ROYAL BERMUDA REGIMENT
A life in uniform offers more than just a pay cheque
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rivate JD Symonds of the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard and Major Larenzo Ratteray, the RBR’s Second-inCommand, say their service has given them new skills useful not only in uniform but in civilian life as well. Pte. Symonds, 25, has served in the RBR for three years and is a full-time member of the Coast Guard. Pte. Symonds explains “It’s GH̰QLWHO\ EHQH̰FLDO , QHYHU thought I would become a full-time soldier. I signed on full-time because I saw a career path and an opportunity for career growth. I’d absolutely recommend the RBR. For young people and students coming back from college, the Regiment is a
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LOOKING TO GAIN SKILLS, CHALLENGE YOURSELF & LEAD?
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Section because of his civilian job and began work with the former Boat Troop, which became the foundation of the Coast Guard. The Covid-19 pandemic meant work in the GLYLQJ ̰HOG VORZHG EHFDXVH of a lack of tourists and he QHHGHG WR ̰QG DQRWKHU VRXUFH of income. The maritime section of the RBR was HPERGLHG DɓHU WKH SDQGHPLF hit the island, with soldiers mobilised to help police the waters and enforce pandemic
regulations. “I’m absolutely happy with it” Pte. Symonds continues. “I have so many training opportunities that further my development and the leadership roles — it’s amazing. I still dive and I’ve taken a few courses during my time in the RBR. Working alongside the police painted a new picture for me of what it takes to police the ocean. I’ve always loved the sea and protecting the environment – as well as sometimes saving people who don’t realise the problems they can run into. It’s very satisfying.” Maj. Ratteray, 40, a 19-yearveteran of the RBR, explains that new soldiers can choose a variety of paths, up to the potential for a commission and time at the UK’s Royal Military College, Sandhurst, one of the world’s top military training schools. “Soldiers are well paid and there’s also WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR EHQH̰W from learning credits. Courses FDQ EH 5HJLPHQW VSHFL̰F RU a course that will improve WKH LQGLYLGXDO :H DOVR R̯HU courses locally and overseas for people to pursue a career WRZDUGV :DUUDQW 2̲FHU DQG there are opportunities for travel. Sometimes, just based on connections soldiers make ZLWK RWKHU SHRSOH WKH\ ̰QG their sweet spot in terms of employment. People discover skill sets they’re maybe underutilising and gain new ones.” Maj. Ratteray, an insurance ̰UP H[HFXWLYH LQ FLYLOLDQ OLIH concludes, “some of the problem-solving techniques you learn, the discipline you learn, is something employers appreciate.” To join the Regiment visit https://bermudaregiment. EP MRLQ XV RU FDOO The Regiment has two recruit intakes a year, one in February and another in July. Your Future 2022
