Malaysian Special Forces Selection

[3] The Malaysian Army, which has the largest special forces among other service branches, conducts the selection process three times a year.

[6][7] The principles and expertise acquired during that training period continue to influence and shape the development of special forces in Malaysia today.

[7] Following the conclusion of World War II, Malaya and Borneo found themselves embroiled in a new conflict against communism.

Major Calvert, a former Chindits and Force 136 agent with experience in Burma, was tasked with assessing the situation in Malaya.

[14] In response to the growing presence of communism, the emergence of gangster groups, and triads in major cities, especially Kuala Lumpur, during the 1970s, the RMP establishing a police tactical unit on 1 January 1975.

[note 4][15][16] Due to the ongoing armed conflict with communists, which showed no signs of near resolution, and with the aim of saving costs associated with sending military personnel overseas for special operations training, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) established the Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC) on 1 August 1976, at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca.

Officers, sailors, or airmen from these branches could volunteer for Gerak Khas selection to become a special forces soldier, commonly referred to today as an 'operator'.

Likewise, in 1972, amid the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989), the Malaysian government granted the 'Commando' status to the Tiger Platoon of the 9 RAMD, a long-range reconnaissance patrol.

One of the objectives of the establishment of SWTC is to conduct Basic Commando Courses, taking over from the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment, so they can focus on functioning as a combat unit.

Operating under the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), the school has offered the Basic Commando Course since its inception.

Regardless of its name, this four-week course aims to physically and mentally prepare candidates for upcoming phases in their special forces pipeline.

They also receive training in swimming fundamentals, and a crucial component is the requirement to pass a physical test at the course's conclusion.

Examples of the final tests include:[26][27] The objective of this two-week phase is to familiarise sailors, whether from the navy or coast guard, as well as policemen, with infantry skills, small unit tactics and jungle warfare.

[29] Designed specifically for special forces involved in maritime operations, this rigorous four-week programme focuses on physical conditioning and water competency testing.

[26] Despite its name incorporating the term 'Commando', this course is comparable to the condensed version of the pre-2000 United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, which lasted 15 weeks.

It provides exposure to practical training and field skills, including guarding and patrolling, establishing bases, survival techniques, and small unit tactics (section/troop) combat.

[26][34] During this phase, all candidates endure a challenging combat-loaded march carrying a 17 kilograms (37 lb) load, aiming to reach the target 160 kilometres (99 mi) away within three days.

Those who succeed in this march proceed to spend seven days in a swampy area without access to food supplies or proper clothing.

Upon completion of the training, they undertake a 160 kilometres (99 mi) journey along the Straits of Malacca using rigid raider craft, conducted under the cover of night to simulate infiltration into the objective area by sea.

Candidates are deployed in groups, tasked with infiltrating 100 kilometres (62 mi) into the operation area by rowing RIB.

It is conducted twice a year and currently takes place at the General Operations Force's (GOF) Northern Brigade's garrison and the Commando 69 Outdoor Training Camp Headquarters while awaiting the completion of the Pusat Latihan Unit Komando 69 Pasukan Gerak Khas.

This adjustment aimed to allow for more graduates to fill the larger spots left by retired and departing commandos.

[37][38] The Royal Malaysian Police implemented the following new components for the Basic Commando Course:[39] During the initial phase, candidates undergo training in four distinct environments.

The first part takes place at the camp within the General Operations Force's (GOF) Northern Brigade's garrison.

Here, candidates delve into theoretical aspects related to special operations, including map reading, infiltration, and survival techniques.

[40] The main selection course for the Special Actions Unit, officially known as Kursus Asas UTK in Malay and Basic Special Actions Unit Course in English, lasts for 13 weeks and is divided into three stages:[41][42] The first stage, also known as the camp phase, is conducted at the Malaysian Police Training Centre.

[41][42] The second stage, also known as the Jungle Phase, typically takes place at the 6th Battalion of the General Operations Force's garrison located in Bakri, Johor.

[41][42] In this final stage, conducted at Bukit Aman in Kuala Lumpur, candidates undergo strenuous physical exercises while receiving extensive training on raiding and body guarding.

Below are the final tasks they need to perform and the berets they will receive:[43][44][45][46] This additional course is mandatory for special forces before officially completing the selection process.

Currently, only the Coast Guard Special Task and Rescue (STAR) and JMF Elite Forces have compulsory advanced training.