The Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan is a part of the Royal Bhutan Army but independent as it is under the personal command of the King of Bhutan and is in charge of the security of the King of Bhutan (currently Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck) and other members of the Royal Family. The strength of the force is more than one thousand soldiers but it is the most elite unit of the armed forces of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The commandant is Major General Dhendup Tshering (one of the senior most military officers having served in the army for more than 36 years).