Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan

Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan
Flag of Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan
Country	Bhutan
Type	Royal guard
Part of	Royal Bhutan Army
Engagements	Insurgency in Northeast India Operation All Clear
Commanders
Current commander	Brigadier General Pem Dorji
Notable commanders	Major General Dhendup Tshering Brigadier Thinley Tobgyel

The Royal Bodyguard (RBG) of Bhutan is the royal guard of the Kingdom of Bhutan and a part of the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), which specializes in anti-irregular military, clandestine and covert operations, commando-style raids, countering sudden attacks, counterintelligence to prevent assassination of royal family members or royal palace sabotage, counterterrorism and hostage rescue missions, irregular warfare, mountain warfare, special operations, and protection of important or high-ranking personnel. ^{[1] [2]}

It is independently under the personal command of the King of Bhutan (as of 2025, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck). The commandant is Brigadier Pem Dorji.

History

The first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, with his bodyguards at Trongsa Dzong, 1905.

Under the personal command of the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan allegedly saw action in 2003 during brief clashes with militants belonging to the United Liberation Front of Asom camped in Bhutan. The guards suffered few casualties and would participate in a campaign to expel ULFA and other Assamese separatist groups from the South of Bhutan in late 2003.^{[ citation needed ]}

Training

RBG soldiers are trained at the Lo Dzong Military School. ^[3]

References

1. Singh, Colonel Harjeet (2008-01-01). South Asia Defence And Strategic Year Book. Pentagon Press. p. 166. ISBN   9788182743205.
2. Agency, Central Intelligence (2007-08-01). The World Factbook 2007. Government Printing Office. p. 72. ISBN   9780160785801.
3. https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/travel/2023/Jan/28/atop-my-happy-place-2541685.html