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THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES
Air Support Command and Far East Air Forces transport aircraft in and out of RAF Kai Tak increased considerably compared with previous years.
With a more tranquil situation in the Colony during 1968, there have been fewer calls on the Services for direct support of the Police in active operations. The Armed Forces have, however, remained in a high state of readiness, and have had many commit- ments in ensuring stable conditions on the border, and in patrolling the more remote areas of the Colony.
In these ways, and in joint exercises, the close co-operation between the Government, the Police and the Armed Forces, which was so effective in the 1967 operations, has been maintained.
The more peaceful situation which existed in 1968 also enabled all three Services to make a much larger contribution to providing assistance of all types to the local community, varying from numerous recreational activities to providing isolated villages with their first electric light.
LOCAL AUXILIARY DEFENCE SERVICES
The local auxiliary defence services, the Royal Hong Kong Defence Force and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police (dealt with in Chapter 10) have a total strength of about 3,600 volunteers. These Services are administered by the Government, and are financed by funds allocated by the Legislative Council. The Royal Hong Kong Defence Force consists of the Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force.
The Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) has a strength of about 600. It is a light reconnaissance regiment and comprises a headquarters squadron, four reconnaissance squadrons (three equipped with landrovers, and one with scout cars) and a Home Guard company. The regiment is fully mobile, and its role is to operate in support of regular Army units, making use wherever possible of its members' detailed knowledge of terrain and people.
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force has a strength of 85 volunteer members and operates two Alouette helicopters and four Auster aircraft. The Force maintains flying operations on a six-day basis. The main functions are internal security, search and
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