THE ARMED SERVICES AND AUXILIARY SERVICES
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The primary task of the British Armed Forces in Hong Kong remains, however, to be ready at all times to give instant support to the Hong Kong Government and the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, should this be necessary. Therefore, the Services have maintained a high standard of training and alertness and jointly with the New Territories Administration and the police, have steadily improved the arrangements for the security of the border and other critical areas of Hong Kong and its waters.
Local Auxiliary Defence Services
In addition to the regular forces, Hong Kong has two auxiliary defence units, the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) and the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. These are administered by the Hong Kong Government but would come under the Commander British Forces and the appropriate Service commanders, if called out.
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The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) numbers more than 700 volunteers and about 40 permanent staff. It is a light reconnaissance regiment com- prising five reconnaissance squadrons, a headquarters squadron and a home guard squadron. There is also a junior leaders' squadron of 135 boys. The regiment is based on Hong Kong Island, with a squadron in Kowloon.
The regiment operates in support of the British Armed Forces stationed in Hong Kong in both an internal security and a reconnaissance role. Its equipment, role and organisation are constantly under review to keep the regiment in line with modern British Army training.
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The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, which this year celebrated its 25th anniversary, is based at Royal Air Force Kai Tak alongside Hong Kong International Airport. It has an establishment of 111 volunteers supported by more than 50 per- manent staff. With a fleet of five aircraft, a twin-engined Britten-Norman Islander, one Beechcraft Musketeer and three Alouette Mark III helicopters, its main role is internal security.
The unit gives intensive training to volunteers at weekends and in the evenings to enable them to undertake full-time duties in an emergency. During the year more than 110 casualty evacuation flights were carried out. In addition, together with the Medical and Health Department, the unit provides a flying doctor service to outlying districts every Saturday. The search and rescue and aerial survey capabilities of the unit continue to expand.
Essential Services Corps
The Essential Services Corps comprises four autonomous services-units of the Essential Services Corps, the Civil Aid Services, the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Auxiliary Fire Services.
The 70 units in the corps can be mobilised at times of civil disorder to help maintain public utilities and other essential services if the security of Hong Kong, or the welfare of the population, is endangered. About half of the 11,400 corps personnel come from government departments and the rest from commercial organisations.