Page 62 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI & 2ND BATTALION ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES
ASultanate kingdom that lies within Borneo island is a unique posting of its kind in the heart of South-East Asia that offers plenty of extreme sun as well as heavy downpours of rain. Brunei is strategically an important foothold to influence British interest in the region with the presence of 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles, Jungle Warfare Division, 7 Flight and Garrison Support Troops.
Having arrived here in July 2019 and after the outbreak of a global pandemic, the initial response was chaotic but soon the country became successful in controlling the situation. Since the summer, the Brunei government implemented the de-escalation phase to normality with some control measures that enabled military training, courses and life in general. One of the biggest impacts of pandemic has been the delay of the Unit move between two Royal Gurkha Rifles initially planned for summer 2020 but now planned for the summer 2022.
Champion Coy Swim Event
Endurance PT
2020 has been a busy year for 2 RGR with a team deployed to Mali for 6 months during summer 2020, providing continuous support to JWD courses throughout the year, conducting Ex- Khukuri Defender in November 2020, Junior Leadership Cadre and the Champion Company Trophy.
Extreme hot and humid conditions are part of routine business. WBGT and acclimatisation PT are my best friends. Daily average temperature of 27 degrees isn’t always fun to play with when heat illness is under greater scrutiny. However, the revised JSP 375 Vol1 Ch 41 is a godsend as it is practical and provides greater flexibility for me and the CoC to make decisions.
I was fortunate to lead a badminton team to Singapore in January 2020. A team of 8 players shared plenty of competitive matches during a weeklong tournament against Gurkha Singapore Police Force. There has never been sporting shortcomings as BFB & 2 RGR Cricket team toured India in March 2020, however overseas sport opportunities have ceased ever since the pandemic hit.
Looking ahead, the unit has planned numerous exercises in and out of country for the rest of the year. As everywhere and everybody else, much will depend on how the current situation plays out yet, I remain optimistic for better days ahead.
I am a RAPTCI, ‘Get me out of here’
JLC candidates after Beach PT
SSgt (SSI) B Gurung RAPTC