The Royal Brunei Armed Forces was formed on 31 May 1961. Known as the Askar
Melayu Brunei, it was honoured with the royal title on 31 May 1965, when the
word 'Diraja' was added to the title. It was then known as Askar Melayu Diraja
Brunei,. Since Independence Day, 1 January 1984, the Royal Brunei Malay
Regiment has been renamed as the Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei.
Only Brunei citizens of the Malay ethnicity are allowed to enlist in the
Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The Malay ethnicity comprises the Belait, Bisaya,
Brunei, Dusun, Kedayan, Murut, and Tutong indigenous races as defined in
the Brunei constitution. Military service is not compulsory for any
segment of the population; there is no conscription.
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces use a wide range of foreign equipment, with a large
percentage originating from the United Kingdom, France/Europe and the United
States. The Royal Brunei Land Forces is the largest of the armed services, with
a relatively small air force and navy. The Bruneian military lacks any recent
combat experience but has been deployed regionally in humanitarian and
peacekeeping missions. Brunei also has extensive military relations with
Singapore. In 31 May 2011, Royal Brunei Armed Forces reached its golden jubilee.
Role and Organisation The Role of Royal Brunei Armed Forces is
to: Deter any outside powers intending to
undermine directly or indirectly in the sovereignty and territorial integrity of
the State of Brunei, and to prevent any subversive elements actual or potential
operating in the State of Brunei; Undertake military operations to counter
aggression, terrorism or insurgency; Assist in maintenance of public order in
support of the Police and Civil Authority, if called upon
Maintain good Community relations by which the Royal Brunei Armed Forces can
be identified with the Government and Civil population of Brunei.
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces is divided into four branches:
Royal Brunei Land Forces Royal Brunei Air Force
Royal Brunei Navy Training Institute
The RBAF special operations unit is the Special Forces Regiment.
Royal Brunei Land Forces The Royal Brunei Land Forces is a
brigade sized formation that consists of three battalions and a support
battalion. The role of the Royal Brunei Land Forces is to maintain the security
of Brunei and to defend the sovereignty of the country. Its main responsibility
is to oppose any threat from within or outside the country and to maintain
peace and security in the country. Royal Brunei Air Force
The Royal Brunei Air Force is a small, mainly helicopter-based force which is
tasked with supporting the other branches of the armed services and
defending Bruneian air space. It was established in 1965 and consists of a
range of helicopters, including: 10 Bell 212 and 4 Sikorsky S-70. The Bell 212s
are to be replaced between 2013–15 by 12 Sikorsky S-70i.
The Royal Brunei Air Force fixed-wing inventory is limited to around 4 Pilatus
PC-7 training aircraft and Airbus CN-235 transport aircraft. On 14 July 2014, the
Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces announced plans to order the
C-130J in the near future. On 7 October 2014, Brunei purchased a single C-130J
with spare parts and logistic support for 343 million dollars.
Royal Brunei Navy The Royal Brunei Navy is the naval
defence force of Brunei Darrussalam. It is a small but relatively well-equipped
force whose main responsibility is to conduct search and rescue missions and
to deter and defend the Brunei waters against attack mounted by sea borne
forces. Support Services
The Support Services Royal Brunei Armed Forces had the responsibility of
providing support services to units in the RBAF in all aspects pertaining to
their administration, security, health, logistics, communication, transportation
and technical equipment service support to all units in the Royal Brunei Armed
Forces. The Support Services or the Royal Brunei Armed Forces also worked
closely with other units in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces to undergo and help
co-ordinate military training and operations
As part of the reorganisation of the RBAF, the Support Services was disbanded
in early 2009 and its various units were relocated. .
Training Institute The Training Institute of the Royal
Brunei Armed Forces is also known as the Military Training Institution. It
provides basic military training to all new recruits to the Royal Brunei Armed
Forces. Other military courses are also offered and conducted in the institution
to personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
Special Forces Regiment The Special Forces Regiment is the
special operations unit of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and was formed in
1976. The RPK was previously named the Special Combat Squadron. The RPK motto
is 'Swift Courage' and wear a maroon beret.
See also Brunei
Gurkha Reserve Unit Military Forces Based in Brunei
Notes External links
Ministry of Defence, Brunei