UNITED KINGDOM, Monday, 07 November 2022 – Colonel Pengiran Sharifuddin bin Pengiran Haji Yusof, the Commandant of Defence Academy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (DA RBAF) made a working visit to multiple military academies and training institutions in the United Kingdom from 07 to 10 November 2022. The visit aimed to provide a closer look and acquire a better understanding of the United Kingdom military training program, development, and standard, as well as gain new perspectives that might not have been otherwise considered by the DA RBAF.
The visit started with a visit to the Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth, where the Commandant of the DA RBAF and delegation were welcomed by Captain Sarah Oakley, RN, the Captain of the BRNC, followed by a College Task Presentation delivered by Commander Phil England, BRNC Commander Training. Among the programmes outlined include BRNC historical tour and a visit to Sandquay Harbour.
As part of the programme, Commandant DA RBAF also visited the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) at Camberly, which is recognised as one of the most prestigious and world-leading military training academies where all officers in the British Army as well as officers from overseas, including Brunei Darussalam, are trained to prepare them and take on the responsibility of leading their soldiers. During the visit, the Commandant received a brief on the academy's organisation, roles and function, followed by a tour of the academy, including a closer look at the Officer Cadet School. DA RBAF will send one of its Land Force Officer Cadet to RMAS in December 2022 for a 44-week of cadet training commissioning course.
The working schedule then proceeded with a visit to the Royal Air Force (RAF) Cranwell, where all the RAF Cadets, Officers, Pilots, and Aircrews are trained. Upon arrival, Commandant DA RBAF and delegation were welcomed by Group Captain Harry Harrison, RAF Cranwell Deputy Commandant, and later received an overview brief on the RAF organisational structure, roles and responsibilities, and training programmes and activities. The Commandant and delegation also had the opportunity to visit several RAF College Hall Officers' Mess (CHOM) for a further brief on the pilots' various operational and training roles.
Throughout the visit, both sides discussed their commitment to further explore training opportunities in areas of mutual benefit and interest. The working visit also highlighted the warm and cordial bilateral defence relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom.
