In the constant effort to develop the infrastructure of Warwick Camp, the Regiment have set their Assault Pioneers the challenge of assisting in the build of a new element for their Assault Course.  The Pioneers are the Regiment’s specialist engineers and are always to the fore in post-disaster recovery operations.  They undergo extensive chainsaw training and are probably more akin to being armed with power tools instead of rifles.  However, they are weapons experts in their own right and are probably well known to the public for their secondary role – operating the 25 pound Ceremonial Guns.  They are somewhat typical of many of the Regiment’s soldiers who will have more than one duty and are as comfortable in their combat uniforms assisting the public in times of need as they are in their ceremonial whites providing a spectacle for the public to enjoy on special occasions.

A Joint effort

The Regiment enjoys a cordial relationship with many of their service counterparts and civilian companies.  This current build is no exception.  The poles and ground anchors were gifted to the Regiment by BELCO who have constantly supported the Regiment and without their assistance the new obstacle would not be possible. The Public Relations Officer, Capt ain Ben Beasley stated, “I speak on behalf of the Commanding Officer and all members of the Regimetn when I say, ‘Our friends at BELCO, specifically Mr DeSilva and Mrs Lewis have been extremely generous and I can’t thank them enough for their support.  The final piece of the puzzle came from D&J Excavating & Landscaping who is providing a crane for the pioneers and technicians so they can work at height safely.  Similar to any organisation, we have limited resources; having support from companies like BELCO and D&J is invaluable. Likewise, our colleague in the Bermuda Police Service and Coordinator of Outward Bound Mr Mark Norman has consistently been there to provide technical advice on building this obstacle.  ‘Stormin’ Norman’ - as the troops have been calling him - brings decades of experience and works tirelessly to ensure that the best product is created.”

The design behind the obstacle  -which will stand at around 35 feet – is that of challenge course technical expert Charlie Younger.  Mr Younger, who brings a decade of hands-on experience has built hundreds of similar obstacles is quite enthused about the new element; he said, “This is a quality build with great materials and enthusiastic soldiers.  When it is completed it will multi role with the ability to function as a climb tower, abseil or rappel trainer, commando crawl, and have traditional military functions such as a free rope climb and widget ladder ascent. The pioneers that I am working with are keen to learn new skills.” He jokingly added, “I guess they are more used to taking down, or clearing obstacles after disasters opposed to building them, but they enjoy their job and are a credit to the Regiment.”

The project is due to be completed by the end of the week in time for the new recruits to use during their training camp.

Photos can be viewed by clicking here.