HISTORY
The Gurkha Security Unit (Re-named duirng celebratoin of Golden Jublee in 2025) is an elite security force in Brunei, formed to provide premier protection for the Sultan, the royal family, key government installations, and the citizens of Brunei. Established on 25 February 1974, the GSU is composed of highly trained former soldiers from the British Army, the Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force (GCSPF), the Nepal Army, and the Indian Army (Nepalese soldier from the Gorkha Regiment). Commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the GSU is organized into a Headquarters, a Guard Unit, a Support Unit and a K-9 Unit. Known for its discipline, loyalty, and professionalism, the GSU has grown into a central pillar of Brunei’s security framework over the past fifty years.
15 SG Mohan Sing Gurung.
In uniform during his hey-days, at Place of Detention, Jerudong.
Gurkha soldiers were present in Brunei prior to the formal establishment of the GRU. As early as March 1968, reports indicate that ex-Gurkhas were employed at Istana Edinburgh, the residence of the Sultan, to provide security and support. The first official documentation of Gurkhas employed as security personnel dates back to 1 April 1970. On 25 February 1974, Security Guard (SG) 15 Mohansing Gurung, an Ex-serviceman from the GCSPF, was recruited as a security guard in Brunei, and this date is celebrated as the GRU’s foundation day. Over the following months, 27 additional Gurkhas, primarily former British Army personnel, were recruited to guard key sites, including Istana Edinburgh and Brunei’s Prisons Department.
In October 1980, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ’Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam approved a significant change: renaming the “Gurkha Security Guard” to the “Gurkha Reserve Unit” (Pasokan Simpanan Gurkha). In November, policies were implemented that would shape the GRU’s structure, duties, and administration for years to come. These policies included the establishment of the GRU’s legal standing, formalized ranks, dress code, and badge, along with recruitment procedures for officers and medical personnel, including doctors and midwives. Additionally, a Nepalese Agent was appointed in Kathmandu to support recruitment and other administrative processes related to Gurkha personnel.
The newly approved cap badge, crest and shoulder title.
In May 1981, the Gurkha Reserve Unit Act was incorporated into Brunei’s legal code, formally recognizing the GRU as part of Brunei’s security forces. This inclusion underscored the GRU’s integral role in Brunei’s national security
framework. Later that year, a kindergarten for Gurkha children was opened at Istana Edinburgh Lines, staffed by seven Nepalese teachers to provide quality education within the Gurkha community.
His Majesty Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, the 28th Sultan of Brunei and His Majesty King Birendra Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal during the visit to Brunei in August 1985.
By March 1983, GRU personnel and their families relocated from the Prisons Department to Sungai Akar Camp and Istana Edinburgh, respectively, establishing a dedicated base for the Unit. The GRU’s standing within Brunei and its relationship with Nepal was further strengthened when King Birendra of Nepal visited Brunei in August 1985, meeting with His Majesty Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and paying a visit to the GRU.
In 1986, the GRU’s mandate was revised to incorporate two roles: a primary role as a security guard force and a secondary role to support both the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Brunei Police. However, by 26 March 1997, the GRU’s duties reverted solely to guarding, allowing it to focus exclusively on its primary security responsibilities.
Passing out Parade for new dogs September 1994
On 20 July 1998, the GRU underwent an important administrative change when personnel administration was transferred from the Establishment Department to the Directorate of Personnel and Administration at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). This move integrated the GRU more closely with Brunei’s formal defense institutions, streamlining its administrative functions
A significant milestone in the GRU’s history was reached in 1999, when it celebrated its 25th anniversary, or Silver Jubilee. On 25 February, a commemorative parade was held, attended by Permanent Secretary, MINDEF, Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Mohd Alimin bin Abdul Wahab. Later that evening, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu‘izzaddin Waddaulah, The Crown Prince and his brothers attended the GRU Silver Jubilee Variety Show at Sungai Akar Camp, demonstrating the royal family’s support and appreciation for the GRU’s service.
YM Permanent Secretary (PGA) MINDEF
flanked by YDM Commandant, Ex Comdt
Col MGD Henderson.
HRH Crown Prince gracing GRU Cultural Show
Silver Jublee Parade – 25th February 1999
In 2004, a major change in recruitment dynamics occurred when the UK government granted former British Army Gurkhas “the right of abode” (permanent residency). This policy led to an exodus of Gurkhas from the GRU, as many former soldiers moved to the United Kingdom. To address the resulting personnel shortages, the GRU initiated the recruitment of Local Other Ranks (LORs) between 8 June 2007 and 20 April 2009. However, the recruitment of locals was eventually phased out, and in September 2008, recruitment of ex-GCSPF personnel resumed.
In 2012, the GRU broadened its recruitment criteria to include former members of the Indian Army and the Nepal Army. This expansion enabled the GRU to maintain a robust and experienced workforce despite changing conditions. By drawing from a wider pool of Gurkha soldiers, including veterans from the British Army, GCSPF, and national armies of Nepal and India, the GRU adapted its recruitment strategy to secure skilled personnel.
On 25 February 2024, Gurkha Reserve Unit celebrated 50 years of honorable service (50th anniversary) to the Sultan of Brunei. Renamed of Gurkha Reserve Unit to Gurkha Security Unit.
On 28 November 2024, Gurkha Reserve Unit celebrated Golden Jubilee, marking of 50 years of service with the government of Negara Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were present during the celebration and delivered his Titah. During the Titah, the His Majesty consented to rename the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) as Gurkha Security Unit (GSU) or Pasukan Security Gurkha.
