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Royal Bhutan Army

Last modified: 2014-11-29 by ian macdonald
Keywords: bhutan |
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Here is a list of the flags of the Bhutanese army I discovered after seeing a photograph of the coronation of the king of Bhutan in 2008. The army has nine wings or regiments, each of them having a particular flag, plus two other flags for the army headquarters and the military training center. The RBA website explains the meaning of each flag. I will describe each flag then quote the RBA. The flags have been uploaded in the files section.
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

See also:

Army Headquarters

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, Miles Li, and Zoltan Horvath, 21 September 2014, 19, 20 October 2014

A horizontal tricolour (white, black, red) with the national flag in the canton. Near the fly there is a ritual chopper proper with red fire above it.
"The top white represents the protective bond between the war God, Dralha Karpo and the Army. The centre black portion represents the consolidated strength of the fiery and powerful deity Yeshey Goempo extending his patronage to the Army. The red signifies the prestigious position of the Army. The insignia represents the weapon wielded by the deity Yeshey Goempo to destroy and subjugate the enemy. The National flag inset signifies the over-lordship of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo embracing the army as does his supremacy over all spheres of national life."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing I

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A horizontal bicolour (orange and a dark-red shade) with two white elephant tusks in a black inescutcheon.
"The matchless strength and vigour of the Elephant is denoted by the two white tusks in this flag on a background of orange and maroon."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing II

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

 A horizontal bicolour (yellow, maroon) with a garuda head in a blue inescutcheon.
"The flag has the mythical bird Jachung (Garuda) which is considered the most powerful and invincible of the species. It is on a background of yellow and maroon."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing V

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A horizontal bicolour (black, yellow) with a crown of Bhutan (not the one used nowadays) in a dark green inescutcheon.
"The flag has the Raven, Jarog Dhong Chen. The bird represents a form of Mahakala, Bhutan's principal guardian deity. The Raven Crown is the official crown worn by the Kings of Bhutan. The Raven is also the national bird of Bhutan."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing VII

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A horizontal bicolour (red, blue) with a black ritual dagger in an orange inescutcheon.
"The sharp-pointed spear on a background of Red and Blue represents the weapon wielded by the divine God of protection Lhayoel Phurpa who is the patron deity of the Army."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing VIII

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A yellow double-vajra on a red field
"The red colour signifies the importance of the Wing and the state of ever readiness to sacrifice in the line of duty. The crossed thunderbolt signifies permanent unity and harmony within the wing for the protection of peace and sovereignty of the nation."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing IX

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A horizontal tricolour (white, dark blue, orange), the blue strip being larger with a white conch in the middle, and a square with the national colours in the upper hoist.
"The Dungkar, white conch, which has long been used as a battle horn symbolises the professionalism, alertness and the state of readiness of the wing. The National colours inset signifies the over-lordship of His Majesty the Druk Gyalpo. The white, deep blue and orange background depict purity of thought and action, infinity of dedication to the Tsa-Wa-Sum and authority on professionalism."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing X

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

 A swirl of joy (or gankhyil) on a lotus, on a green field.
"The green background signifies the nature, the gem signifies the Army, the lotus purity in body, speech and mind in the service of Tsa-Wa-Sum and the blazing flames signify power, courage and bravery."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing XI

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A diagonal bicolour (red, blue) shows a white helmet with yellow flaps and two white crossed swords behind it, and a yellow scroll under the whole, bearing the number XI.
"Number Eleven (XI) being an auspicious number Shokey of the guardian deity Gyenyen Jagpa Melen, hence, the wing submits itself to great deity Gyenyen for its protection, well-being and accomplishment. The helmet signifies protection and the sword signifies the striking power granted by the Gyenyen. Blue and Red represent the infinite power of Goem Chamdrol Sum."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Wing XII

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A horizontal bicolour (yellow, orange) with a white elephant head rising its trunk and the number XII number.
"The background yellow and orange are the national colours. The elephant is worshipped as a god of might and power. The elephant is also the base of the pyramid in the Buddhist mythical four harmonious friends Thuenpa Puenzhi. The wing was also raised at Gelephu formerly known as Hathisar."
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Military Training Centre

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

A horizontal bicolour (blue, red) with a yellow vajra in a dark red inescutcheon.
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Royal Bodyguards (possible flag)

[Bhutan army flag] image by Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

This unidentified flag appeared during the same coronation ceremonies. I wonder if it could belong to the Royal Bodyguards who protect the king but I am not sure. It is a diagonal bicolour (yellow, red) with a green wheel with white spokes.
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014

Sources

http://www.bhutantour.bt/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/coronation-at-changlimithang-stadium.jpg
http://www.bhutan-research.org/the-kings-speeches/coronation-address-to-the-nation-7-november-2008
http://www.rba.bt/organization
http://www.rba.bt/flag
http://www.rba.bt/images/org.png
https://d2wvyzrb6llnwb.cloudfront.net/article_images/large/711401_com_p1010283co.jpg
Corentin Chamboredon, 21 September 2014