For Gibraltar’s regiment, recruitment is a top priority

Local soldiers manned a stall in Casemates this week as part of an ongoing recruitment drive in the run-up to summer.

Member of the regiment were on hand to assist prospective recruits with any queries and to provide details to interested passers-by on the range of weapons and equipment on display.

Sergeant Luke Willis, who was running the stand, said he hoped to get a exposure for the regiment and its different sections and departments.

On hand in Casemates this week was an armourer, described as “the expert on weapons systems” and a personal training instructor who deals with the fitness of all soldiers.

“We have an individual who has just passed the army Commando course,” Sgt Willis said.

Two members of the reserve were also present at the stall.

“We are looking to attract young fit lads, around 15 to 16 years old, who could potentially join the Regiment in the future,” he said.

“As it stands, recruitment is the Regiment’s main priority at the minute.”

The recruitment drive will take place once a week over the next three weeks.

“It is an amazing career,” Sgt Willis said, as he described his own journey as a soldier.

“I left school when I was 16 and joined the army when I was 17 and it’s all I know.”

“It is a family Regiment. Before anything, you actually feel like you are part of something because we are such a small unit.”

“And you get the chance to travel. I have been to so many places over the past 10 years.”

“You have the opportunity to obtain qualifications, and enhance them while you are in the army.”

Pic by Johnny Bugeja