Korps Commandotroepen
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| Korps Commandotroepen | |
|---|---|
 Cap badge of the Korps Commandotroepen |
|
| Active | March 22, 1942 - Present |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Role | Special Forces |
| Size | One battalion |
| Garrison/HQ | Roosendaal |
| Motto | Nunc aut Nunquam (Now or Never) |
| Colors | Black with Dark Green Border |
| Anniversaries | March 22 |
Contents |
[edit] Function
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 operations 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. Because of its unique role, it serves as an independent unit, not directly attached to the three large brigades that make up the main part of the army.
[edit] History
[edit] 1942 - 1950
In March 1942 a group of 48 Dutch males underwent commando training in Achnacarry (Scotland). Of the group, 25 passed the course and became the first members of the new No.2 (Dutch) troop formed as part of the No.10 (Interallied) Commando. No.2 troop fought in Arakan (Burma) and in the Dutch cities Arnhem, Nijmegen, Eindhoven, Vlissingen and Westkapelle. In the Far East the Dutch Korps Insulinde was formed. After the German and Japanese capitulation both units were disbanded. Members of these units were attached to the 100 man strong "Depot Speciale Troepen" (Depot Special Forces). These forces were sent to restore order in the former Dutch East Indies and were under the command of Raymond Westerling using sometimes brutal counter-terror techniques. Later renamed the Korps Speciale Troepen (KST), the unit was disbanded in the early 1950s, but its members went on become part of the newly formed "Korps Commandotroepen".
[edit] 1950 - 1993
In this period the Korps Commandotroepen consisted of three commando companies. After a reorganisation to safe costs in 1964 the 104 Surveillance and Reconnaisance company (104 Wrnverkcie) was formed. Untill 1993 a School instruction company and staff company were also part of the Korps Commandotroepen.
[edit] 1993 - Present Day
In 1993 the Korps Commandotroepen was expanded with the 108 Commandotroop company and since October 1 1998 the Korps Commando Troepen consists of the 104, 108, 109 Commandotroop company and a Staff and Instruction company.
[edit] Training
In total commando training takes up twelve months for military personell that are on active duty and fourteen months for civilian candidates. There is a preparatory training of four to twelve weeks respectively, a Basic Commando Training (ECO) that lasts for fourteen weeks and an Advanced Commando Training (VCO) for twenty-six weeks.
The training period start with a three month preparatory training, that can be compared to basic military training that every recruit gets but with some changes to prepare for the commando training. Recruits from the marine corps and army will join this preparatory training in the third month.
The commando training consists of two periods that last for a total of 40 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 successfully 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.
