His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (ABDB) made a working visit to the Training Institute Royal Brunei Armed Forces (IL ABDB) yesterday morning at the Penanjong Garrison.

Upon arrival, HRH was greeted by Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Deputy Minister of Defence (MoD), and Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Also present to welcome HRH were Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Permanent Secretary I at MoD, Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Majid bin Mangarshah, Permanent Secretary II at MoD and Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Colonel Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commandant of IL ABDB.

HRH Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah inspected the Royal Guard before hearing a briefing on the functions of the training institution by the Commandant of IL ABDB.

Before starting the visit, HRH witnessed the IL ABDB Orientation Project at the dais, which was followed by a group photo session at the office for armed forces (markas) with senior officers at the training institute.

Cawangan Latihan Kerani and Cawangan Latihan Semboyan Kompeni Kursus were visited first by HRH Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah to take a closer look at the training undertaken to upgrade fields and ranks for armed forces personnel.

HRH Prince General was later taken to the Evolution Centre followed by a visit to the Recruit Company. The Recruit Company is responsible for basic military training for male and female recruits before they serve as trained soldiers in the RBAF. Among the basic military training are drills, shooting skills, physical training, basic signal skills, map reading and first aid training.

Prior to ending the visit, HRH Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah went to the Penanjong Garrison's Blue Tower where HRH observed military training such as abseiling and rock climbing. HRH also signed the royal parchment and received a 'pesambah'.

The visit to IL ABDB was the second by HRH Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the first being in 2004 when the institute was named ABDB Training Centre. The visit was to provide HRH a closer look at the roles and responsibilities of branches/companies that HRH has not previously visited. - Borneo Bulletin (5th May 2009)