Last Call to Join February Intake
This Thursday marks the last opportunity for people to sign up for a spot on the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s upcoming recruit camp, which begins on February 11.
All legal residents aged 18 to 52 are invited to join the modern, forward-thinking organisation where emphasis is placed on developing troops in a range of roles, extending beyond traditional military training.
Anyone who would like to enroll can attend an enlistment night at Warwick Camp from 6pm on February 1 – the deadline for initiating the process to be among the next intake.
CSgt Woolridge – https://youtu.be/lZ1I902ZqCI
Cpl Wellman – https://youtu.be/ATptnZLPrr4
Cpl Hill – https://youtu.be/crI3CkjOZNE
Colour Sergeant Patricia Woolridge, from Paget and a mother of one, encouraged people who are considering it to “do something different”.
She added: “The Regiment may be a place that you’re not used to but it’s a space where you will be safe, it’s a family.
“The environment can be very rewarding if you only take that step outside of your box.
“If you only experience things that you’re already familiar with then you will never know anything new, so take a chance, step out, just try it.”
CSgt Woolridge is commander of the RBR’s medical unit and a senior business analyst in her civilian life.
The 36-year-old is one of several soldiers to feature in a series of videos released online to highlight what the Regiment offers.
She has served for about 13 years and thoroughly enjoys training troops.
“It’s nice to see people grow,” she said. “Maybe you felt like someone had potential, then you see them get promoted and it’s confirmed that the potential was there.
“For me, it’s nice to see that kind of progression.”
Corporal Laurent Wellman, 26, is also in the latest videos to be rolled-out on YouTube.
The father of one, who works at the Hamilton docks, joined the RBR in 2016 after a few years as a cadet and said he has since stayed largely for the comradery.
Cpl Wellman, from Sandys, urged residents thinking about enlisting to have an open mind.
He added: “If you’re looking for something that will challenge you, teach you new things, give you some action and stimulate your mind in all the right ways, join the Regiment.”
In the video, Cpl Wellman notes that a highlight of his military career was deployment to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 2017 as part of the UK’s Operation Ruman, to carry out disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
He says: “Working alongside our soldiers, as well as Royal Marines, getting to experience a different island, how they operate – it was nice, I enjoyed it.”
Also in the latest videos is Corporal Ahmed Hill, from St George’s, who joined the Regiment in 2013.
He moved to the RBR Coast Guard unit in 2022, where he is now among the unit’s full-time personnel.
The 33-year-old said off-camera: “Being in the Regiment you always test yourself, it’s a nice test; if you want to push yourself, it’s a nice challenge to do.
“You can always make a career out of it.”
The next RBR recruit training package will run from February 11 to 23.
- For more information or to join, visit rbr.bm or call 238-1045.