New recruits for Gib Regiment

Three new recruits from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) passed out at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) in Catterick last week.

 Private (Pte) Darby (22), Pte Terry-Donckels (21) and Pte Abbasciano (20) have successfully completed the arduous 26-week Combat Infantry Course.

 Pte Darby, who has two brothers in the Regiment, and received two awards, the ‘Soldiers’ Soldier’ Award and ‘Best Shot’ said: “Joining the Royal Gibraltar Regiment has been a natural progression from a young beaver, teenage Sea Scout and pre-graduate Army Cadet.”

 “I guess it runs in the blood as my siblings have also successfully chosen this career path.”

 “I have thoroughly enjoyed my Infantry Training in ITC Catterick. The most enjoyable part of the course was live firing and tactical training. I have been honoured to receive the ‘Soldiers' Soldier’ award because it has come from my peers and I know I have contributed to them in a positive way throughout the toughest part of the course.”

 “I am also chuffed about winning the ‘Best Shot’ from my Platoon. I am looking forward to join my battalion and pursuing my career within the Royal Gibraltar Regiment,” he added.

 Regimental Shepherd, WO2 Donald Drimmie is responsible for the welfare of recruits in both the Army Foundation College based in Harrogate and ITC.

 He said: “Basic training can be tough on new recruits, it can be mentally and physically exhausting. Very often it will be their first time away from home and that in itself can be a challenge.”

 “Pte Darby, Pte Terry-Donckels and Pte Abbasciano have all done extremely well to complete the gruelling 26-week Combat Infantry Course. They have all shown the qualities required to be an Infantryman within the field Army.”

 Pte Terry-Donckels said: “I decided to join the army was because of the opportunities it can offer me in the future. I really enjoyed the training, but I can’t wait to get to the battalion and do physical training every day, and put my name forward for any kind of deployment the Regiment has to offer.”

 For Pte Abbasciano said: “I always had an interest in the army, ever since I was a little kid, as I got older the passion stayed with me and I made the decision to join the Royal Gibraltar Regiment. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the training and am now looking forward to joining the battalion.”