Troopers fly the flag for regiment service

At a glance

• Regiment soldiers beat the drum for new recruits

• Troopers say service benefits them and their civilian employers

• Skills such as heavy truck driver and physical training instructor on offer

• Disaster relief and first aid training builds confidence

Serving soldiers have flown the flag for service in Cayman’s part-time military force and encouraged others to sign up of for training.

Troopers on an exercise designed to test their readiness for disaster relief duties said the Cayman Islands Regiment had helped boost their confidence, as well as bolster the country’s ability to cope with natural disasters.

Lance Corporal Bennard Ebanks Jr., 28, who works for the Public Transport Unit, said, “I wanted to be part of a military organisation and part of a Caymanian organisation that demanded excellence and gave its staff the means and support to achieve it.”

The five-year veteran, originally from West Bay, but living in Bodden Town, added, “When I saw that the regiment was recruiting, all these things aligned nicely – it was a no-brainer for me.”

Ebanks was speaking on Saturday, 13 April, after Lieutenant Colonel Graham Muir, the regiment’s new commanding officer, highlighted that the service wanted to recruit a total of 70 rookie troopers over the next two years.

Ebanks praised his employer and his family for backing his commitment to the regiment and safety of the country.

“So far, I’ve had a good run and they’ve both been very supportive of my service in the regiment,” he said. “The regiment hasn’t let me down so far either – I have faith in the regiment.”

He added his standout moment was earning promotion to lance corporal, a section commander and the first link in the military chain of command.

Ebanks said he was also undergoing training that will lead to humanitarian aid/disaster relief (HADR) training qualifications.

He added, “It’s all given me confidence – having to step up in different situations and it’s got me some recognition, because I did make the news for assisting an elderly couple after a storm.

“I’ve also got fitter and a lot stronger, specifically so I can serve better in the regiment. The big takeaway for me has been growth and that is all of value in my civilian employment too.”

Trooper Mildalina Ortiz, 29, has just marked her first anniversary as a soldier and said she joined because of a family tradition of public service.

The mother-of-one from Bodden Town, an airport security officer in civilian life, said, “I live to serve. My grandfather was a police officer; I just love it – it’s my passion.”

Ortiz, who attended a military school in the Dominican Republic, added, “To serve is to live with purpose, and the regiment has met my expectations.

“You’re constantly training and learning different things I knew nothing about before, like using a chainsaw and a drill for search-and-rescue.”

Ortiz, who is working towards qualifying as a physical training instructor, said, “It’s made me a better person. I have more discipline, I’m more aware of myself and, even at work, it’s improved my professionalism.”

She added that women were treated on an equal footing with men: “There’s no gender discrimination and we’re family in the regiment.”

She told other women considering a career as a reservist, “You’re strong. You just have to believe it. If you do that, you will be amazed at the things you can do.”

Ortiz added she was grateful for the support of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority, her civilian employer.

“It benefits them too because everything I learn here can be used if there is ever an emergency at the airport. It’s an asset to have someone trained in HADR on their team. That’s how they see it.”

Trooper Adrian Bowen, 45, who works in security at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, said he joined because he had an interest in the military and wanted “to give something back”.

Bowen added, “It’s the discipline. You’re more focused on what you’re facing and it drives you to do better, in your family life and at work. At work, my first aid training is useful, because you’re first responders.”

He added, “You also make new friends, what you call family, because you’re all depending on each other and help each other.”

Lance Corporal Edward Smith, 43, a barber at Beauty Box in George Town, said he signed up because he wanted to help the community.

“My main thoughts were to just go and learn as much as I can, develop my skills, so I could use them to help people.”

Smith added he had qualified as a heavy truck driver and JCB digger operator since he joined.

“It’s not been too tough,” he said. “I try to challenge myself. My age is a bit up there compared to some, but I’ve always kept active.

“When I’ve spoken to civilians who have an interest, I would say ‘tough’ is based on the individual. What can be challenging for me might be easier for a younger person.

“But it’s all do-able. It improves your mental and physical strength. For me, it’s one of the best choices I’ve made.”

The regiment is open to Caymanians and permanent residents with the right to work, aged from 18 to 50.

The deadline for applications is Monday, 27 April, and application forms can be completed online through the regiment’s social media pages.