British Forces Brunei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Forces Brunei |
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The British Tri-Service badge
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  British Army Royal Air Force |
| Part of | UK Ministry of Defence |
| Garrison/HQ | Seria |
| Commanders | |
| Commander of the British Forces Brunei | Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Todd |
British Forces Brunei (BFB) is the name for the British Armed Forces who are based in Brunei. Brunei is a country in Southeast Asia. Since 1997, the base in Brunei has been one of the few British military bases remaining in the Far East. It helps keep peace and stability in the region.
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History of British Forces in Brunei
The British Forces Brunei base was set up in 1963. British soldiers moved there from Singapore. Their main job was to help stop a revolt against the Sultan of Brunei in December 1962.
Since then, British forces have helped in several conflicts. This includes helping to stop the Brunei Revolt in 1962. They also helped during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. Brunei became an independent country in 1984. Since then, British forces have stayed there at the request of the current Sultan. This agreement is renewed every five years.
The soldiers in Brunei can help the Sultan if needed. They can also be sent to other places with other parts of the British Armed Forces. The Sultan helps pay to support the British presence in his country.
In 2021, a helicopter unit called No. 7 Flight AAC changed its name to No. 667 Squadron. In 2022, the Bell 212 helicopters were replaced. New RAF Puma HC2 helicopters arrived. These are flown by No. 1563 Flight RAF. A year later, Pumas from No. 28 Squadron RAF took over from 1563 Flight.
How British Forces Brunei Is Organized
British Forces Brunei is located in a town called Seria. The main part of the force is a light infantry battalion. This battalion is usually one of the two battalions from the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
The battalion in Brunei acts as the British Army's special reserve for the Far East. These soldiers are used to the local climate. They can be sent to other places in the Far East and beyond. For example, the Brunei-based battalion has been sent to Afghanistan several times. They also went to East Timor.
Brunei is also a very important training area for the British Army. It specializes in jungle warfare. The British Army Jungle Warfare Training School is located here. It teaches soldiers how to fight and survive in the jungle.
Main Units Stationed in Brunei
- HQ Brunei Garrison (This is the main headquarters)
- Resident infantry battalion (A group of soldiers that changes every three years)
- 2nd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles (This is the specific group of Gurkha soldiers)
- No. 1563 Flight RAF with Puma HC Mk.2 (A Royal Air Force helicopter unit)
- Jungle Warfare Division, Infantry Battle School (The school for jungle training)
- Brunei Police Unit (Military police who help keep order)
- Brunei Signal Troop (A unit that handles communications)
Life for Soldiers and Families
The British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) provides radio programs for the soldiers and their families. They broadcast BFBS Radio 1 and BFBS Radio Gurkha. The Hornbill School is a primary school for the children of military personnel. It is run by Service Children's Education.
See also
- Camp Gonsalves – A similar jungle warfare training site for the United States Marine Corps.
- Combat Training Centre - Jungle Training Wing – The Australian jungle warfare center.
- List of British Army installations
