Malaysian Special Forces Selection

The Special Forces Selection is the recruitment, selection, and training process for candidates of the Special forces units in Malaysia. This selection process is not limited only to the special forces of the Malaysian Armed Forces but also includes the Royal Malaysian Police, the Malaysian Coast Guard, and the Johor Military Forces, which is a private army of the state of Johor. Currently, there are four training centres, also known as commando schools, and one non-commando school in Malaysia that conduct special forces selection.

In contrast to the United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, which originally had separate selections before being merged in the late 1990s, the Malaysian Armed Forces Special Forces Selection started as one before the Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force initiated their own special forces selection processes in the mid-1980s.

The Malaysian Army, which has the largest special forces among other service branches, conducts the selection process three times a year.

The Malaysian Special Forces Selection typically involves two courses before candidates graduate from the selection and are awarded the beret according to their units and a combat knife. Depending on their commando school, graduates may also be awarded a special forces lanyard and insignia.

History

Origin: Special Operations Executive

Years prior to the independence of Malaya from the United Kingdom in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963, during World War II, the region now known as Malaysia witnessed the introduction of modern special forces. Force 136, the Far East branch of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), established a forward operating base in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Citizens from various regions, including British Malaya, the Raj of Sarawak, North Borneo, and Southern Siam, such as Chin Phui Kong, Ibrahim Ismail, and Tunku Osman, underwent special forces training at the British Commando School under SOE.

The principles and expertise acquired during that training period continue to influence and shape the development of special forces in Malaysia today.

Pre-independence

Following the conclusion of World War II, Malaya and Borneo found themselves embroiled in a new conflict against communism. The Malayan Emergency, which commenced in 1948, posed a challenge for the Malayan British Military Administration (BMA) due to the guerrilla tactics employed by the enemy, who had received training from Force 136 during World War II. The existing military and police forces in Malaya, being versed in conventional warfare, struggled to make headway against the communist armed forces.

To address this issue, the BMA formed a unit known as the Ferret Force, comprising former Force 136 agents and local volunteers from the military and police forces. Colonel John Davis led this unit. As the situation continued to deteriorate, General Sir John Harding, the commander-in-chief of the Far East Land Forces, enlisted the expertise of Major Mike "Mad Mike" Calvert. Major Calvert, a former ''Chindits'' and Force 136 agent with experience in Burma, was tasked with assessing the situation in Malaya.

In 1950, Major Calvert established a special forces unit called the Malayan Scouts. Subsequently, Ferret Force was reorganised and became A Squadron, Malayan Scouts. The Malayan Scouts underwent another transformation in 1958 when they were renamed the 22 Special Air Service.

Malaysian Special Service Unit

The Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation began in 1963 when Indonesia, then under a pro-communist government, attacked Malaysia. At that time, Malaysia, having recently formed, had a small military force and relied on military assistance from the Commonwealth Nations. In early 1965, Abdul Razak Hussein, the Minister of Defence at the time, instructed the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to establish an experimental special forces unit by recruiting members from various branches within the MAF. General Tunku Osman, the Chief of Defence Forces at that time and a former Force 136 agent, desired that the task force be trained as commandos, similar to his own experiences during World War II. Seeking assistance, the Malaysian Armed Forces approached 40 Commando, based in Singapore at the time, to conduct the selection process and provide training for the task force. Initially named the Malaysian Special Service Unit, it later became known as '' Gerak Khas'' in Malay.

Police's special operations task force

The Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation officially ended in 1966, but Malaysia faced a second communist armed conflict that began in 1968. On 13 May 1969, racial riots erupted in major cities in Malaysia, resulting in several casualties. In response to the incident's racial tensions, the Special Branch, the police intelligence unit, collaborated with the Malaysian Special Service Unit to apprehend leaders of gangsters and triads who played a role behind the scenes.

Recognising the need for special forces within the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), the RMP established a special forces task force in 1969, with the first selection process taking place in October of that year. The task force went by various names, such as ''Task Force'', ''Charlie Force'', and ''Special Project Team''. Over time, the task force evolved into a permanent police unit and officially adopted the name ''Pasukan Polis Hutan 69'', translated as Police Field Force 69, or Jungle Squad 69 in English. It was placed under the Police Field Force, now known as the General Operations Force. Presently, the squad is known as 69 Commando, or VAT 69 for short.

Malaysian SWAT

In response to the growing presence of communism, the emergence of gangster groups, and triads in major cities, especially Kuala Lumpur, during the 1970s, the RMP establishing a police tactical unit on 1 January 1975. This unit, named the Special Actions Unit, underwent specialised training to carry out counterterrorism operations, covert missions, and to serve as an assault team for the RMP in urban areas. To enhance their capabilities, counterterrorism instructors from the 22 Special Air Service were brought to Malaysia to train the Special Actions Unit in counterterrorism tactics, building raids, and sniper operations. On 20 October 1997, the RMP amalgamated the VAT 69 Commando and the Special Actions Unit, establishing a unified special operations command. Consequently, these two units are recognised as the true special forces within the RMP.

Special Warfare Training Centre

Due to the ongoing armed conflict with communists, which showed no signs of near resolution, and with the aim of saving costs associated with sending military personnel overseas for special operations training, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) established the Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC) on 1 August 1976, at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca. The training centre was placed under the management of the Malaysian Army. During this period, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) still lacked their own special forces. Officers, sailors, or airmen from these branches could volunteer for ''Gerak Khas'' selection to become a special forces soldier, commonly referred to today as an 'operator'. Even after the RMN and RMAF established their own special forces in 1977 and 1980, the SWTC remained the sole commando school conducting special forces selection for the entire MAF.

Commando schools

The term Commando School is used for training centres that offer selection courses, officially known as Basic Commando Courses (), for Special Forces in Malaysia. The term 'Commando' in Malaysia is used to signify the ability of a unit or individual trained in small unit tactics, guerrilla warfare, and jungle warfare mastery. Although in the present day, the term 'Commando' is highly associated with special forces units in Malaysia, the status of 'commando' was not exclusive to special forces in the past.

For example, during the Malayan Emergency, the British conferred the status of 'Commando' upon the Senoi Praqq, a manhunt and tracker unit that functioned as an auxiliary team for the Special Air Service, and the Sarawak Rangers, a manhunt and tracker unit embedded with the Royal Marines Commando. Likewise, in 1972, amid the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989), the Malaysian government granted the 'Commando' status to the Tiger Platoon of the 9 RAMD, a long-range reconnaissance patrol.

The four commando schools are:

Special Warfare Training Centre

The Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC), located at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca, is the oldest special operations training centre in Malaysia. Established on 1 August 1976, as the Malaysian Armed Forces Special Warfare Training Centre ( Malay: ''Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas Angkatan Tentera Malaysia''), this school operates under the administration of the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command. One of the objectives of the establishment of SWTC is to conduct Basic Commando Courses, taking over from the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment, so they can focus on functioning as a combat unit.

In the past, the Basic Commando Course at the SWTC served as the primary special forces selection for all branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces. However, in 1985, the Royal Malaysian Navy initiated its own Special Forces Selection at Lumut Naval Base, leading to SWTC undergoing a transformation and changing its name to the Malaysian Army Special Warfare Training Centre.

RMAF Combat Training School

Established on 1 March 2018, the RMAF Combat Training School, or ''Sekolah Latihan Tempur TUDM'' in Malay, is located at RMAF Bukit Ibam Air Base in Pahang. Operating under the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the school has offered the Basic Commando Course since its inception. Before the school's establishment, the RMAF conducted its own Basic Commando Course since the late 1993 at various locations, including the Air Force Academy, RMAF Jugra Air Base in Selangor, and RMAF Kuantan Air Base in Pahang.

KD Panglima Garang

Established on 1 October 2021, KD ''Panglima Garang'' is a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) shore establishment located inside RMN Lumut Naval Base in Perak. Also known as the Naval Special Forces Training Centre, it boasts various facilities, including a mock oil platform for Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) training. Despite the recent establishment of the RMN's special operations training centre, RMN has conducted its own Basic Commando Course since 1985 at RMN Lumut Naval Base, sharing training facilities with other RMN units.

''Pusat Latihan Unit Komando 69 Pasukan Gerak Khas''

The ''Pusat Latihan Unit Komando 69 Pasukan Gerak Khas'' ( Training Centre for the 69 Commando Unit, Special Operations Force) is a special forces training centre that belongs to the Royal Malaysian Police, currently under construction. Situated inside the Sultan Nazrin Shah 69 Commando Camp ( VAT 69 Commando's Headquarters) at Hulu Kinta in Perak, it marks a shift from VAT 69 Commando's previous headquarters at the General Operations Force's (GOF) Northern Brigade's garrison. Since 1978, VAT 69 Commando has been conducting its Basic Commando Course at the GOF Northern Brigade in Hulu Kinta and the Commando 69 Outdoor Training Camp Headquarters () in Terong, Perak.

Other special forces training centre

Operating primarily in urban environments, the Special Actions Unit is distinct from commando units. Consequently, its special forces selection process differs from that of other special forces units in Malaysia.

Special Actions Unit Training Centre

The ''Pusat Latihan Unit Tindakhas'', or Special Actions Unit Training Centre in English, is a special forces training centre under the Royal Malaysian Police and is currently in the construction phase. It is located inside the 4th Battalion of the General Operations Force's garrison at Semenyih in Selangor. Since its formation in 1975, the Special Actions Unit has relied on various locations for its selection process, including the GOF Northern Brigade, the 6th Battalion GOF camp in Bakri, Muar, PULAPOL facilities, and Bukit Aman.

Special forces selection (Commando)

Aspiring individuals must follow this pipeline to serve in the following units, all conducted at Commando schools:

* 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG)
* Naval Special Forces (PASKAL)
* RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU)
* 69 Commando (VAT 69)
* Coast Guard Special Task and Rescue (STAR)
* 91st Intelligence Operations Group (91 IOG)
* JMF Elite Forces

Pipelines comparison

Preparatory course

This course is known by various names, including 'Warm-up for the Basic Commando Course ()', 'STAR Pre-Basic Commando Course ()', 'PASKAL Warm-up Stage ()', and several others. Regardless of its name, this four-week course aims to physically and mentally prepare candidates for upcoming phases in their special forces pipeline. It maintains a less strict atmosphere, occasionally allowing candidates permission to leave the camp on weekends.

Throughout this course, candidates are instructed on optimal techniques for physical training to minimise the risk of injuries during the basic commando course. They also receive training in swimming fundamentals, and a crucial component is the requirement to pass a physical test at the course's conclusion. Examples of the final tests include:

* Running in under 30 minutes
* Swimming in a pool within 10 minutes
* Sidestroke swimming for within 12 minutes
* Mixed-style swimming for within 12 minutes

Pre-Basic Commando Course

The objective of this two-week phase is to familiarise sailors, whether from the navy or coast guard, as well as policemen, with infantry skills, small unit tactics and jungle warfare. This is crucial because, unlike the Malaysian Army or Royal Malaysian Air Force, which recruits potential commandos from infantry and air force infantry units, the navy, coast guard, and police do not undergo similar training. For instance, naval and coast guard officers and sailors have their own distinctive naval ratings when in their original units. Similarly, policemen primarily focus on law enforcement duties in their original units. In this course, they receive a crash course on what to expect if they become special forces operators. When compared to the United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, this course is equivalent to the SAS Infantry Skills Course, which is optional only for candidates not from infantry units.

Water Competency Training

Designed specifically for special forces involved in maritime operations, this rigorous four-week programme focuses on physical conditioning and water competency testing. Similar to the requirements for U.S. Navy SEALs and SWCC candidates, successful completion is mandatory. This programme is not exclusive to special forces; candidates from other maritime specialised units, such as Navy Clearance Divers and Coast Guard Rescue Divers, also participate alongside them. In the final week, they need to pass the following tests:

* Fitness Test (Land):
** run in under 34 minutes
** 50 push-ups in 90 seconds
** 50 sit-ups under 90 seconds
** of rope climbing, and more

* Fitness Test (Water):
** of freestyle swimming in under 10 minutes
** of sidestroke swimming in under 12 minutes
** of mixed-style swimming in under 12 minutes
** dive to the pool's bottom
** of diving across the pool under one breath
** Diving from a platform

* 'Drown-proofing' Test: All with arms and legs tied
** swim across
** 15-minute float in the pool
** of diving to the pool bottom

Basic Commando Course (Military)

The Malaysian Armed Forces conduct the Basic Commando Course, known as ''Kursus Asas Komando'' in Malay, over 12 weeks, making it the most challenging course. The course runs for 12 consecutive weeks without any rest days between phases. On average, candidates get approximately 3 hours of sleep per night from the beginning to the end of the course.

Despite its name incorporating the term 'Commando', this course is comparable to the condensed version of the pre-2000 United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, which lasted 15 weeks. The term 'Commando' originates from the World War II British Commando. This course differs from the post-2003 United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, where the updated programme extends to 26 weeks after the inclusion of various special operations techniques.

40 Commando supervised the Basic Commando Course in 1965, which initially spanned 12 weeks before extending to 24 weeks, following the establishment of the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (now known as the 21st Commando Regiment) in 1970. However, in the 1980s, the course was streamlined back to its current 12-week duration. All special forces, except those from the Royal Malaysian Police, attend the course at all commando schools within the Malaysian Armed Forces.

While all courses generally follow the same curriculum and phases, the Royal Malaysian Air Force Basic Commando Course differs in its designation of phases as modules. Additionally, they separate the sea phase into the 'Sea Module' and the 'Dark Water Module'. The phases include:

Camp Phase (5 weeks)

Organised over five weeks, this phase stands as the crucial level for testing and enhancing candidates' physical and mental resilience. Candidates undergo constant physical endurance and exercise, engaging in theories and practical applications of weapon handling, explosives handling, tactics and stratagem implementation, field medical procedures, rappelling and abseiling, as well as honing map-reading skills. At the end of each week, candidates are required to undergo several series of loaded marches, with distances progressively increasing from 4.8 kilometres (3.0 mi), 8 kilometres (5.0 mi), 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi), 14 kilometres (8.7 mi), and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi).

If they fail to reach the end under the specified time limits, the instructors withdraw them from the Basic Commando Course.

Jungle Phase (2 weeks)

This two-week jungle training is a favourite among the candidates. It provides exposure to practical training and field skills, including guarding and patrolling, establishing bases, survival techniques, and small unit tactics (section/troop) combat. For instance, candidates learn about poisonous and edible plants, trap-setting, and identifying drinkable water sources from plants.

Swamp Phase and Long Range March (10 days)

During this phase, all candidates endure a challenging combat-loaded march carrying a 17 kilograms (37 lb) load, aiming to reach the target 160 kilometres (99 mi) away within three days. Those who succeed in this march proceed to spend seven days in a swampy area without access to food supplies or proper clothing. They are provided only with their underwear and rifle, and they are required to share a machete. This phase serves as a practical application of all survival lessons taught in previous phases.

Sea Phase (2 weeks)

The sea training spans two weeks, during which candidates engage in practical exercises involving small craft marine navigation, long-range silent rowing, and beach raids using rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIB), rigid raider craft, and kayaks. Upon completion of the training, they undertake a 160 kilometres (99 mi) journey along the Strait of Malacca, Straits of Malacca using rigid raider craft, conducted under the cover of night to simulate infiltration into the objective area by sea.

For the Royal Malaysian Air Force Basic Commando Course, this phase is split into two modules known as the 'Sea Module' and the 'Dark Water Module'.

Escape and Evasion Phase (2 weeks)

This phase exposes candidates to real special forces operations, requiring them to apply all they have learned and endured in the previous phases. Candidates are deployed in groups, tasked with infiltrating 100 kilometres (62 mi) into the operation area by rowing RIB. In the operation area, candidates must locate and identify the enemy and their assets before planning, organising, and launching a raid in the enemy's territory. Once they achieve their objective, they need to escape and report to several agents at designated checkpoints. They must know how to contact their agents and evade instructors acting as enemies who control that area. If caught, candidates will be tortured and abused. Captured candidates will be marked and released to continue their journey until they reach the last checkpoint. Candidates can be caught more than once. The total distance candidates cover during their escape is almost 240 kilometres (150 mi), and they must cover this distance within 5 days.

Basic Commando Course (Royal Malaysian Police)

Known as ''Kursus Asas Komando 69'' in Malay or Basic 69 Commando Course in English, this course spans 20 weeks. It is conducted twice a year and currently takes place at the General Operations Force's (GOF) Northern Brigade's garrison and the Commando 69 Outdoor Training Camp Headquarters while awaiting the completion of the ''Pusat Latihan Unit Komando 69 Pasukan Gerak Khas''.

Originally, VAT 69 candidates underwent a similar Basic Commando Course as the military, lasting for 12 weeks. However, due to a low number of police personnel passing the course, in January 2019, the then-Commander of VAT 69, SAC Abdul Razak Mohd Yusoff , aimed to adjust VAT 69's selection program. This adjustment aimed to allow for more graduates to fill the larger spots left by retired and departing commandos.

According to Abdul Razak, as mentioned in an interview with Utusan Malaysia, at that time, the lowest number of policemen graduating from the basic commando course was only 9 graduates from hundreds of initial applications, while they needed to fill around 80 spots every year left by retired and departing commandos. To address this issue, VAT 69 restructured their selection process, incorporating additional special operations skills such as small unit tactics, special operations marksmanship, and demolition techniques. As a result, their Basic Commando Course, starting in July 2019, was extended to 20 weeks. Since the adjustment to the selection process in 2019, the number of graduates from the Basic 69 Commando Course has approached 30.

The Royal Malaysian Police implemented the following new components for the Basic Commando Course:

First Phase

During the initial phase, candidates undergo training in four distinct environments. The first part takes place at the camp within the General Operations Force's (GOF) Northern Brigade's garrison. Here, candidates delve into theoretical aspects related to special operations, including map reading, infiltration, and survival techniques. Subsequently, candidates transition to the jungle environment before proceeding to the swamp area and sea.

Second Phase

In the second phase, candidates receive instruction on operating as small units. They must master jungle warfare, guerrilla warfare, weaponry, explosives, manhunt, communication, and field medical skills. Additionally, candidates learn how to create booby traps, handle explosives, and employ various demolition techniques.

Third Phase

The final phase, known as the Final Mission Execution phase, subjects candidates to comprehensive testing across all the skills and lessons acquired in the preceding phases. This phase is similar to the Escape and Evasion Phase from the Military Basic Commando Course.

Special forces selection (Special Actions Unit)

The Special Actions Unit's selection process is similar to that of other special forces in Malaysia. Candidates must undergo a preparatory course and a main selection course before being bestowed with the Bordeaux-coloured beret. Although the Special Actions Unit received training from the British Special Air Services during its establishment in 1975, it is the only Special Forces unit in Malaysia not considered to have 'Commando' status due to their focus on urban operations rather than jungle environments like other special forces.

The main selection course for the Special Actions Unit, officially known as ''Kursus Asas UTK'' in Malay and Basic Special Actions Unit Course in English, lasts for 13 weeks and is divided into three stages:

First stage

The first stage, also known as the camp phase, is conducted at the Malaysian Police Training Centre. Candidates undergo rigorous physical exercises while simultaneously learning theory about weapon handling and marksmanship, basic rope training, basic first aid, unarmed combat, and basic close-quarters combat.

Second stage

The second stage, also known as the Jungle Phase, typically takes place at the 6th Battalion of the General Operations Force's garrison located in Bakri, Johor. Candidates engage in challenging physical exercises while learning jungle survival theory before implementing the practical aspects in nearby jungles. Despite the Special Actions Unit's specialisation not being in jungle warfare, candidates must understand how to operate in jungle environments, as they may need to conduct raids on locations situated at the jungle's edge near major cities.

Third stage

In this final stage, conducted at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur, candidates undergo strenuous physical exercises while receiving extensive training on raiding and body guarding. They are taught theory on raiding cars, buildings, buses, trains, and aeroplanes in classes before executing the raid exercises at locations such as Malayan Railways' locomotive depot, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Graduation

Upon completing the Basic Commando Course or the Basic Special Actions Unit Course, candidates need to undergo one last task in front of VIPs, instructors, visitors, and the friends and family of the candidates before the graduation ceremony. The nature of the task varies depending on the commando school they attend. They then proceed to the graduation ceremony, where they will be awarded a beret based on the school they attended. Additionally, they may receive a lanyard and a combat knife. For the Coast Guard Special Task and Rescue (STAR) and JMF Elite Forces, there are two graduation ceremonies—one after completing the Basic Commando Course at any school and another after completing their Compulsory Advanced Training. Below are the final tasks they need to perform and the berets they will receive:

Compulsory advanced training

This additional course is mandatory for special forces before officially completing the selection process. Currently, only the Coast Guard Special Task and Rescue (STAR) and JMF Elite Forces have compulsory advanced training. Both of these mandatory advanced training programmes are conducted after their graduation from Commando School. For the Coast Guard STAR, the attainment of the scarlet red beret and STAR Insignia is contingent upon successfully completing this course. Similarly, for JMF Elite Forces, the completion of this training earns them the Special Operations Insignia.

Continuation training

After graduating, individuals still need to attend various special operations courses before being granted operational status. Importantly, these courses are not conducted consecutively, and graduates have resting periods between them. Depending on the availability of class slots, the fastest time to complete all courses, from the beginning of their Basic Commando Course or Basic Special Actions Unit Course until receiving operational status, is two years.

Notes

References

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Military education and training in Malaysia
Special forces of Malaysia
Special forces selection