Hospitality industry staff are encouraged to consider part-time service with the Royal Bermuda Regiment as the battalion’s next recruit camp will run when the tourism sector is typically quieter on the island.
Hotel and restaurant personnel can enhance their skills as a member of the RBR, with enlistment open to anyone aged 18 to 52 and legally resident in Bermuda, upon completion of fitness and background assessments. The next cohort of new soldiers will take up foundational training from February 8 to 20 and all eligible residents are invited to explore the benefits of RBR service.
Corporal Joliza Vanderpool, the Regimental Careers Management Officer Assistant, said: “We aim to gain the interest of the hospitality industry specifically at a time when their operations may be slowing down – it’s their winter season and we are picking up for our next recruit camp.
“When we start slowing down for our summer break, they’re getting busier for their peak season, so the industries complement each other in that way.
“Some work permit holders don’t know that they can join the Regiment on a part-time basis. They must have a conversation with their primary employer to indicate an interest in joining and to keep the employer aware. If all can find agreement and the workers pass the health, fitness and background checks, they are welcome to join.
“We have a diverse workforce community in the RBR, members of which are also employed in the hospitality service industry, from commissioned officers to private soldiers. Included among our troops are people who, in their primary jobs, are focused on creating positive guest experiences in front-of-house areas to others with roles behind the scenes or in management – several of these jobs are also found in the Regiment.”
Qualities such as effective communication skills, discipline, integrity and selfless commitment are shared by hospitality industry workers and members of the RBR, indicating a natural alignment of the two industries.
The range of roles within the battalion is vast, and includes administrative personnel, cooks, motor transport and maintenance staff, strategists, medics, mariners, musicians, communications operators, public relations co-ordinators, clerks and Regimental Police.
Cpl Vanderpool added: “The Regiment is for everyone, from people who have basic skills to those already operating at an advanced level. Our job is to challenge you and support your transition to becoming a better you, to push you to be the person that you can be.
“There are opportunities to travel overseas and to support your education journey. Our learning credits scheme provides funding for continuing education.
“We have something for everyone. There are so many different departments that you can grow in or transition to and learn more about. While you’re in the uniform you’re paid for your work; although our recruits volunteer for service, they are still paid for their service.”
Foundational training during recruit camp covers elements of foot drill, infantry training, fieldcraft and weapons handling, though the benefits of enlistment extend much further than soldiering skills. Members speak to improved confidence, better timekeeping, accountability and a keener sense of responsibility. Recruits will join a respectful, sociable network of dedicated men and women prepared and willing to serve.
For the upcoming camp, the final two assessment days – when medical and fitness checks will take place, as well as brief interviews – are scheduled for 10am on Saturday, January 24 and 6.30pm on Wednesday, January 28, both at Warwick Camp.