THE Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) has always been the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ (RBAF) core driver for joint operations, optimising tri-services capabilities and assets.
Since the last decade, JFHQ has climbed a step higher by playing a more active role in collaborating with government security agencies in planning and coordinating efforts towards enhancement of national security.
This involves working in close liaison, particularly with the Royal Brunei Police Force, Internal Security Department, and other enforcement agencies, to maintain security at the national level.
Through the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus platforms, JFHQ has successfully executed several initiatives in accordance with the planned timetable.
ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism was one of the highlights. It was conducted in May 2016, where Brunei Darussalam co-hosted the exercise with Singapore.
The exercise succeeded in promoting practical Maritime Cooperation in information sharing amongst ADMM-Plus countries on baseline interoperability procedures in Maritime Security matters, including baseline reporting and boarding procedures in multi-lateral maritime operations.
Joint Force Headquarters personnel attend a discussion
RBAF has played an active role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. The country’s contributions to the people of the Philippines, affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 in the form of coordinating relief aid and supplies, were delivered both by air and sea.
Further afield, JFHQ, again in May 2015 coordinated the deployment of a HADR medical team, comprising personnel of the RBAF and the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU), to Nepal after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country.
At sea, RBAF, through the services of its naval vessels, assisted the search and rescue operation for the missing flight MH370 in March 2014.
They were among the 80 units involved in the international search and rescue (SAR) mission.
The JFHQ is suited within the current RBAF force structure to be the nerve centre for military planning and operations.
Since its formation in 2007, it has played that vital role of coordinating the effective use of delivering RBAF’s capabilities.
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