| Wani Roslan |
THE 161st intake of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) with 171 male recruits marched into the parade grounds of the Training Institute of the RBAF to mark the end of their 31-week Basic Military Training.
The passing out parade was held yesterday morning at the Penanjong Garrison.
The guest of honour, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad inspected the parade, delivered a speech and presented awards to the instructors and recruits who performed and achieved excellent results during the course of the training.
The Best Platoon Sergeant was awarded to 17305 Sergeant Noorsalehan bin Ali Safari while the Best Male Instructor was awarded to 19097 Corporal Basyir bin Haji Bidin.
52500 Recruit Mohd Nasiruddin bin Ali Hassan won the Best Overall Recruit, 52493 Recruit Zahi Zaidan bin Haji Sabli won the Best Light Weapon Operator, 52344 Recruit Mohd Abdul Hakim bin Karim received the Best in Physical Training award and 52483 Recruit Mohd Daniel bin Abdullah Muhsin won the Best Military Skills.
The guest of honour said through the collaboration between the RBAF and Ministry of Defence, the ‘Whole of Nation’ approach will continue to create an environment with conducive platform, security and harmony where the initiatives of both agencies can be implemented effectively and organised.
“With well-trained, efficient and professional personnel – with other agencies under the Ministry of Communications such as Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department, Land Transport Department, Department of Civil Aviation and Maritime and Ports Authority, this will further ensure the RBAF can fulfil its responsibilities in preserving the prosperity of the nation,” he said.
He added that the effort will make it convenient to face current challenges in ensuring the nation to be protected from undesirable elements that can weaken and destroy the nation’s peace and prosperity.
The permanent secretary also congratulated the recruits as well as the parents and families.
Also in attendance were Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, service commanders and acting service commanders, joint force commander, senior officers, officers and other ranks of the RBAF as well as family members and relatives of the recruits.