This creates an issue wherein the commandos also need to report to their original units or service branches.

MSSU commandos who wished to remain as special forces soldiers were required to resign from their original units or service branches and volunteer for this new regiment by 1973.

On 1 January 1976, the 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment (2 MSSR) was established.

It became an independent combat intelligence and counter-revolutionary warfare unit reporting directly to the Malaysian Special Service Group (Malay: Gerup Gerak Khas Malaysia; now known as the 21st Special Service Group).

The 22nd Commando Regiment was restructured to become a specialised force unit focusing on amphibious operations.