Korps Commandotroepen
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Korps Kommandotropen
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|---|---|
| Active | March 22, 1942 - Present |
| Country | NL |
| Allegiance | Netherlands |
| Branch | Army |
| Role | Special Operations Force |
| Size | One battalion |
| Motto | "Nunc aut Nunquam" - "Now or Never" |
| Colors | Black with Dark Green Border |
| Anniversaries | March 22 |
The Korps Commandotroepen (KCT) is a unit of the Royal Netherlands Army and part of the special forces of the Netherlands. While it is approximate in size and composition to one of the standard infantry battalions, its role is significantly different. The KCT forms part of the Dutch military's special forces, with emphasis on special operations. These can be divided into special reconnaissance, offensive actions, direct action, military assistance and collateral activities. A few examples of special operat ions are patrol and reconnaissance missions, attacking enemy targets through ambushes, raids, and/or sabotage. The rescue of civilians and/or servicemen and counter-terrorism in crisis areas, final guidance of laser-guided ammunition and evacuation are part of the tasks. The KCT also has been tasked to give special military assistance to allied forces or to other units of the Royal Netherlands Army, Air Force and Navy. Because of its unique role, it serves as an independent unit, not directly attached to the four large brigades that make up the main part of the army.
KCT is the biggest special operations force of the Netherlands alongside the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. It has a professional reputation, because of the severe training that its members had to complete. The Corps was formed during the Second World War as 'the Dutch troop' and participated at the landings during D-Day.
[edit] Training
The training consists of two periods that last for a total of 26 weeks. The first period is called the "elementaire commando opleiding" (basic commando training). During this part of the training physical and mental heavy training takes place which includes, among other things, the field service Special Reconnaissance and Escape and Evasion training. It lasts fourteen weeks and after succesfully completing this training the participants will receive the Green Beret.[1]
The second period is called "Individuele Functie Opleiding Speciale Operaties" (advanced commando training). This advanced training is geared towards the preparation of the commandos for missions out in the field. Vehicle driver's training, Combat Life Saver, free fall parachute training (e.g. HALO and HAHO), field services Direct Action and Urban Terrain fall under the advanced training. In the final ten weeks of training each commando will be additionally trained as a sniper, a medic, a communication specialist and/or a demolition specialist irrespective of any previous specialisations.[2]
[edit] Operations
The commandos have been known to operate recently in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Liberia. Typical missions include force-protection; hunting for war criminals, terrorists and taliban; providing terminal guidance for laser-guided bombs; evacuation of non-combattants.
