New Entry Training

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RBDF Training Department

Training is essential and critical to military entities that are required to adapt and evolve as the external environment evolves. The Training Department of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force is responsible for conducting New Entry Training, Advancement and recurrent training in a variety of subject matters, and Course Design. The department is also charged with preparing Officers and Marines, both physically and academically for local and international courses and ensuring that the organization remains relevant in a constantly changing world.

New Entry Training is a seventeen (17) week Four Phase progressive training program. It is designed to maximize the duration of training in an efficient manner utilizing an improved delivery and evaluation process. The end goal is for better trained, more confident hybrid marines.

Militarization Phase

This is the Initial Indoctrination for enlistment training. It comprises of ten (10) subject areas fused with elementary physical fitness. The duration of this phase is five (5) weeks. In week 3 recruits will engage in a progress exams in academics and elementary fitness. Week 4 a Demerit and Disciplinary System is activated comprised of a variety of different classes of offences (infractions) and consequences. In addition a merit worth and value system is outlined for outstanding performance. New Entry Training also inspires leadership through a dynamic leadership model to develop the military aptitude and leadership skills of recruits. In week (5) five final examinations for the phase are executed. Exams are IT based and are generated discretely per recruit. Recruits who fail exams will receive a warning letter to encourage successful completion. If successful with the re-sits, the recruit will transition to the next phase.

The Maritime Phase

The maritime phase of the New Entry Training will comprise of ten (10) nautical science subjects including Advanced Drills, Intermediate Physical Fitness, Advanced Drills (weapon) and an Initial Sea Training exercise. In week 8 progress exams are conducted to confirm learning objectives. Week 9 is an Initial Sea Training Exercise designed to ensure that the theoretical concepts delivered are practically conceptualized within a dynamic maritime environment. In week 10 recruits will engage in final assessments for the phase. Successful recruits will transition to phase 3. Unsuccessful recruits will receive warning letters and will have to successfully complete re-sits. Failure of re-sits, may result in a recruit being back-phased or dismissed from New Training.

Naval Infantry Phase

This is a 4 week competency based phase comprising of ten (10) infantry professional subjects. Recruits will have to demonstrate understanding of theoretical concepts within practical combat training exercises in an amphibious (land and maritime) environment. Recruits will engage in intermediate weapons training, combat conditioning, patrolling, self-defence training, medical and combat communications training in conjunction with waterborne combat techniques . Successful recruits will receive Infantry Certification. Those whole perform admirably will be sited for additional infantry training. Recruits who are unsuccessful will have an opportunity to complete a re-sit in order to receive the Infantry Certification.

Final Phase

This phase involves additional training for STCW and First Responders certification, trafficking in Persons awareness training, Financial planning, and Defence Force Departmental Introductions and Partner Agencies acquaint. Preparations for the New Entry Passing Out Parade is finalized.

Defence Force recruits are also indoctrinated into the importance of discipline and character development through a core value system that sets the standard for the organization’s military culture. This against a background of a rigorous physical fitness program challenges potential marines into a career that demands respect, commitment and devotion to duty for God and country.