Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this Honorable House that the Royal Bermuda Regiment conducted their first overseas camp since 2019. In total over 140 soldiers and police officers deployed to US Marine Corps Camp Lejeune, North Carolina over the 2 weeks from 8 to 22 May 2022.
Mr. Speaker, the unifying aim of the Overseas Camp was to exercise elements of the Regiment and supporting personnel in high intensity operations and training over a protracted period of time on an overseas deployment and on a scale not possible in Bermuda. This required identifying a number of Training Objectives for a wide variety of capabilities within the RBR.
Mr. Speaker, during this camp they focused on developing essential soldiering skills, junior non-commissioned officer leadership, RBR coastguard qualifications, professional development of the RBR band and live firing range work for the Bermuda Police Service.
Mr. Speaker, All departments within the Regiment were tested whilst deployed. 19 private soldiers attended and completed the potential junior non-commissioned officer cadre, including 10 from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment, to develop their leadership and tactical capabilities in preparation for potential promotion.
Mr. Speaker, the RBR Coastguard were hosted by the US Coastguard to re-qualify 15 people, including one BPS officer, in tactical boat handling, to maintain their ability to protect Bermuda’s coastal waters.
Mr. Speaker, the exercise also allowed the Regiment to practice the deployment of A and B Company into an unfamiliar setting, with full operational equipment and all of the logistical needs associated with such a large scale deployment. This ability to deploy at scale will greatly benefit the Regiment if it is required to deploy any troops as part of an independent or joint Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief style operation over the next 12 months.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all those who took part and thank the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Beasley and the soldiers and officers of the Royal Bermuda Regiment for ensuring the continued training and readiness of the Regiment.
Thank you Mr. Speaker