Medics and storemen joined transport and communications teams as members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Logistics Company took part in inventories and instruction at Warwick Camp this weekend.
Soldiers developed their skills and ran checks on equipment so that the company can continue its support to the RBR and other organisations.
Quartermaster Major Kenneth Wainwright said: “We are the procurement arm of the Regiment as well as the logistics arm of the Regiment.”
Corporal Melissa Brangman, 31, of Pembroke, enlisted in 2014 and started a full-time post last week with the RBR, where she will become familiar with all aspects of Logistics Company so that she can step into any of its roles.
She said: “I’ve been in Motor Transport just learning the day-to-day basics on how the day runs.”
The former butcher added: “The Regiment has always been a passion of mine.
“I did the Junior Leaders programme when I was younger, so my heart has always been green.
“I like the idea of meeting new people and being able to pass on knowledge that I’ve gained.” Others also highlighted their varied roles and reflected what the Regiment offers.
Private Denzel Johnston, of St George’s, is a medic who enlisted in part thanks to witnessing the hard work of RBR soldiers at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 22-year-old, whose civilian employment is as a groundsman at Tucker’s Point and a dog sitter, said: “I just thought, despite everything that’s happened these guys are still out here trying to make an impact in my community … what’s the best thing that I could do? And it ended up being a medic.”
New to the team of medics is Lance Corporal Dilina Butterfield-Trott, 29, who has served eight years in the RBR.
Previously in the Regimental Police, the charity accounts administrator, of Sandys, said: “Being here for so long this is a part of me, so I didn’t want to just leave yet.
“I felt that medics was a unit I could really be interested in, learn a lot of things that you can take outside of here.”
Full-time RBR staff member Colour Sergeant Curtis Grant, 38, is a storeman for several activity areas, whose team this weekend took stock of hundreds of clothing stores items in preparation for an audit in March.
CSgt Grant said his experiences in the Regiment have made him more assertive and boosted his confidence; he surpassed his own expectations in terms of the responsibilities he has taken on.
Private Anthony Gutzmore, a business administration student at the Bermuda College, relishes the “vast knowledge” he can gather from fellow soldiers and officers.
The 19-year-old, who is part of the Motor Transport section, said: “I came because I wanted to learn about mechanics as well as to help out the country.”
As other residents are invited to join the RBR ahead of an initial training period next month, Pte Gutzmore, from Sandys, recalled his experiences of last February’s recruit camp.
He said: “I enjoyed the fact that you’re put in a room with people you don’t know and you have to form some sort of bond with them within those two weeks.”
Corporal Patrick Phillips, a 34-year-old computer technician from Warwick, is in the Communications Unit where soldiers this weekend checked equipment was fully functioning.
Of his almost ten years of service he said: “I like being in a place where I’m constantly learning.”
Colour Sergeant John Lema – a chef in the Regiment as well as in civilian life – said his passion for cooking offered a chance for him to serve his community.
The 42-year-old, of Flatts, added: “A regiment marches on its stomach.
“I’ve seen it first-hand: you do a great meal, the entire mood of the camp just changes; you do a really bad meal, everyone’s just depressed the whole day.”
Residents aged between 18 and 50 are invited to join the RBR’s ranks by January 26 to take part in initial training, which will run from February 12 to 24.
* For more information or to sign up, visit www.bermudaregiment.bm or call 238-1045.
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