Gerak Khas (Malaysian Army unit)

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Gerak Khas
Grup Gerak Khas
Grup Gerak Khas (GGK) Insignia.svg
GGK Insignia
Founded7 May 1965;59 years ago (1965-05-07)
CountryFlag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia
BranchFlag of the Malaysian Army.svg  Malaysian Army
Type Special forces
Size Classified
Nickname(s)'Komando' (English: Commando)
'Beret Hijau' (English: Green Beret)
Motto(s)Cepat dan Cergas
(English: Fast and Agile)
Colour of Beret  Sherwood Green
Anniversaries1 August (Anniversaries of the 21st Special Service Group)
Engagements
List
Commanders
Current
commander		 Major General Mohd Adi Ridzwan bin Abdullah

Gerak Khas (GK) (English: Special Forces, Jawi: ڬرق خاص‎), or Grup Gerak Khas, (GGK) also spelled Gerakhas, is a Malaysian Army special forces (MASF) unit that performs special operations missions such as direct action, unconventional warfare, sabotage, counter-terrorism, and intelligence gathering. [1] Gerak Khas was founded in 1965 during the Indonesia-Malaysia conflict, and they gained worldwide fame and recognition after successfully pacifying the communist insurgency in Malaysia's jungles between 1968 and 1989. [2]

Contents

The majority of Gerak Khas commandos are assigned to the 21st Special Service Group, but they are also attached to other units such as the 91st Intelligence Operations Group, Defence Special Operations Division, Special Warfare Training Centre and the Malaysian Army Ready Battalion (Malay : Batalion Siap Sedia Tentera Darat). [3] [4] [5]

History

Operatives of Gerak Khas (right) and PASKAL (left) arms with Colt M4A1 SOPMOD and Heckler & Koch G36C during the 65th Merdeka Day in Kuala Lumpur. 65th Merdeka Day 2022 Picture 14.jpg
Operatives of Gerak Khas (right) and PASKAL (left) arms with Colt M4A1 SOPMOD and Heckler & Koch G36C during the 65th Merdeka Day in Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysian Special Service Unit

Gerak Khas which was founded on 7 May 1965 as the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), is the successor to the Malayan Special Forces. [6] This unit started as a special operations task force, with all of its members receiving commando training from the Royal Marines' 40 Commando. [7]

Nucleus team

The Ministry of Defence invited volunteers from the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Navy for commando training in 1965. The 40 Commando of the Royal Marines conducted introductory training at Majidee Camp in Johor Bahru on 25 February 1965. Only 15 people were chosen from the initial 300 who volunteered to attend the six-week Basic Commando Course at the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School. Only four officers and other ranks were successful. The following men were members of the nucleus team that later became the MSSU:

  1. Major Abu Hassan Bin Abdullah (Colonel retired)
  2. Lieutenant Mohd Ramli Bin Ismail (Major General retired)
  3. Second Lieutenant Ghazali Bin Ibrahim (Major General retired)
  4. Second Lieutenant Hussin Bin Awang Senik (Colonel retired)
  5. 4861 Staff Sergeant Zakaria Bin Adas
  6. 6842 Sergeant Ariffin Bin Mohamad
  7. 300152 Sergeant Anuar Bin Talib
  8. 201128 Sergeant Yahya Bin Darus
  9. 202072 Corporal Silva Dorai
  10. 203712 Corporal Moo Kee Fah
  11. 13852 Lance Corporal Johari Bin Haji Morhd Siraj
  12. 10622 Lance Corporal Sabri Bin Ahmad
  13. 10773 Lance Corporal Muhammad Shah Izwan Bin Hanafi

Six more Basic Commando courses were held after the first batch, and the MSSU finally reached its full strength. At the time, the MSSU was stationed at Sebatang Karah Camp in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

13 May incident

The MSSU was on the verge of being disbanded by the brass after the Indonesia–Malaysia conflict officially ended in 1966. The Communist insurgency occurred in 1968, but at the time, all military units in Malaysia were trained in jungle warfare, and Malaysia was assisted by special forces from the Commonwealth of Nations for special operations. Malaysian police, in addition to the military, had their own jungle squads (now known as General Operations Force) to assist in combating communists at the time. A special operations task force did not appear to be required. [7] [8]

The 13 May incident occurred in major cities throughout Peninsular Malaysia in 1969, and the MSSU was dispatched from Sebatang Karah Camp to defend the Mindef Camp in Kuala Lumpur. MSSU also collaborated with the Royal Malaysia Police's Special Branch to apprehend leaders of gangsters and triads who contributed to the incident's racial tensions behind the scenes. As a result, the incident was short-lived, and the brass decided not to disband the MSSU. [7]

1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment

The MSSU, as a task force, was made up of commando-trained soldiers and sailors from various regiments and corps of the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysian Navy. This creates a problem because the soldiers and sailors are also responsible for their original units. On 1 August 1970, army command relocated the MSSU to Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca and established a new unit as the MSSU's successor. The regiment is known as the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment. Soldiers and sailors who wanted to serve as special forces had to resign from their original units and volunteer to join the 1 MSSR by 1973. [7] [9]

Due to expansion, the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment became the 21st Special Service Group.

Bases

Troopers of Gerak Khas using rappels during a counter-terrorism demonstration. Down into the kill house.JPG
Troopers of Gerak Khas using rappels during a counter-terrorism demonstration.

The Gerak Khas has occupied various camps since its founding. Among the camps are the following:

Only two are still under the command of the 21st Special Service Group. The camps are as follows:

Sungai Udang Camp

Sungai Udang Camp is known as the 'Home of the Commandos' and the spiritual home of the Gerak Khas. The Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas (PULPAK; 'Special Warfare Training Centre') was established here in 1975 as part of the 3rd Malaysian Plan and the expansion of the Armed Forces. Due to overcrowding at Sungai Udang Military Camp, the 22nd Commando Regiment relocated to Kuala Kubu Bharu in 1983. This camp is still occupied by two Gerak Khas regiments today.

Iskandar Camp

Troopers of Gerak Khas during a Counter-Terrorism demo. ULK 11 RGK drill.jpg
Troopers of Gerak Khas during a Counter-Terrorism demo.

The 21st Special Service Group, one of its combat regiments, and all support units have relocated to the new special operations force base in Mersing, Iskandar Camp. Iskandar Camp is located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Mersing and spans an area of 2,000 acres (8.1 km2). There are 200 buildings, 20 kilometres of roads, three bridges, a harbour, helicopter landing pads, parade squares, and other facilities. The total cost of the project was MYR 422 million. The new base was named Kem Iskandar after Johor's late Sultan, Iskandar of Johor, a staunch supporter of Gerak Khas and its former Colonel-in-Chief.

Organisations

The Gerak Khas (wearing green beret) with 10 Para Bde, PASKAL and United States Marine Corps during CARAT Malaysia 2009 in Terengganu. CARAT Malaysia 2009 (090701-N-1722M-511).jpg
The Gerak Khas (wearing green beret) with 10 Para Bde, PASKAL and United States Marine Corps during CARAT Malaysia 2009 in Terengganu.

21st Special Service Group

The great majority of Gerak Khas commandos are members of the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG). The Malaysian Army's 21 SSG is a brigade-sized independent special operations unit that reports directly to the Chief of Army. There are three special forces combat units under 21 SSG, which are supported by numerous special forces support units. A Major General commands the 21st Special Service Group.

Special Forces Directorate

The Special Forces Directorate is a small group of around 20 personnel, tasked with planning and co-ordination of resources and equipment of 21st Special Service Group. The directorate also provides assistance during operational deployment of 21st Special Service Group units and formulate policy guidelines. The Cell also undertakes Planning and Intelligence tasks as well as Operational Research Section. [10]

Others

Aside from the 21 SSG, some Gerak Khas commandos are assigned as instructors at the Special Warfare Training Centre, which is managed by the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command. One company of Gerak Khas commandos was also assigned to the Malaysian Army Ready Battalion as a special operations element. Some Gerak Khas commandos were also attached to HANDAU (now known as PASKAU) as the RMAF Air Rescue Team in the 1980s.

National Special Operations Force

In 2016, Malaysia's main counter-terrorism operators merged to form a single special operations task force. Some 11th Special Service Regiment operators have been chosen to serve in the National Special Operations Force. [11] The National Special Operations Force was disbanded in July 2018.

Defense Special Operations Division

Following the disbandment of the National Special Operations Force in 2018, the Malaysian Armed Forces intend to establish a joint special operations task force similar to the NSOF, but only for special forces units from the Malaysian Armed Forces. [12] This unit, known as the Defense Special Operations Division or Bahagian Operasi Pasukan Khas Pertahanan in Malay language, was established in 2020. Some Gerak Khas commandos have been assigned to the DSOD. [5]

91st Intelligence Operations Group

This unit, known as the Pasukan Khas Perisikan Tempur ('Special Combat Intelligence Force'), was formed on 1 April 1972 with 35 commandos from the Gerak Khas and assigned as a combat intelligence unit to the Royal Intelligence Corps. This unit later expanded to become the 91st Intelligence Operations Group. Its members are still sent to the Special Warfare Training Centre for the Basic Commando Course today. [3] [13]

Units

21 GGK branches, responsibility and roles
BranchInsigniaResponsibleRoles
11th Gerak Khas Regiment (11 RGK) Crest of 11th Gerak Khas.png Counter-terrorismIt is also called the Counter-Terrorism Regiment as it specialises in dealing with a broad range of operations (especially counter-terrorism operations), hostage rescue, Counter-Revolutionary Warfare etc. Trained by the British 22nd SAS and US Army Green Berets, this regiment is smaller compared to 21st and 22nd Commando Regiment, and is organised into 4 Sabre Squadrons. Only those who have served no less than 6 years in the Commando Regiments are eligible for selection.
21st Commando Regiment (21 Cdo) Crest of the 21st Commando of Gerakhas.png Counter-insurgencyThese units specialise in unconventional warfare in any of its forms – guerrilla / counter-guerrilla warfare, special reconnaissance, direct action, combat intelligence and their most highly regarded expertise – Jungle Warfare.
22nd Commando Regiment (22 Cdo) Crest of 22nd Gerak Khas.png

Recruitment, selection and training

The Gerak Khas with HK MP5A3 in the Rapid Intervention Vehicle during the National Day Parade of 2014. 11th RGK strike team operators during 57th NDP.jpg
The Gerak Khas with HK MP5A3 in the Rapid Intervention Vehicle during the National Day Parade of 2014.

Special Warfare Training Centre

On 1 August 1976, the Special Warfare Training Centre, also known as PULPAK from its Malay name – Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khusus, was established. Prior to its establishment, the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment was in charge of all Gerak Khas training. PULPAK is still supported by 21 Cdo, 22 Cdo, and 11 SSR in terms of manpower and expertise. PULPAK's role is to provide specialised courses and training for all military and law enforcement personnel in accordance with current circumstances:

  1. To train basic commandos for the Malaysian Army and other services (Navy, Air Force).
  2. To train Special Operations Forces personnel as well as other soldiers in specialised training and special operations as directed by higher authorities.
  3. To provide advanced training for Special Operations Forces and army personnel as directed by higher authority.
  4. To carryout training and evaluation tests on Special Operations Forces units.
  5. To deliver qualified observers and instructors for specialised assignments in Special Operations Forces Units.
  6. To revise and analyse all doctrines pertaining to specialised training and operations.

Gerak Khas Selection

Officers and other ranks are selected in the same way as for entering Gerak Khas. However, officers must volunteer and be assigned to units under the 21st Special Service Group before they can begin the Basic Commando Course. Officers are given a few months after being assigned before they can volunteer for the Basic Commando Course. They must complete the Basic Commando Course within three years of joining units under 21 SSG. If they fail to do so, the officers will be required to return to their previous unit and will no longer be able to enrol in the Basic Commando Course. [13]

Two members of Gerak Khas using jet ski during a demo at Banding Lake, Perak. One of them is armed with a Colt M4A1 assault rifle. ULK 11 RGK.jpg
Two members of Gerak Khas using jet ski during a demo at Banding Lake, Perak. One of them is armed with a Colt M4A1 assault rifle.

Preparatory Course (4 weeks)

Each future trainee is required to attend a 30-day preparatory course, also known as the Gerak Khas orientation, before beginning the Basic Commando Course. The difficulty of the orientation will determine whether or not the student is eligible to participate in the Basic Commando Course. [14]

Basic Commando Course (12 weeks)

The Malaysian Army recruits for the Kursus Asas Komando ('Basic Commando Course') three times per year, in series AK1, AK2, and AK3. The course is divided into five phases and lasts 12 weeks. To be eligible for the course, a soldier must have served in another unit of the Malaysian Army for at least a year and have a good record. [14] The five phases of Basic Commando Course are:

Phase 1 - Camp Phase (5 weeks)
Organized in five weeks, this phase is actually the most important level to test and develop individual physical & mental resistance. Physical endurance, weapon handling, explosives handling, tactics & stratagem implementation (muslihat), field medical, rappelling / abseiling and map reading skills are among the exercises conducted. The trainees are also required to undergo several series of long range march with full combat load. Range is increased from 4.8 km, 8 km, 11.2 km, 14 km to 16 km respectively. Usually, some of the trainees fail to arrive at the designated checkpoint within the stipulated time and they will be sent back to their original unit or other services ("turun skot" – according to the Army's lingo).
Phase 2 - Jungle Phase (2 weeks)
This two-week jungle training is a favourite among the trainees. This is where the trainees will be exposed to practical training, field skills & know-how such as guarding & patrolling, establishing base, survival and section/troop combat.
Phase 3 - Swamp Phase and Long Range March (1 week)
In this phase, all trainees undergo a tough combat march along with their 17 kg pack and reach the target 160 km in three days. Those who succeed will continue to live in the swampy area for seven days without food supply or proper clothing (they wear only underwear). They will practice all survival lessons here.
Phase 4 - Sea Phase (2 weeks)
The sea training is conducted in two weeks, where the trainees are exposed to practical exercises such as small craft navigation, long range/silent rowing and coastal attack using Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIB), scuba diving and kayaks. After completing the 'curriculum', they will travel 160 km along the Straits of Malacca using kayaks.
Phase 5 - Final Phase - Escape and Evasion (E&E) (2 weeks)
Now it is time for trainees to apply what they have learned and endured in the previous stage. All trainees are deployed in groups and they must infiltrate 100 km into the operation area by rowing RIB. At the operation area, trainees need to find and identify the location of the enemy, organize and launched an attack in the area. Once they've achieved the objective, they need to escape and report to several agents at designated checkpoints. They must know how to contact their agents and evade the "enemy" who controls that area. If they are caught, they will be tortured and abused. The trainees will then be released and continue their journey until they arrive at the last checkpoint. The total length the trainees cover during their escape are almost 240 km and they must cover the length within 5 days.
Graduation
Trainee whom pass will be given a week rest after final phase and before green beret award ceremony. At the ceremony, the graduates will perform a beach assault demonstration in front of VIPs and graduates' family and friends before they will be awarded green beret, blue lanyard and a Fairbairn & Sykes Commando Dagger. [15]

Advanced training

The Special Warfare Training Centre provides advanced special operations training up to supervisor level. There are a few exceptions where Gerak Khas commandos are sent to overseas schools for advanced training. However, this is reserved for the best trainees. Among the advanced training courses available are:

Expansions

The 2nd Special Service Regiment was established on 1 January 1977, based at Sungai Udang Camp, Malacca. In 1979, Colonel Borhan Bin Ahmad was appointed the Commandant of Special Warfare Training Centre. A separate Special Forces Directorate was established in the Ministry of Defence on 4 April 1980 and the Markas Gerak Khas (English: Malaysian Special Service Command) was established in Imphal Camp, Kuala Lumpur. As such, supporting units were attached to Gerak Khas.

The commando units were then re-designated and 1st Special Service Regiment became 21st Regiment Para Commando and 2 Special Service Regiment became 22nd Regiment Para Commando. On 1 April 1981, the 11th and 12th Special Service Regiments were formed to provide support to 21st Commando and 22nd Commando. However 12th Special Service Regiment was disbanded soon after during the realignment of the Malaysian Army in the 1980s and its members were deployed to other combat units. Further to this development, the designation for the Para Commando Regiment was changed to the Commando Regiment. In 1983, 22nd Commando Regiment moved to Kuala Kubu Baru due to insufficient facilities in Sungai Udang Camp. All three as well as the Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL will be soon moving out to the new SOF base in Mersing, facing the South China Sea unlike the Sungai Udang which is facing the very busy waterway of the Straits of Malacca. Sungai Udang Camp is very small and lacking in many facilities for a good SOF base and training centre. It is also near to a massive oil refinery and countless condominium projects which makes it unsuitable for security and practical reasons. The 3 regiments again had a name change, becoming known as 11th CRW Regiment, 21st Commando Regiment and 22nd Commando Regiment.

Sungai Udang Camp was certified as the 'Home of the Commandos'. Its achievements attracted many volunteers from other corps. Lieutenant Colonel Borhan bin Ahmad was the first administrator of MSSG responsible for expanding the Special Operations Forces. Various activities including sports and other Army activities were organised to get the SOF involved. Joint programs are conducted with other countries such as Britain, New Zealand, Australia and the United States to improve knowledge and to get new experience in certain aspects of SOF operations.

In the Third Malaysia Plan and the expansion of the Armed Forces, Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC) was established on 1 August 1976. The function is to fulfill the training requirements for the Special Forces Team. After the establishment of SWTC, the Second Regiment of Special Service was established on 1 January 1977. All the three units were based in Sungai Udang, Malacca. In 1979, SWTC was fully established with Colonel Borhan bin Ahmad as the Commandant.

The Special Forces Directorate was established in the Ministry of Defence on 4 April 1980. Further to this, in January 1981, Gerak Khas Command Headquarters was established in Imphal Camp, Kuala Lumpur. The establishment of the Special Operations Forces group also involved other elements such as the combat support units and service support units. At the same time the names of the commando units were re-designated to 21st Regiment Para Commando and 22nd Regiment Para Commando.

Regimental motto and crest

The Regimental motto is 'Cepat Dan Cergas' (English: Swift and Agile).

The Regiment Crest, fondly called 'Harimau Berjuang' or fighting tiger, comprises a roaring tiger and the commando dagger. Green signifies the Regiment's status as a Commando regiment. Blue symbolises the close relationship between Gerak Khas with 40 Commando, Royal Marines. The Tiger denotes bravery, signifying ferocity and might. The Commando knife defines the commando status of the Regiment – only commandos use the commando knife.

Uniforms and insignia

A Gerak Khas corporal serves visitors at a weapon booth. Take note of the light blue lanyard, the green chevron rank, and the sleeve folding style. RGK small arms.jpg
A Gerak Khas corporal serves visitors at a weapon booth. Take note of the light blue lanyard, the green chevron rank, and the sleeve folding style.

The Gerak Khas wears the same combat uniforms as the rest of the Malaysian Army, but they are distinguished by their green beret with GERAKHAS insignia, blue lanyard rope on their right shoulder (inspired by 40 Commando, Royal Marines), Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife (commando dagger), highly folded sleeves, and GERAKHAS shoulder tab.

Green beret

Gerak Khas commandos wear the green beret, a common symbol among the commando and special forces communities. The green beret is worn with the 'Harimau Berjuang' cap badge. The Gerak Khas' beret-wearing style is its cap badge worn on the left and facing side. The Gerak Khas inherited this style from the Royal Marines Snipers during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia. Today, this beret-wearing style is still used by British Armed Forces units, most notably the 45 Commando of Royal Marines and the Parachute Regiment. [16]

Light blue lanyard

Gerak Khas commandos wear a light blue lanyard, an honour bestowed upon them by their founders and instructors, the 40 Commando of Royal Marines. 40 Commando RM was instrumental in training the first members of the Malaysian Special Service Unit in 1965. In Malaysia, all soldiers who have completed basic commando training at the Special Warfare Training Centre are awarded a light blue lanyard. [17]

The units' flash and the shoulder tab

Members of the 21st Special Service Group also have a GERAKHAS shoulder tab on their left sleeve.

Blue
The blue colour symbolises close relationship between the Malaysian Special Service Group with 40 Commando, Royal Marine (British). The formation of Malaysian Special Service Group (MSSG) was initiated by 40 Commando RM which was also responsible for the training and imparting of specialised skills to these selected personnel. Personnel of 40 Commando RM and Gerak Khas Units wear the light blue lanyards.
Green
All qualified personnel of Special Forces are awarded the green berets. Green beret is also a commonly worn headgear of the other Special Forces in the world. The green colour also symbolises Islam – the official religion of Malaysia.
Tiger
Tiger denotes bravery. The mean and unwaning features of the tiger portrays ferocity and might. These characteristics are to be possessed and portrayed by personnel of the Special Forces.
Dagger
The dagger symbolises the essence of decisiveness, steadfastness and inherent ability of rationalisation possessed by the personnel of the Special Forces. The unsheathed dagger portray the status of combat readiness of the Special Forces Units which are ever ready for all eventualities at all times. Its vertical alignment denotes the spirit and aspiration of the Special Forces personnel.
Cepat dan Cergas
The slogan 'Cepat Dan Cergas' (English: Fast & Agile) is chosen in accordance with the role and tasks of the special forces. Its personnel must be efficient, nimble and brave

Ranks

Gerak Khas commandos wears a distinctive green bar chevron on their No. 5 Uniform (combat uniform) for other ranks (Malay : Lain-lain Pangkat) rather than the black bar chevron worn by other units in the Malaysian Army.

Sleeves with a high fold

Gerak Khas commandos distinguished themselves from other units by folding their combat uniforms in a distinctive manner. This style, also known as Lipatan Gaya Samseng in Malay, is characterised by higher-folded sleeves that expose the un-camouflage inside of the uniform and the wearer's biceps. This is in contrast to the Malaysian Army's formal style, in which the sleeve is folded in such a way that the camouflage is visible. Since the Communist insurgency (1968–1989), the Gerak Khas have inherited this traditions from the Royal Marines No. 3B Dress (Summer dress) and Special Air Service. [18]

Commando dagger

As a symbol of graduation, all early Gerak Khas commandos who have completed the Royal Marines' basic commando course are given a Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife. The Gerak Khas has carried on this tradition, and today all graduates of the Special Warfare Training Centre are given a Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife in addition to the green beret and light blue lanyard. During parades, the commando dagger has become a part of the military attire for the 21st Special Service Group and is worn on the left side of the belt. [19]

Equipment

As an elite unit, there is a broad range of various weapons used by the 21 GGK. The known weapons used by the unit, include handguns, shotguns, submachine guns, assault rifles, machineguns, sniper rifles, grenade launchers and anti-tanks, are:

NameTypeOriginNotes
Beretta 92FS Semi-automatic pistol Flag of Italy.svg
Colt M1911A1 Semi-automatic pistol Flag of the United States.svg
Glock 17 Semi-automatic pistol Flag of Austria.svg [20]
SIG Sauer P226 Semi-automatic pistol Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg
Benelli M1014 Shotgun Flag of Italy.svg
Franchi SPAS-12 Shotgun Flag of Italy.svg
Remington 870 MCS Shotgun Flag of the United States.svg
Heckler & Koch MP5A3 / MP5K-A4 / MP5SD3 SMG Flag of Germany.svg Fitted with various different optics and accessories. [20]
Colt M4A1 Carbine Assault-rifle Flag of the United States.svg Fitted with the M203 grenade launcher, Brügger & Thomet Rotex V suppressor, FAB NFR EX rails, Steiner OTAL-A laser designators, MARS sight and various European-made accessories, similar to SOPMOD accessories.
SIG SG 553LB / SB Assault-rifle Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Fitted with the Brügger & Thomet suppressor and Aimpoint CompM4 red-dot optics.
Steyr AUG Assault-rifle Flag of Austria.svg
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Sniper-rifle Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
TRG-22 Sniper-rifle Flag of Finland.svg [21]
Barrett M95 Anti-material sniper-rifle Flag of the United States.svg [20]
Harris Gun Works M-96 Anti-material sniper-rifle Flag of the United States.svg
Heckler & Koch MSG-90A1 DMR Flag of Germany.svg
FN Minimi Mk.II LMG Flag of Belgium (civil).svg
RPK-74 LMG Flag of Russia.svg [20]
M60E3 GPMG GPMG Flag of the United States.svg [20]
M79 Grenade launcher Flag of the United States.svg [22]
M203A1/A2 Grenade Launcher Grenade launcher Flag of the United States.svg
AT4 Anti-tank weapon Flag of Sweden.svg [23] [ unreliable source? ]
M72 LAW Anti-tank weapon Flag of Norway.svg [24]
NLAW Anti-tank guided missile Flag of the United Kingdom.svg [25]

Deployments and missions

Communist Insurgency 1966–1990

During the communist insurgency, Regiment Gerak Khas commandos fought in the Malaysian jungles. [2]

Battle of Mogadishu (1993)

Gerak Khas was involved in the high-profile operations including deployment with the Royal Malay Regiment and units of the Pakistani army to rescue trapped US Army Rangers and Delta Force in the gunfight at Bakhara Market, Mogadishu, Somalia against the forces of the warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid. One Royal Malay Regiment soldier was killed, and several others wounded.

16th Commonwealth Games

Gerak Khas was deployed with Pasukan Gerakan Khas (English: Police Special Operations Command) to provide security and was on standby for Hostage Rescue during the 16th Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Gerak Khas members were deployed to Bosnia, the one and only Special Forces unit from Southeast Asia. [26]

2000 Sauk Siege

22nd Commando Regiment were deployed to Bukit Jenalik, Sauk, near Kuala Kangsar, in Perak to capture a group of 32 Al-Ma'unah terrorists. During the operation, one commando Corporal Matthew anak Medan and two of the police personnel Sergeant (Sarjan) Mohd Shah Ahmad and Detective Corporal Raju Saghadevan, as well as civilian Jaafar Puteh were taken hostage. Corporal Matthew was tortured and killed subsequently after refusing to cooperate with the demands of the terrorists. Detective Saghadevan was killed by the terrorists too before the remaining hostages were rescued alive after the group decided to voluntarily surrender to the Malaysian authorities.

Timor Leste 2006

The units were deployed with other troopers from the 10th Parachute Brigade and Royal Malaysian Police elite team, Pasukan Gerakan Khas to calm troubles in Timor Leste, in an Australian-led mission called Operation Astute. [27]

Genting Sempah Incident

In July 2007, 22nd Commando Regiment co-operated with the elite 10th Parachute Brigade, PASKAU and Pasukan Gerakan Khas and supported by the US Navy, police General Operations Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Forestry Department rangers, Civil Defence Department (JPA3) and villagers were deployed to search and rescue six missing air force crew who were involved in the Sikorsky S61 Nuri helicopter crash near Genting Sempah, in Genting Highlands. However, the SAR team found the wreckage of the helicopter, with its rotor blades detached at 5 km northwest of location at 1324 hrs on 17 July 2007. All six RMAF crew on board were killed and their bodies were found in the cabin. [28]

MALCON – UNIFIL 2007

Gerak Khas units were deployed with the 10th Parachute Brigade, PASKAL and PASKAU involved MALCON – UNIFIL to serve in Lebanon. [29]

MALCON – ISAF

The special forces included Gerak Khas, PASKAU, 10th Parachute Brigade and PASKAL was deployed with other Malaysian contingents to involve the administrative workload at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The team was deployed to assist the New Zealand Armed Forces in the peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid at the Bamiyan District, Afghanistan. [30]

2013 Lahad Datu standoff

Gerak Khas was mobilised to Lahad Datu, Sabah during the 2013 Lahad Datu standoff alongside various other Malaysian Special Forces units. They played a major role in hunting down and neutralizing the Sulu terrorist group.

Killed on duty

Notable members

Many Gerak Khas commandos have received decorations for bravery and gallantry. Aside from that, some Gerak Khas commandos have done many notable things that have etched their names in history. [31]

Books, televisions and movie.

See also

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Special Task and Rescue</span> Malaysian Coast Guards Special Operations Command

The Special Task and Rescue Team, abbreviated as STAR, serves as the command for elite maritime special operations and underwater divers within the Malaysia Coast Guard. It was established as a rapid reaction force for emergencies within the maritime zone of Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">JMF Elite Forces</span> Military unit

The JMF Elite Forces is the only tier one special forces unit in Malaysia placed under the responsibility of the Royal Johor Military Force (JMF) with amphibious reconnaissance, black operation, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, naval boarding, respond quickly in emergency situations, support search and rescue in hazardous environments, special warfare in any incidents involving the state of Johor, and the mandate of providing security and protection to the Royal Family of Johor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PASKAL</span> Special operations force of the Royal Malaysian Navy

The Pasukan Khas Laut, commonly abbreviated to PASKAL, is the principal special operations force of the Royal Malaysian Navy.

The National Special Operations Force (NSOF) has been Malaysia's main security force which serves as the first responder to any terror threats on the country's sovereignty after October 2016. The force covers elements from the Malaysian Armed Forces, Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Special Warfare Training Centre (Malaysia)</span> A specialised military school for special operations located in Malaysia

The Special Warfare Training Centre is a Malaysian Army training centre located at the Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca. Its primary purpose is to conduct special forces selection and to provide specialised courses and training for personnel from the 21st Special Service Group, 10th Parachute Brigade, and other elite units of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to strengthen Malaysia's defensive garrison against enemies and terrorists.

The 69 Commando ; also known as Very Able Troopers 69 is an elite multi-tasking special forces unit of the Royal Malaysia Police. The VAT 69 is based at Ulu Kinta, Perak and together with Special Actions Unit, they are part of Pasukan Gerakan Khas. The mission of 69 Commando is to conduct high-risk tasks such as counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, intelligence gathering and counter-insurgency within the borders of Malaysia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Special Actions Unit (Malaysia)</span> Malaysian tactical unit

The Special Actions Unit, commonly known as and abbreviated to UTK, is a tactical unit of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). The unit is headquartered at the RMP buildings in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur. Together with the 69 Commando, they form the Pasukan Gerakan Khas.

The Special Forces and Elite Forces include both a specially and higher trained unit and a small percentage of personnel from a specific Malaysian military branch, law enforcement or government agency. In Malaysia, the term 'Special Forces' is widely used by uniformed services for special forces, special operations forces and 'special' trained units while 'Elite Forces' for units that more trained and capable combat. Regular personnel must undertake specialized and higher training to be able to join the units of the 'Special and Elite Forces'. These "Special Elite Forces" are denoted by different beret colours, shoulder tabs, unit patches, skill badges and uniforms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment</span> Military unit

The 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment (Malay: Batalion ke-8 Rejimen Renjer Diraja (Para)), better known as the 8 RRD or 8 RRD (Para) – abbreviation from its local name, is a battalion-sized airborne infantry from the Royal Ranger Regiment of the Malaysian Army. On 10 October 1994 the 8 RRD became part of the 10th Parachute Brigade. The 8 RRD is the first infantry unit in the Malaysian Army transformed from a conventional to an airborne unit.

The 10th Squadron (Parachute), Royal Army Engineers Regiment (Abbr.: 10 SQN RAER (Para); Malay: Skuadron ke-10 Rejimen Askar Jurutera Diraja (Para) — 10 Skn RAJD (Para)) is a company-sized airborne sapper from the Malaysian Army's Royal Army Engineers Regiment. 10 SQN RAER (Para) has been a part of the 10th Parachute Brigade since 10 October 1994 and is tasked with providing engineering support to the brigade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">21st Special Service Group</span> Malaysian Army special operations command

The 21st Special Service Group, also known as the Grup Gerak Khas and the 21st Special Forces Group, serves as the command for the Malaysian Army's special forces, the Gerak Khas. 21 SSG is a fighting formation within the Malaysian Army. This unit operate independently under the Malaysian Army and directly report to the Chief of Army. The headquarters of the 21 SSG are located at Sri Iskandar Camp in Mersing, Johor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">11th Special Service Regiment</span> The Malaysian Armys Tier 1 special operations unit

The 11th Special Service Regiment, also known as Unit Lawan Keganasan or Anti-terrorism Unit in English, is the premier unit of the Malaysian Army's special forces. The 11 SSR is one of the regiments under Gerak Khas, along with the 21st and 22nd Commando Regiment. Their headquarters are currently located at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">21st Commando Regiment (Malaysia)</span> The Malaysian Armys special operations regiment

The 21st Commando Regiment is a special forces unit in the Malaysian Army. This regiment is part of Gerak Khas, alongside the 22nd Commando Regiment and the 11th Special Service Regiment, and its headquarters is located at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">22nd Commando Regiment (Malaysia)</span> The Malaysian Armys special operations regiment

The 22nd Commando Regiment (Abbr.: 22 CDO, Malay: Rejimen ke-22 Komando, stylised as Rejimen 22 Komando — 22 Kdo or Rejimen 22 Komando (Perahu Khas)), specialised in amphibious operations, is a special forces unit within the Malaysian Army. This regiment is one of the regiments under the Gerak Khas, alongside the 21st Commando Regiment and the 11th Special Service Regiment, with its headquarters located at Sri Iskandar Camp in Johor. Significantly, the 22 CDO serves as one of the combat units within the 21st Special Service Group.

References

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