THE ARMED SERVICES
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The Garrison's Role
Despite its reduced size, the principal role of the garrison continues to be to provide a tangible demonstration of the United Kingdom's sovereignty and commitment to Hong Kong until 1997, in this way contributing to security, stability and prosperity in the territory. In order to meet this role, the remaining forces in the garrison retain a balanced and flexible capability to assist the Hong Kong Government, if and where necessary, in a number of tasks. These include assistance in the maintenance of stability, security and confidence within the territory; maintenance of the territorial integrity of Hong Kong's boundaries; support to Royal Hong Kong Police operations; disaster and emergency relief; and contributing to regional security.
The 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. In August, Major General Sir John Foley was succeeded by Major General Bryan Dutton.
The Garrison
The garrison numbers about 3 250 men and women, comprising both military and civilian staff.
Headquarters British Forces is located at the Prince of Wales Barracks, formerly the site of HMS Tamar, in Central.
The Royal Navy, from its new headquarters at HMS Tamar on Stonecutters Island, remained active during the year in operations at sea to counter smuggling and illegal immigration in support of the Royal Hong Kong Police. It was also called upon in its search and rescue role when maritime disasters struck civilian shipping. The three Royal Navy patrol craft presently in Hong Kong will remain until 1997.
The Army comprises the largest element of the garrison and, as such, has seen the greatest decline in numbers as preparations for withdrawal continue and its functions are transferred to civil agencies. From three infantry battalions in 1994 (one United Kingdom battalion and two Gurkha battalions), supported by Gurkha engineer, signals and transport regiments, only one battalion — 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles remains. A single infantry battalion will be based in Hong Kong until June 1997. The strength of logistic and other supporting units has been reduced to reflect the decline in frontline troops. The Queen's Own Gurkha Transport Regiment, the Queen's Gurkha Signals and the Queen's Gurkha Engineers have each been reduced to a single squadron.
The Royal Air Force is based at Sek Kong in the New Territories, where it operates a squadron of Wessex helicopters. These will also remain until 1997.
Training and Operations
As the garrison is unique in its tri-national (British, Gurkha and Chinese) makeup, so it is also in its ability to use its blend of troops and skills in a wide range of training and operations. This involves a busy programme throughout the year, with combined exercises involving the three services and the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers).
Exercises are held in Hong Kong in locations like Lantau Island and the New Territories, but the territory lacks suitable areas for realistic training with some of the weaponry with