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THE ARMED SERVICES
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THE Armed Services in Hong Kong are a unique blend in that the garrison is both tri-national and tri-service. The tri-national element comprises Gurkhas from Nepal, who make up nearly half the garrison strength; locally-recruited Hong Kong Chinese; and service personnel from the United Kingdom. In addition, Hong Kong has its own locally-raised regiment of part-time soldiers - the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers).
The tri-service element is provided by the mix of Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air -Force personnel and the picture is completed by the civilian work force, predominantly locally-recruited Hong Kong Chinese, which supports the uniformed services. All these elements combine to produce the garrison's unique identity.
Garrison's Role
The role of the garrison is to provide a tangible demonstration of the United Kingdom's sovereignty and commitment to Hong Kong until 1997, and thus to contribute to security, stability and prosperity in the territory. This role has remained unaltered for many years.
In order to meet this role the garrison must retain a balanced and flexible capability to assist the Hong Kong Government, if and when necessary, in a number of tasks. These include: assistance in the maintenance of stability, security and confidence within the territory; maintenance of territorial integrity of Hong Kong's sea, land and air boundaries; support to Royal Hong Kong Police operations; disaster and emergency relief; and contribution to regional security.
Commander British Forces
The Commander British Forces, with the rank of major-general, is in overall command of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force elements based in Hong Kong.
The Garrison
The garrison numbers about 9 800 men and women, comprising 7 500 military and some 2 300 civilian support staff.
The Royal Navy has its headquarters in HMS Tamar in Central, but is due to move to a new base on Stonecutters Island in mid 1993 to allow the redevelopment of the east Tamar site.