Korps Commandotroepen
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| Korps Commandotroepen | |
|---|---|
| Active | March 22, 1942 - Present |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Commando / Light 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 the elite unit of the Royal Netherlands Army. It is 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.
Other countries counterpart's of the KCT are the British Special Air Service (SAS), the United States Army Special Forces, and the Delta Force
[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". Battle honours: Arakan 1944, Arnhem 1944, Nijmegen 1944, Eindhoven 1944, Vlissingen 1944, Westkapelle 1944, Djokjakarta 1948, Midden-Sumatra 1948-1949
[edit] 1950 - 1993
In this period the Korps Commandotroepen consisted of three commando companies. After a reorganisation to save costs in 1964 the 104 Surveillance and Reconnaissance company (104 Wrnverkcie) was formed. Until 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 May 2007 the Korps Commando Troepen consists of the 103, 104, 105, 108 Commandotroop company and a Staff and Instruction company.
[edit] Training
In total commando training takes up twelve months for military personnel that are on active duty and fourteen months for civilian candidates. There is a preparatory training of 8 weeks respectively, the "Elementaire Commando Opleiding" (ECO - the Basic Commando Training) that lasts for 8 weeks and the "Voortgezette Commando Opleiding" (VCO - the Advanced Commando Training) that lasts about 12 months.
Phase 0 is 8 weeks of Preparatory Training, including an introduction bivouac. It 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 purpose of the Preparatory Training is to refresh the skills and drills of the military recruits, and to again accommodate to the tight schedule of military training. Here, the civilian recruits will learn the basic military skills. Overall, the 8 weeks of training prepares all the recruits - both physically and mentally - for the infamous "Elementaire Commando Opleiding" (ECO), the Basic Commando Training.
In week 8, each recruit is assessed on whether or not he can commence Basic Commando Training.
Phase 1 is called the "Elementaire Commando Opleiding" (ECO, or basic commando training). During this part of the training heavy physical and mental training takes place which includes, among other things, the field service Special Reconnaissance and Escape and Evasion training. It lasts 8 weeks and after successfully completing this training the participants will receive the Green Beret.[1]
The Basic Commando Training (ECO) is the most rigorous basic training within the Dutch armed forces:
- Of the military recruits, about 1 out of 2 (or 3), will successfully complete the ECO, and will receive the Green Beret.
- Of the civilian recruits, about 1 out of 8 (or 10), will successfully complete the ECO. (although this is an approximate, in some cases, it is possible that 25% of the civilian recruits receive their Green Beret.)
Phase 2 is called "Voortgezette Commando Opleiding" (VCO, advanced commando training). This advanced training is geared towards the preparation of the commandos for missions out in the field. The commandos will be taught a wide variety of subjects, such as Mountain Warfare, and Direct Action, such as ambushes and raids. The VCO ends with a two-week module Special Operations in Urban Terrain (SOUT). After completing the VCO, the commando is individually trained, and is ready to be placed in one of the commando companies.
During the VCO, each commando will be trained the aspects of sharpshooting (sniper), medical care and attention, demolition, and communication. When placed in their company, 2 commandos per squad will receive further advanced training in one of these aspects, as part of their individual specialisation. Thus, each squad has 2 snipers, 2 communication specialists, 2 medics and 2 demolition specialists.
Each KCT company has one commando squad that is specialized in a squad specialisation, which is either "Mountain Warefare", "Amphibious Warfare", "HAHO/HALO Parachuting", or "Counter Terrorism". Commandos within the KCT, who have fullfilled service, and who wish to stay/lengthen their contract, can apply for one of these 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 members; providing terminal guidance for laser-guided bombs; evacuation of non-combatants.
