Lt Cross & Cpl Morrissey - Video Series

Members of the battalion can be found supporting sports and cultural events, making music for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, and representing the island overseas.

Lieutenant Corrie Cross and Corporal Azar Morrissey feature in the latest videos released as part of a recruitment drive ahead of the next intake of rookie soldiers in February.

The short films are being rolled out on YouTube and social media.

Lt Cross, 24, says in her video: “The Regiment is, for me, an opportunity to give back to the community.

“It’s also a way for me to connect to a lot of the Bermudian history that I wasn’t already taught.”

She added off-camera: “I think from a visual aspect seeing people of all shapes, sizes and colour in their uniforms doing things under the name of Bermuda is important.

“I’ve had a lot of great opportunities to travel and represent Bermuda, for example going to the King’s Coronation and marching with the Regiment was a highlight of my career so far. That’s something that I constantly hear about and it’s such a good feeling to know that I was able to be a part of that and to put Bermuda on the international stage in that way.

“On a smaller scale, doing things like helping with marshalling at a road race, or if there is a hurricane being there to help cut down trees and direct people to a safer area – those types of things are what really matter.

“Ultimately, promoting a safe and healthy community within Bermuda is something that I think is really important.” 

Lt Cross, from Pembroke, joined the Regiment in February 2021 and soon went on to the tough officers’ commissioning course at the prestigious Royal Military College at Sandhurst.

She said: “Now that I’ve done it, I could say ‘that was easy’ but at the time it felt like it was a never-ending battle.

“Just pushing myself through the limits is something that I was most proud of.” 

Lt Cross, a claims analyst at RenaissanceRe, highlighted that the Regiment has plenty of space for women, and feared there could be misconceptions about what service involves.

She said: “There are so many facets of who you are as a person and there are so many facets to what the Regiment has to offer and how you could be utilised there, so I would say don’t minimise it to what you assume it might be and just give it a try.”

Cpl Morrissey joined the RBR as a junior musician when he was 17, and is a member of B Company and the Regiment’s Band and Corps of Drums.

The 23-year-old saxophonist said: “I enjoy the joy and happiness we provide to the wider community of Bermuda; it feels like something of an accomplishment. 

“People want to know when we’re playing next, because they want to see us.

“Everybody listens to music, it brings everybody joy, but not everybody can provide that service.

“We’re willing to teach people, so even if you don’t know anything and are curious, come and check us out.”

Cpl Morrissey, a BAC warehouse worker from Sandys, highlighted how the Regiment can help its members in their civilian-life employment.

He said: “You meet people who come from different backgrounds, so they assist you – for example if you’re struggling and they know of job opportunities, they will help get you to the interview and sometimes they will actually prepare you, so they’re looking out for you.

“It’s a huge network within the Regiment.”

Cpl Morrissey said: “The Regiment provides you with an extra source of income.

“It provides you with a sense of self-belief and encouragement within yourself, and helps with team bonding, which are good qualities that a civilian employer would look for.

“Joining the Regiment means you have an opportunity to see different parts of the world, have great experiences and you will learn new things.”

The RBR’s next recruit training package will run from February 11 to 23, 2024. All legal residents aged 18 to 52 are encouraged to apply.

• For more information or to join, visit bermudaregiment.bm or call 238-1045.