The Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces (TI RBAF), natively known as Institut Latihan Angkatan Tentera Diraja Brunei (IL ABDB)[5] is a military training establishment of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), primarily for enlisted male and female recruit training,[6][7] along with technical and junior leadership courses for non-commissioned officers (NCOs). It is currently located within Penanjong Garrison, Tutong TA2741,[8] approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Bandar Seri Begawan in the sultanate of Brunei.[9] Approximately one-hundred courses are available per year.[10] The annual anniversary ceremony of TI RBLF's inception was place on 7 April every year.[11][12]
Background
Supported by the RBAF Support Services and Training Institute, the three front-line services of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) are the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), and Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF). The RBAF's mandate included acting as a deterrence to any foreign force that could try to interfere directly or indirectly in the nation, as well as to any subversive elements that might be operating there or in the future. It also included being ready to launch counteraggression, counterterrorism, and counterinsurgency operations. The troops receive the foundational training for professionalism at the Training Institute.[13]
History
The forerunner to the Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces was officially established at Berakas Camp on 7 April 1969, known as the Cadre Company. In 1973, it was renamed the Training Wing Depot, coinciding with a move to Bolkiah Camp.[14] Its purpose was to oversee all courses and training for personnel in the RBAF, including Basic Recruit Training for new enlistees, along with additional skill enhancement for existing personnel. The institute's authority extends to training soldiers at various levels.[15] It was again renamed to Training Centre in 1975. In 1981, the first Women's Company (PAW)[16] was established, and training for females started.[14] It was relocated for a third time in May 1986, to Penanjong Garrison in the Tutong District; its initial headquarters was within the Directorate of Land Training, and renamed the Training Centre Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[14]Lieutenant Colonel Brahim became its inaugural commanding officer (CO), and during his time in charge, moved to a new headquarters building in 1988.[15]
During its initial twenty-two years (1969 to 1991), the institute fell under the administration of the Regimental Headquarters, and later the Armed Forces Headquarters. On 17 September 1991,[14] a royal decree by the Sultan and Defence Minister led to the restructuring of the RBAF into five main units, including the Training Centre RBAF. This allowed direct communication with the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. Consequently, the position of CO was changed to the Commander, and the role of Deputy Commander was established. The first Commander was Lieutenant Colonel Ramli, and the first Deputy Commander was Major Johari.[15] Another rename occurred in 2005, it was officially named Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[14] The TI RBAF Parade Square is the site of the passing out parade ceremony.[17][18] Alumnus of the PAW, Hasimah Abu Bakar became the first female lieutenant colonel in 2006,[19] and Norsuriati Sharbini became the first woman to be appointed to colonel in 2021.[20][21]
Organisation
Soldiers taking part in an urban warfare (MOUT) training at the TI RBAF in 2019
In its inaugural year in 1969, the original incarnation of the future TI RBAF had limited courses and facilities. Over the subsequent thirty-four years, it evolved significantly; notably professionally qualified instructors, along with advanced teaching aids. The institute currently comprises eight key sub-units, offering a diverse range of courses to RBAF personnel of all service branches. Approximately one-hundred courses conducted annually;[10] including multiple intakes of basic training,[8][18] which until recently had a duration of six months (twenty-four weeks training) for male recruits[8] and three months (twelve weeks) for females.[5] Basic recruit training covers physical training,[18] drill training, weapon training,[18] Method of Instruction courses, and academic courses through the School of Studies. The academic programmes include courses for Boy's Company up to 'O' Level (high-school examination level), technical training for military technicians and mechanics, Basic Malay courses for Loan Service Personnel, and English language courses for native RBAF personnel, including non-commissioned officers (NCOs).[15]
In 1990, the TI RBAF introduced the Officers' Development Wing, tasked with the comprehensive development of officers in the RBAF. This includes preparation for advanced courses, and conducting promotion examinations (PROMEX) involving both theoretical and practical elements. Collaborating with the Directorate of Training, the department also organises international-level seminars for officers (Majors) before they pursue the staff college course. Renowned lecturers from institutions such as the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, ASEAN, and Europe have been invited to contribute to the success of these seminars.[15] As a result of the RBAF's recognition of lifelong learning and the advancements in globalisation and technology, the military branch also provides academic courses in international affairs, military technology, war studies, and ASEAN and Brunei studies to its soldiers as well as their regional counterparts.[13]
Essential characteristics, such as courage, piety, loyalty, and professionalism, that the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has established via the RBAF. Starting with the 170th male intake course in 2023, the basic military training course was reduced to fourteen weeks duration, compared to its previous twenty-four week duration,[8] (however, the earlier 158th entry had taken thirty-one weeks)[22] under the RBAF's strategic plan to be more balanced and specialised, whilst maintaining standards and intended results.[17] These adjustments mean that up to 960 recruits can now be trained each year.[17] Passing out parades are occasionally reviewed by senior officers from the militaries of other countries, in addition to local commanders and family members of the graduating recruits.[22]
The troops participate in shooting events like the International Skill at Arms Meeting, which has been a yearly staple for the RBAF since independence, in an effort to enhance their marksmanship. Every year, teams from the Australian Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces, Royal Gurkha Rifles based there, Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, and Singapore Armed Forces compete for the title and recognition as the best in the area. By the same token, these contests also improve friendship, confidence-building, transparency, and teamwork.[13]
In April 2024, during the passing out parade of the 173rd male intake course, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Shanonnizam, Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) reaffirmed the aims and importance of the TI RBAF, including emphasising "the development of spiritual, physical and intellectual strength throughout one’s service".[23] Brg. Gen. Shanonnizam continued by stating:
This is the foundation that will strengthen the organisation as a whole and will allow it to function as the first line of defence in upholding the dignity of the religion, the sovereignty of the nation and the monarch[23]
Structure
The Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces is currently structured into three primary units, along with additional support units, as follows:[10][24]
Since the establishment of the unit in 1971, Brunei Cadets have been able to regularly attracted numerous student participants. Notably, in 1993, a significant gathering of Brunei Cadets occurred in Temburong, followed by a successful joint exercise with the RBN at Muara Besar Island in 1994.[15]
List of commandants
The first commanding officer (CO), initially a loan service officer from the United Kingdom, served from 1969 to 1970, with a second British officer from 1970 to 1973. From then on, subsequent appointments have all been held by Bruneian officers; Major Mohammad bin Daud became the first Brunei officer in charge from June 1973 to June 1974; with a second appointment concurrent with his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. The Training Institute was housed in Bolkiah Camp for seventeen years, from 1969 to 1986. Officers selected to head the Training Institute at Bolkiah Camp:[15][26]
^ abSim, Y.H. (9 December 2022). "358 rekrut ABDB tamat latihan" [358 ABDB recruits completed training]. MediaPermata.com.bn (in Malay). Tutong: Media Permata Online. Archived from the original on 10 December 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2024. Setelah mengharungi tempoh latihan asas ketenteraan selama enam bulan bagi rekrut lelaki dan tiga bulan bagi rekrut wanita [After going through a basic military training period of six months for male recruits and three months for female recruits]
^ abAk. Syi'aruddin Pg. Dauddin (28 April 2023). "156 rekrut lelaki ABDB tamat latihan" [156 ABDB male recruits completed training]. PelitaBrunei.gov.bn (in Malay). Penanjong Garrison, Tutong TA2741: Pelita Brunei. Retrieved 17 May 2024. 156 anggota Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei (ABDB) rekrut lelaki Pengambilan Ke-158 telah menamatkan Latihan Asas Ketenteraan selama 31 minggu di Padang Kawad Institut Latihan ABDB, Penanjong Garison. [156 members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) male recruits of the 158th Recruitment have completed their 31 week Basic Military Training at the ABDB Training Institute Parade Ground, Penanjong Garison.]{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
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