the Governor Sir Richard Gozney and there is also a bugle call at sunset to close out the day’s event.