The Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) has announced that Maj. Thomas Wood has been appointed the regiment’s new second-in-command. “Major Wood’s extensive experience, both in operational service and in leadership development, makes him exceptionally well qualified for this key appointment,” Andrew Murdoch, Bermuda’s governor and commander-in-chief of the RBR, said in a news release on November 10, 2025.
Wood joined the RBR in 2021 as its executive officer after serving in the British Army for more than 20 years. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Wood has focused his career on soldier development and leadership training. A highlight was his 2013 deployment to Afghanistan, where he served as leadership mentor to the Afghan National Army Officers Academy.
While in the British Army, Wood also was chosen to complete a master’s degree in global security at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, building the foundation for a continued focus on officer development and education. At the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, he completed both the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Regular) and the Advanced Command and Staff Course (Reserve). “I am confident that his experience, professionalism and commitment will further strengthen the Regiment’s ability to serve the people of Bermuda with distinction,” RBR Commander-in-Chief Murdoch said.
Lt. Col. Duncan Simons, the RBR’s commanding officer, said in the news release: “As an educator, Major Wood has played a key role in bringing to Bermuda the Junior Officer’s Tactical Awareness Course (2022) and, more recently, the Army Leadership and Development Course (2025), both firsts for Bermuda. These courses are vital to raising our professional standards and preparing the next generation of officers and soldiers for leadership. As Executive Officer, and now also as Second-in-Command, I am confident that Major Wood will continue this important work, with a particular focus on developing the Regiment’s future senior leaders.”
Wood said in the news release: “It is a tremendous honour to be selected as Second-in-Command, and I remain fully committed to supporting the Commanding Officer in leading the Regiment through its next chapter. The central focus of my new role will be mentoring and developing the Regiment’s future leaders — at all levels — to ensure we continue to build a strong, professional force that stands ready to serve Bermuda for many years to come.”
In September, the RBR celebrated its 60th anniversary, honoring retired veterans and launching a public education campaign to raise awareness of the RBR’s importance to Bermuda’s security and resilience. Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, so the United Kingdom is responsible for its defense. The U.K.’s Ministry of Defence provides training and support, while Bermuda’s governor is its commander-in-chief. The RBR also has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. military, highlighted by the annual Island Warrior exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.