Cayman’s military is beating the drum for more recruits, with the aim of signing up 35 more soldiers by the summer.
Lieutenant Colonel Graham Muir, the new commanding officer of the Cayman Islands Regiment, highlighted that service in the regiment was a way to learn new skills, boost confidence and serve the community – as well as earn extra cash.
He said that part-time service with the islands’ regiment provided educational opportunities and the chance to go on specialist courses overseas.
“The regiment is full of people from different backgrounds and with different experiences, but we all have something to contribute and all are motivated by a desire to serve our communities,” he said. “That makes for a really special team.”
He said recruits would learn leadership skills, as well as earn driver qualifications, including JCB operation, be trained in disaster response and first aid, and gain public speaking skills, all of which would increase their value to employers.
Muir added that service would also instill teamwork, discipline and resourcefulness, which also made reservists better all-round employees.
The regiment at present musters more than 70 reservists and is keen to double that number by next year.
Muir said, “We want to grow our capability to where we can provide the coverage we want on all three islands, so we are recruiting on Grand Cayman and the Brac.”
The deadline for applications is Monday, 27 April, and application forms can be completed online through the regiment’s social media pages.
The regiment is open to Caymanians and permanent residents with the right to work, aged from 18 to 50.
Successful applicants will be invited to one of two selection days, to be held on Saturday, 18 April, and Saturday, 2 May.
The days will include a fitness assessment, an interview with a senior member of the regimental staff, which will include questions on motivation for joining, assessment of abilities and problem-solving exercises.
Muir said, “We will pick 35 people to do a two-week training camp, which will be held on island in July.”
He added that some potential recruits worried about the level of commitment, but the regiment understood that people had other demands on their time and was flexible.
Muir said, “Training is one Saturday a month, supplemented by additional opportunities, but we ask people to attend that one session each month.
“There is also up to two weeks of additional training – nine days this year – which is advertised well in advance at the start of the year.”
He said, “In return, reservists get well-paid, well-trained, and there are opportunities to deploy on operations and represent Cayman abroad, as well as at home.
“All of that can enhance employability and improve their confidence – it’s about becoming the best versions of themselves, as well as serving Cayman and giving back to the community.”
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