Brunei Garrison
The Association of the Brigade of Gurkhas with Brunei dates back to 1962. In addition to the resident Gurkha Infantry Battalion, specialist organisations were formed to augment the Battalion’s capability. For example, the Battalion originally possessed an air platoon, which operated Sioux helicopters for casevac, reconnaissance and limited troop movement duties. This developed into C Flt of 660 Sqn Army Air Corps, operating Scout helicopters, with the parent Squadron based in Hong Kong. Today their spirit lives on in the form of 7 Flight Army Air Corps, who operate Bell 212 helicopters and perform the same duties.
Originally, the Brunei Gurkha Battalion was part of the Gurkha Field Force, based in Hong Kong. Command was subsequently transferred to 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, also based in Hong Kong, when 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade was re-raised in 1986. The Battalion was supported administratively by only two Officers: The Garrison Adjutant, who became the Garrison Administration Commandant and who is now known as SO2 G1 Welfare/SSO, and the Transport and Movement Officer, now known as SO3 Logistic Support.
To pre-empt the return of Hong Kong to China, Command was handed to United Kingdom Land Forces (now Land Command) on 01 January 1995. It was then that the number of support personnel was increased, to allow the higher level of self-sufficiency that the increased distance from command demanded. It was also on 01 January 1995 that the title “Brunei Garrison” was officially adopted.
The current battalion in Brunei is the First Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles. They took over from the Second Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles in August 2006. Garrison support assets include: 7 Flight Army Air Corps; a Garrison Workshop; a Garrison Works Office and a small Forces Post Office. A small team of Staff Officers, headed by the Chief of Staff, assists the Battalion Commander, who is also the Garrison Commander, with administration.
The Training Team Brunei (TTB) is also a component part of Brunei Garrison. Previously known as the Jungle Warfare School, based in Malaya, and later Jungle Warfare Wing (JWW) under the command of the Land Warfare Centre, TTB is responsible for tri-service jungle training, and is the centre of excellence for doctrine and advice regarding jungle warfare matters.