Royal Bermuda Regiment

A life in uniform offers more than just a pay cheque

Private 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 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 discipline and a place to start – there are so many training opportunities and once you’re posted to a company, you make so many contacts.”

A former diving instructor, Pte. Symonds became involved in the RBR’s Diving

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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 of a lack of tourists and he of income. The maritime section of the RBR was 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 from learning credits. Courses a course that will improve courses locally and overseas for people to pursue a career there are opportunities for travel. Sometimes, just based on connections soldiers make their sweet spot in terms of employment. People discover skill sets they’re maybe underutilising and gain new ones.”

Maj. Ratteray, an insurance concludes, “some of the problem-solving techniques you learn, the discipline you learn, is something employers appreciate.”

To join the Regiment visit https://bermudaregiment. The Regiment has two recruit intakes a year, one in February and another in July.