Grup Gerak Khas
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| Grup Gerak Khas | |
|---|---|
 GGK Insignia |
|
| Active | 1960s - First Nucleus |
| Country |  Malaysia |
| Branch | Royal Malaysian Army |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | 11th RGK - Counter Terrorism Unit 21st GGK - Commando Units 22nd GGK - Commando Units |
| Size | Three regiments |
| Part of | Malaysian Armed Forces / Malaysian Special Forces |
| Garrison/HQ | GGK Iskandar Camp, Mersing, Johor |
| Motto | Cepat dan Cergas (Fast and Agile) |
| Colors | Green Coloured (Beret) |
| Engagements | Operation Dawn Battle of Mogadishu (1993), Somalia UNPROFOR, Balkan |
Grup Gerak Khas - Special Operations Regiment in the Malaysian Army, is a brigade sized formation that acts as the command element and coordinates and deploys the 3 special forces battalions of the Royal Malaysian Army. It is the administrative and operational group to which the 3 regiments of the Rejimen Gerak Khas and its supporting units is subordinated.
21 Gerup Gerak Khas is commanded by a Brigadier General and is currently located at Kem Iskandar, in Mersing, Johor. 21 Gerup Gerak Khas comprised commandos highly trained in special warfare and able to conduct unconventional warfare in any of its forms - Guerilla/Anti-Guerilla Warfare, Escape and Evasion, Subversion, Sabotage, Counter Terrorism and their most highly regarded expertise - Jungle Warfare. [1]
[edit] History
British Special Forces including the Special Air Service and the Royal Marines 40 Commando made a significant impact when assisting the Malaysian Armed Forces during the Indonesian Confrontation. British, Australian and New Zealand Special Air Service troops made daring cross border deterrent “Claret” missions. Royal Marine Commandos help put down the rebellion in Brunei. The experience of such units convinced the Malaysian Minister of Defence of the usefulness of such special forces and he directed the formation of such units within the Malaysian Army.
The Special Forces Directorate was established in the Ministry of Defense, Allahyarham Tun Abdul Razak bin Hussein on 1960s to coordinate the operations of the special forces regiments. This unit is partly based on by the 40th Royal Marines Commandos and was then called Malaysian Special Service Unit. In January 1981, Markas Grup Gerak Khas was established in Imphal Camp, Kuala Lumpur to act as the Brigade Headquarters for the 3 special forces regiments . The headquarters group would also include combat support units and service support units.
Gerup Gerak Khas was renamed 21 Gerup Gerak Khas which formalises the formation as the 21st brigade group in the Malaysian Army.
[edit] Formation of Malaysian Special Service Group
In 1965, the Ministry of Defence called on volunteers from the Army and Navy for Commando training. On 25 February 1965, an introductory training was conducted at Kem Majidee, Johor Bharu by the British 40 Commando, Royal Marines. The selection was harsh, and from the initial 300 men who volunteered, only 15 were selected to undergo the 6 weeks Basic Commando course. Of these, only 4 Officers and 9 Other Ranks passed the Basic Commando course.
Such was the beginning of the Malaysian Gerup Gerak Khas (Special Service Group). With assistance from instructors from the 40 Commando Royal Marines, the Special Service Group expanded and in 1965 alone conducted 6 of Basic Commando courses. On August 1, 1970 the 1st Special Service Regiment was formed at Kem Sungai Udang in Melaka.
[edit] Bases
Kem Sungai Udang was the acknowledged "Home of the Commandos" and its spiritual home. Members of the regiment trained with special forces units from Britain, New Zealand, Australia and the United States of America, further enriching the knowledge base. Under the Third Malaysia Plan and the expansion of the Armed Forces, the Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas (Special Warfare Training Centre) was established. In 1983, 22nd Commando Regiment moved to Kuala Kubu Baru due to congestion at Kem Sungai Udang.
21 Gerup Gerak Khas and its regiments and support units have moved to Kem Iskandar, the new Special Operations Force base in Mersing. Situated 15 km south of Mersing, Kem Iskandar covers an area of 2,000 acres (8.1 km²). Facilities include 200 buildings, 20 km of roads, 3 bridges, a harbour, landing pads, parade squares and other facilities. The project cost is RM422 million. The new base was named Kem Iskandar, after the Sultan of Johor, a staunch supporter of Rejimen Gerak Khas and its current colonel in chief. [1] [2] [3] [4]
[edit] Current organisation and units
The Malaysian Special Forces is subordinated to the Armed Forces HQ and Army HQ. The three regiments of Rejimen Gerak Khas are grouped under 21 Gerup Gerak Khas. This brigade sized unit also includes supporting units such as Signals and Engineer units attached. 11 Gerup Gerak Khas is currently also tasked with the CRW function.
Gerup Gerak Khas faces problems retaining members nearing the end of their enlistment, and finding new recruits to replace existing commandos once they reached the mandatory age limit. [5] He said other countries were also facing the same problem in recruiting capable men to be groomed into elite soldiers capable of accomplishing any tasks or assignments given.
Concerned with high numbers of special Forces personnel leaving the service, the Malaysian Government increased, as of 1 January 2005, the monthly incentive payments to RM600 for those who have served between 1 to 10 years, RM750 for theose who had served between 11 to 15 years and RM900 for those whose service have exceeded 16 years. [6]
[edit] Current units
There's the wide array of Grup Gerak Khas Current Units
| Grup Gerak Khas Units | Location | Comments |
| 21 Gerup Gerak Khas (Group Command HQ) | Majidee Camp, Johor Bahru | Provide the facilities and equipment to carry out special mission. |
| 11 Rejimen Gerak Khas (Counter Terrorism) | Majidee Camp, Johor Bahru | Counter-Terrorist Force and provide a squadron to locate, harass, report and disrupt the enemy through long range infiltration as well as operating with guerilla and partisan forces. |
| 21 Rejimen Gerak Khas (Commando) | Majidee Camp, Johor Bahru | Launch offensive operation independently via air, land and sea, behind the enemy line. |
| 22 Rejimen Gerak Khas (Commando) | Majidee Camp, Johor Bahru | Launch offensive operation independently via air, land and sea, behind the enemy line. |
[edit] Units
[edit] 21 Gerup Gerak Khas (GGK) Headquarters
21 Gerup Gerak Khas is the operational command structure that coordinate and integrate the activities of the 3 regiments of the Malaysian Army's Rejimen Gerak Khas. Attached to this command structure are Signals, engineers and other support arms units.
[edit] Counter Terrorism Regiment or 11th Regiment Gerak Khas
The 11 Rejimen Gerak Khas (11th Special Force Regiments) is called the Special Service Regiment as it specialises the more refined special forces art of sabotage, HRT, SBS, CRW etc. This regiment is smaller compared to 21st and 22nd Commando, and is organised into 4 Sabre Squadrons. Only those who have served no less than 8 years in the Commando Regiments are eligible for selection.
[edit] Commando Regiment
21st and 22nd Commando are the two commando regiments of 21st Grup Gerak Khas, configured for commando operations and forced entry assaults. There are approximately 1,800 men in the 2 commando regiments. The 2 regiments specialises in Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol, Sabotage, Covert Operations, Airborne assault, Amphibious Assault and other commando operations. They closely resemble the Royal Marines Commando, and each regiment has specialised squadrons such as the special boat squadron and mobility squadron.
[edit] Special Forces Directorate
The Special Forces Directorate is a small group of around 20 personnel, tasked with planning and coordination of resources and equipment of Gerup Gerak Khas. The directorate also provides assistance during operational deployment of Gerup Gerak Khas units and formulate policy guidelines. The Cell also undertakes Planning and Intelligence tasks as well as Operational Research Section. [7]
[edit] Uniform
The Gerup Gerak Khas wears the same BDU uniforms as other combat elements of the Malaysian Army, but are distinguished by their Green beret with GERAKHAS insignia, blue lanyard rope on their right shoulder (originated from 40th Royal Marine Commando), commando dagger engraved with "GERAKHAS",highly folded sleeves, and their “Gerakhas” shoulder tab. Parachute wings are worn over the left pocket, but only by those specialised in air training.
[edit] PULPAK / SWTC
Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khusus (PULPAK) or Special Warfare Training Centre was formed on 1 August 1976. Before its inception, all GGK personnel training was conducted by 1st RGK (now 21 GGK). However, 21 Commando, 22 Commando and 11 RGK are still supporting PULPAK by providing manpower and expertise. The role of SWTC is to provide specialized courses and training for all army personnel in accordance with current situation:
- To conduct basic commando training for the Malaysian Army and other services (Navy, Air Force).
- To train personnel of Special Operations Forces as well as other soldiers in specialized training and special operations as required by higher authority.
- To conduct advanced training for Special Operations Forces and army personnel as directed by higher authority.
- To conduct training evaluation test on Special Operations Forces Units.
- To provide observers and qualified instructors for specialized assignments in Special Operations Forces Units.
- To revise and analyze all doctrines pertaining to specialized training and operations.
Courses conducted at PULPAK: (Some advanced courses are still classified)
- Commando
- Basic Commando Course
- Basic Sniping Course
- Basic Hill Climbing Course
- Special
- Small Patrol Team Course
- Special Forces Officer Course
- Combat Intelligence Course
- Abseiling & Air Rescue Course
- Close Quarters Combat (CQC) Course
- Self Defense
- Special Forces Martial Arts (Seni Tempur Gerak Khas)
- Rigger
- Basic Para Rigger & Maintenance Course
- Rigger Inspection & Maintenance Course
- Parachute
- Basic Paratrooper Course
- Basic Free Fall Course
- HALO/HAHO
- Parachute Instructor Course
- Pathfinder (PANDURA - Pandu Arah Udara) Course
- Medical
- Medical Diving Course
- Small Patrol Team Medical Course
- Chamber Operator Course
- Amphibian
- Small Craft Driving Course
- Basic Diving Course
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Class Combat Diving Course
- Special Explosive Course
[edit] Training
GGK train a lot with the Indonesian Kopassus as their base is less than one hour by helicopter across the Straits of Malacca from Sungai Udang. The GGK and Kopassus enjoy a close relationship. GGK also trains with SAS (United Kingdom / New Zealand / Australia) as well as US Army's 1st Special Forces Group (1st Bn, Okinawa) and USMC's Force Recon units. 1 Bn / 1 SFG usually drops by a few times a year.
Basic commando course are divided into several phase : Camp Training, Jungle Training, Swamp Training & Long Range March, Sea Training, E & E (Escape & Evasion) and HALO/HAHO.
- Camp Training
Organized in 5 weeks, this phase is actually the most important level to test and develop individual physical & mental resistant. Physical, weapons, explosive, tactical & stratagem (muslihat), field medical, rappelling / abseiling and map reading is among the exercises conducted. The trainees are also required to undergo several series of long range march with full combat load. Range will be increase from 4.8km, 8km, 11.2km, 14 km to 16km respectively. Usually, some of the trainees failed to arrive to 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).
- Jungle Training
This 2 week jungle training is a favorite 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.
- Swamp Training & Long Range March
In this phase, all trainees are subject to undergo a tough combat march along with their 15 kg pack (130km in just 1 and a half day!!). Those who succeeded, will continue to live in the swampy area for 7 days without food supply or proper clothing (they wore only the underwears) . They will practice all survival lessons here.
- Sea Training
The sea training is conducted in 2 weeks, where the trainees are exposed to practical exercises such as small craft navigation, long range / silence rowing and coastal attack using high-speed inflatable boats and kayaks. After completing the 'curriculum', they will travel 160 km along the Straits of Malacca using kayaks.
- Escape & Evasion (E&E)
All trainees are deployed in groups and they must report to several agents at designated checkpoints. They must know how to contact their agents and evade from 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.
[edit] Expansions
The 2nd Special Service Regiment was established on 1 January 1977, based at Kem Sungai Udang, Melaka. In 1979, Kolonel Borhan bin Ahmad was appointed the Commandant of Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas (Special Warfare Training Centre). A separate Special Forces Directorate was established in the Ministry of Defense on 4 April 1980 and the Markas Grup Gerak Khas (HQ Special Forces Group) was established in Imphal Camp, Kuala Lumpur. As such, supporting units were attached to Gerup Gerak Khas.
The commando units were then redesignated and 1 Special Service Regiment became 21 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 21 Commando and 22 Commando. However 12th Special Service Regiment was disbanded soon after during the realignment of the Malaysian Army in the 1980s. The 3 regiments again had a name change, becoming known as 11 Commando Regiment, 21 Commando Regiment and 22 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 organized to get the SOF involved. Joint programs are conducted with other countries such as Britain, New Zealand, Australia and the United States of America to improve knowledge and get new experiences in special 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, Melaka. In 1979, SWTC was fully established with Colonel Borhan bin Ahmad as the Commandant.
The Special Forces Directorate was established in the Ministry of Defense on 4 April 1980. Further to this, in January 1981, Markas Grup Gerak Khas 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 redesignated to 21st Regiment Para Commando and 22nd Regiment Para Commando. The 11th and 12th Special Service Regiment were established in Sungai Udang Camp on 1 April 1981. The two regiments were to assist in commando duties. In line with the Armed Forces organization, the 12th Special Service Regiment was disbanded 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's 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 a massive oil refinery and countless condominium projects which make it no good for security and practical reasons.
[edit] GGK First Personals
Here is the list of men who were part of the nucleus team which later formed the GGK :
- Major Abu Hassan bin Abdullah (Colonel Retired)
- Lieutenant Mohd Ramli bin Ismail (Major General Retired)
- Second Lieutenant Ghazali bin Ibrahim (Major General Retired)
- Second Lieutenant Hussin bin Awang Senik (Colonel Retired)
- 6842 Sergeant Ariffin bin Mohamad
- 300152 Sergeant Anuar bin Talib
- 4861 Sergeant Zakaria bin Adas
- 201128 Sergeant Yahya bin Darus
- 202072 Corporal Silva Dorai
- 203712 Corporal Moo Kee Fah
- 13852 Lance Corporal Johari bin Haji Morhd Siraj
- 10622 Lance Corporal Sabri bin Ahmad
[edit] Deployments/Missions
[edit] Communist Terrorist Insurgency 1966-1990
- During the communist insurgency, Regiment Gerak Khas members had fought bravely in the Malaysian Jungle. A number of Communist Terrorists were killed and lots of weapons, equipment had been seized.
[edit] Spratley Islands
- While deployment of Rejimen Gerak Khas units are secretive, it has been understood that Army and Navy Special Forces have been deployed to back Malaysia's claim to several islets in the Spratly Islands. Malaysian Army commandos and the Royal Malaysian Navy's PASKAL special forces have
[edit] Battle of Mogadishu (1993)
- Grup Gerak Khas involved the high profile operations including deployed with Royal Malay Regiment and Pakistan army to rescued trapped US Rangers and Delta Force in the gunfighting at Bakhara Market, Mogadishu, Somalia by General Mohamed Farah Aidid militant army. As a result, RAMD armored personnel carriers lost the one personnel, 7 wounded. GGK lost two personnels during the operations together with US forces in K4 roundabout.
[edit] 16th Commonwealth Games
- Grup Gerak Khas was deployed with Pasukan Gerakan Khas to provide security and was on standby for Hostage Rescue during the 16th Commonwealth Games held in Kuala Lumpur in 1998.
[edit] Bosnia Herzegovina
- Grup Gerak Khas members were deployed to Bosnia, the one and only commando unit from South East Asia to serve in Bosnia.
[edit] Timor Leste 2006
- The units were deployed with other troopers from 10 Paratrooper Brigade[8] and Royal Malaysian Police elite team, Pasukan Gerakan Khas to calm troubles in Timor Leste, in an Australian led mission called Operation Astute. [9]
[edit] Genting Sempah Incident
- In July 2007, 22nd Gerak Khas involved with elite 10 Paratrooper Brigade, PASKAU and Pasukan Gerakan Khas and supported with US Navy, police General Operations Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Forestry Department rangers, Civil Defense Department (JPA3) and villagers deployed to search and rescue the six missing airforce crew which went the US-made Sikorsky S61 Nuri transport helicopter crash near Genting Sempah, in Genting Highlands. However, the SAR team found wreckage of the helicopter, with its rotor blades detached at 5 km northwest of location at July 17, 1324 hrs. All six RMAF crew on board were killed and their bodies were found in the cabin.
[edit] MALCON - UNIFIL 2007
- Grup Gerak Khas units were deployed with 10 Paratrooper Brigade, PASKAL and PASKAU involved MALCON - UNIFIL to serve in Lebanon.
[edit] Honours
Many members of the Regiment has been decorated for bravery and gallantry. [10] Notable awards received by members of the Regiment include
- Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP)
- 19151 Lance Corporal Rusli bin Buang
- Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB)
- Major Ahmad bin Rashid (410336)
- Major Baharin bin Abd Jalil (410560)
- 14812 Warrant Officer II Maamor bin Said
- 23852 Sergeant Ali bin Ahmad
- 16075 Corporal Zaki bin Nordin
- 901370 Trooper Sigal ak Nawan
- 928133 Sergeant Moid bin Mohamad
[edit] Regimental motto and crest
The Regimental motto is "Cepat Dan Cergas" (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 symbolizes 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.
[edit] Customs and tradition
[edit] Green Beret
Members of Rejimen Gerak Khas wear the Green Beret, a common symbol amongst the commando and special forces community. The "harimau berjuang" cap badge is worn with the green beret.
[edit] Blue Lanyard
Members of Gerak Khas also wear the blue lanyard, an honour accorded to them by 40 Commando, Royal Marines. 40 Commando was instrumental in training the original members of 1st Special Service Regiment, the forerunner of 21 Komando. Personnel of both 40 Commando Royal Marine and Gerak Khas wear the traditional blue lanyards.
[edit] Shoulder Flash
Members of the regiment also wear a 'Gerakhas' shoulder tab.
- Blue
The blue color symbolizes close relationship between the Malaysian Special Service Group with 40th Royal Marine Commando (British) . The formation of Malaysian Special Service Group (MSSG) was initiated by 40th Royal Marine Commando which was also responsible for the training and imparting of specialized skills to these selected personnel. Personnel of 40th Royal Marine Commando and Special Forces Units wear the traditional 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 color also symbolizes the Islamic color - 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 symbolizes the essence of decisiveness, steadfastness and inherent ability of rationalization possessed by 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’ (Fast & Agile) is chosen in accordance with the role and tasks of the special forces. Its personnel must be efficient, nimble and brave
[edit] References
[edit] See also
[edit] Similar the army special forces outside Malaysia
Australia Australian Special Air Service Regiment (ASASR)
Germany Kommando Spezialkräfte (KSK)
India Special Frontier Force
Indonesia Kopassus
Iran Takavar
Ireland Irish Army Rangers
Mexico Grupo Aeromóvil de Fuerzas Especiales
Netherlands Korps Commandotroepen
New Zealand Special Air Service of New Zealand
Norway Hærens Jegerkommando
Pakistan Special Services Group
Poland GROM
Portugal Operações Especiais
Russia Spetsnaz
Singapore Singapore Special Operations Force
South Africa South African Special Forces Brigade
South Korea Special Warfare Command
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Army Special Forces Regiment
United Kingdom Special Air Service
United States Green Berets
[edit] External links
