Origins (1363/68-1408)

In the 1300s the Chinese annals, Nanhai zhi, reported that Brunei invaded or administered Sarawak and Sabah as well as the Philippine kingdoms of: Butuan, Sulu, Ma-i (Mindoro), Malilu (present-day Manila), Shahuchong (present-day Siocon or Zamboanga), Yachen (Oton, once part of the Madja-as Kedatuan), and Wenduling (present-day Mindanao),^[2] which would regain their independence at a later date.^[3] It eventually evolved to be called Pon-i and it was a vassal-state to the Javanese-centered Majapahit Empire.^[4]

Independent period (1408–1888)

After the Bruneian Sultanate declared independence from Majapahit Empire in 1408, the Sultan, Sulaiman of Brunei re-established the Bruneian Sultanate's military, its unclear what did they used but it is suspected that officers who bears the royal regalia of the Sultan of Brunei such as the Panglima Asgar, Perwira Asgar and the Hulubalang Asgar carried the royal weapons of a kalasak (shield) and a kampilan (sword).^[5]

A 15th-century Chinese shipwreck^[6] containing hand cannons was found near Brunei during Bolkiah's reign, Bolkiah paid 40 Javanese blacksmiths to teach metal casting in Brunei, possibly introducing cannon casting. Since Bolkiah was the first Bruneian sultan to have used cannon,those 40 Javanese introduced cannon technology to Brunei.^[7]

Royal boat of Brunei, armed with swivel guns.

In 1521, Antonio Pigafetta reported Brunei's military had a fleet of more than 100 boats (ships) which were involved in an attack with a faction in the south.^[8]

The Bruneian Military prior to the Castilian War of 1578, was still had a strong army and navy. But despite this, they lost two battles against the Spaniards , but regain their strength after the Spanish force occupying the capital greatly weakened by an outbreak of cholera and dysentery.^[9][10] Before the Spanish retreated, the Spanish burned and destroyed the city's mosque. After just 72 days, the Spanish would later returned to Manila on 26 June.

In 26 June 1578 (the same day as the Spanish retreat to Manila) the Bruneian Forces under Bendahara Sakam fought against Bruneian Defectors who defected to Spain under Pengiran Seri Ratna. The Bruneian Forces under Bendahara Sakam would win the Battle of Muara and kill Pengiran Seri Ratna (during the battle).

In 1660 the Bruneian Civil War would start and again spilt into two forces. Abdul Hakkul Mubin and Muhyiddin. During the civil war, Muhyiddin was concerned that the civil war was dragging on for too long and asked the help of the Sultan of Sulu to send for his forces. He reportedly promised the land of eastern Sabah as a reward for the latter's assistance.^[11] During the civil war, Abdul Hakkul Mubin fled to Kinarut (in present-day Papar, Sabah, Malaysia) where, he stayed there for ten years, repelling repeated attacks by Sultan Muhyiddin.^[12] They returned to Brunei after a final attack by Muhyiddin's forces in which they failed to defeat Abdul Hakkul Mubin.^[13] It also noted that Muhyiddin finally defeated Abdul Hakkul Mubin in Cermin Island, by of the purchasing of gunpowder.^[14] Which came from Jambi Sultanate.

The Sulu army was supposed to help Muhyiddin forces in Cermin Island, but when they arrived the Sulu army in their ships arrived just to watch Muhyiddin forces fight Abdul Hakkul Mubin forces instead of helping the Muhyiddin forces, they landed after the battle to take war booty and to enslaved prisoners. This would infuriated Muhyiddin, who ordered the Sulu army to leave without giving eastern Sabah to them. Brunei denied giving eastern Sabah to the Sulu Sultanate. As there is no written evidence of the transfer.^[15] And the civil war ended in 1673.

In 18th to 19th century, the Bruneian Military was in bad shape and later disbanded by the last sultan after signing the Treaty of Protection^[16] and then became a regiment of the British in 1961.^[1]

Regiment period (1961–1984)

The Royal Brunei Malay Regiment in 1967

In 1961, The Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was formed, when the first intake of 60 recruits began training. The formal foundation of the regiment occurred in June 1962 when men of the first three intakes were formed into the regimental headquarters and three rifle companies.^[17] In 1965, the regiment received the royal prefix, becoming the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. Initially stationed at Port Dickson in Malaya, the regiment was soon moved to a purpose built barracks in Brunei itself. The Royal Brunei Malay Regiment established two new units, the Boat Section and the Air Service in 1965 to increase its capabilities further. These two units, together with the infantry, were amalgamated into a single task force in 1966.^[18]

In 1972, the regiment's structure was changed, with the infantry, aviation and naval sections split into separate units once again. The infantry companies became the 1st Battalion, Royal Brunei Malay Regiment, with a total of five rifle companies. Three years later, the 2nd Battalion, Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was formed by deamalgamating B and E Companies of the 1st Battalion.^[18]

In 1984, Brunei achieved full independence from the United Kingdom. At that time, the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was renamed as the Royal Brunei Land Forces, part of the wider Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Royal Guard

The Sultan had about 1,000 royal guards, obligated to protect the capital of Kota Batu and later Kampong Ayer, armed with possible hand cannons (During Sultan Bolkiah reign)^[6] and later a type of matchlock musket from Jambi Sultanate (During Muhyiddin reign).^[14] It's unknown what they would've worn but probably Baju Rantai or Baju Lamina armor combined with normal Malay Clothing.