Rokiah Mahmud
Basic military training for recruits provides a strong foundation in building self-identity, especially through emphasis on the core values outlined by the Ministry of Defence through the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) including loyalty, piety, courage and professionalism.
RBAF’s strategic plan pertaining to the basic military training course was shortened from 24 weeks to 14, to be more specific and balanced without compromising standards and desired output.
This was stated by Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) Brigadier General Dato Seri Pahlawan Saifulrizal bin Abdul Latif yesterday during the passing out parade ceremony of the 170th recruit intake held at the Parade Square of the Training Institute RBAF (TI RBAF) in Penanjong Garrison.
The RBLF Commander also said the new approach has enabled TI RBAF to train up to 960 recruits per year, including 900 male and 60 female recruits, which is in line with requirements of RBAF’s administration, membership, and operations, which indirectly contributes to the government’s efforts to address unemployment issues in the country.
The new training regime focusses on basic recruit training scopes with the aim of transforming recruits from civilian youth to soldiers, particularly in attitude, ethics, and military discipline, allowing them to be more prepared for the special service training, which is conducted by the armed forces units to prepare recruits for operations.
In facing the dynamic, unpredictable and constantly changing security landscape, the RBLF Commander advised the recruits to always be prepared and adaptable when overcoming challenges they may encounter.
He added that the spirit of heroism, self-empowerment and discipline must be showcased to uphold the reputation of the institution.
The recruits were also reminded to remember the spiritual aspect as a fundamental pillar that provides true strength.
The RBLF Commander called on the recruits who have completed their training to always be vigilant against threats resulting from globalisation and modernisation that have no boundaries, including crimes that stem from social media.
“With the knowledge, education, and skills acquired through basic military training, it has provided some situational awareness and wisdom in assessing matters related to security threats that cannot only endanger one’s safety and that of their family but also the safety of the institution and the country.“
