Hunter Group was formed in May 1968[1] by Commandant G. van Kerckhoven of the South African Irish Regiment who saw a need to expand the counter-insurgency skills of certain members in the regiment and which would be superior to the basic skills provided to the average national serviceman.

[2] He was aided by an ex-Rhodesian army civilian weapons and unarmed combat expert named Grant-Grierson.

[2] Initially it drew members from the SA Irish regiment but as it reputation grew volunteers from other army units also joined.

[2] Up to 700 men passed through the group's training with members forming or training the first special forces unit and 32 Battalion[2] By 1976 the group had disbanded and its remaining members placed in Citizen Force (Reserve) unit 2 Reconnaissance Commando.

[2] Member of the group wore privetly purchased camouflaged and other uniforms with some in the style of airborne smocks, with a silver scorpion insignia on a green background on their right sleeve.