Malaysian Special Forces Selection

Origin: Special Operations Executive Years prior to the independence of Malaya from the United Kingdom in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963, during World War II, the region now known as Malaysia witnessed the introduction of modern special forces. Force 136, the Far East branch of the Special Operations Executive (SOE), established a forward operating base in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Citizens from various regions, including British Malaya, the Raj of Sarawak, North Borneo, and Southern Siam, such as Chin Phui Kong, Ibrahim Ismail, and Tunku Osman, underwent special forces training at the British Commando School under SOE. To address this issue, the BMA formed a unit known as the Ferret Force, comprising former Force 136 agents and local volunteers from the military and police forces. Colonel John Davis led this unit. As the situation continued to deteriorate, General Sir John Harding, the commander-in-chief of the Far East Land Forces, enlisted the expertise of Major Mike "Mad Mike" Calvert. Major Calvert, a former Chindits and Force 136 agent with experience in Burma, was tasked with assessing the situation in Malaya. In 1950, Major Calvert established a special forces unit called the Malayan Scouts. Subsequently, Ferret Force was reorganised and became A Squadron, Malayan Scouts. The Malayan Scouts underwent another transformation in 1958 when they were renamed the 22 Special Air Service. At that time, Malaysia, having recently formed, had a small military force and relied on military assistance from the Commonwealth Nations. In early 1965, Abdul Razak Hussein, the Minister of Defence at the time, instructed the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) to establish an experimental special forces unit by recruiting members from various branches within the MAF. General Tunku Osman, the Chief of Defence Forces at that time and a former Force 136 agent, desired that the task force be trained as commandos, similar to his own experiences during World War II. Seeking assistance, the Malaysian Armed Forces approached 40 Commando, based in Singapore at the time, to conduct the selection process and provide training for the task force. Initially named the Malaysian Special Service Unit, it later became known as Gerak Khas in Malay. Police's special operations task force during the 56th Merdeka Day. Those on the left, donning sand-coloured berets, are operators from VAT 69 Commando, while those on the right, with Bordeaux maroon berets, are operators from the Special Action Unit. The Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation officially ended in 1966, but Malaysia faced a second communist armed conflict that began in 1968. On 13 May 1969, racial riots erupted in major cities in Malaysia, resulting in several casualties. In response to the incident's racial tensions, the Special Branch, the police intelligence unit, collaborated with the Malaysian Special Service Unit to apprehend leaders of gangsters and triads who played a role behind the scenes. Malaysian SWAT 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. This unit, named the Special Actions Unit, underwent specialised training to carry out counterterrorism operations, covert missions, and to serve as an assault team for the RMP in urban areas. To enhance their capabilities, counterterrorism instructors from the 22 Special Air Service were brought to Malaysia to train the Special Actions Unit in counterterrorism tactics, building raids, and sniper operations. On 20 October 1997, the RMP amalgamated the VAT 69 Commando and the Special Actions Unit, establishing a unified special operations command. Consequently, these two units are recognised as the true special forces within the RMP. Special Warfare Training Centre 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. The training centre was placed under the management of the Malaysian Army. During this period, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) still lacked their own special forces. 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'. Even after the RMN and RMAF established their own special forces in 1977 and 1980, the SWTC remained the sole commando school conducting special forces selection for the entire MAF. == Commando schools ==

tracker from the Sarawak Rangers during the Malayan Emergency. It's noteworthy that he is wearing the green beret of the Royal Marines, indicating his qualification as a commando. The term Commando School is used for training centres that offer selection courses, officially known as Basic Commando Courses (), for Special Forces in Malaysia. The term 'Commando' in Malaysia is used to signify the ability of a unit or individual trained in small unit tactics, guerrilla warfare, and jungle warfare mastery. Although in the present day, the term 'Commando' is highly associated with special forces units in Malaysia, the status of 'commando' was not exclusive to special forces in the past. The four commando schools are: Special Warfare Training Centre The Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC), located at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca, is the oldest special operations training centre in Malaysia. Established on 1 August 1976, as the Malaysian Armed Forces Special Warfare Training Centre (Malay: Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas Angkatan Tentera Malaysia), this school operates under the administration of the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command. 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. In the past, the Basic Commando Course at the SWTC served as the primary special forces selection for all branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces. However, in 1985, the Royal Malaysian Navy initiated its own Special Forces Selection at Lumut Naval Base, leading to SWTC undergoing a transformation and changing its name to the Malaysian Army Special Warfare Training Centre. KD Panglima Garang Established on 1 October 2021, KD Panglima Garang is a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) shore establishment located inside RMN Lumut Naval Base in Perak. Also known as the Naval Special Forces Training Centre, it boasts various facilities, including a mock oil platform for Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) training. Despite the recent establishment of the RMN's special operations training centre, RMN has conducted its own Basic Commando Course since 1985 at RMN Lumut Naval Base, sharing training facilities with other RMN units. 69 Commando Training Centre The 69 Commando Training Centre (Malay: Pusat Latihan 69 Komando) is the dedicated special operations training facility of the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP). Officially opened in May 2024, the centre is managed by the Special Warfare Training Branch of 69 Commando (). It oversees all selection, basic commando course and advanced training stages, serving not only the RMP's tactical units but also personnel from the Malaysian Armed Forces and other government agencies. The majority of the centre's infrastructure is located within Camp Sultan Nazrin Shah, the 69 Commando headquarters in Ulu Kinta, Perak. Additionally, the unit maintains a specialised jungle warfare facility known as the 69 Commando Outdoor Training Camp () situated in Terong, Perak. == Other special forces training centre ==

Operating primarily in urban environments, the Special Actions Unit is distinct from commando units. Consequently, its special forces selection process differs from that of other special forces units in Malaysia. Special Actions Unit Training Centre The Pusat Latihan Unit Tindakhas, or Special Actions Unit Training Centre in English, is a special forces training centre under the Royal Malaysian Police and is currently in the construction phase. It is located inside the 4th Battalion of the General Operations Force's garrison at Semenyih in Selangor. Since its formation in 1975, the Special Actions Unit has relied on various locations for its selection process, including the GOF Northern Brigade, the 6th Battalion GOF camp in Bakri, Muar, PULAPOL facilities, and Bukit Aman. == Special forces selection (Commando) ==

, a commando from 21 SSG, a commando from VAT 69, and a commando from PASKAU. Aspiring individuals must follow this pipeline to serve in the following units, all conducted at Commando schools: • 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG) • Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) • RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU) • 69 Commando (VAT 69) • Coast Guard Special Task and Rescue (STAR) • 91st Intelligence Operations Group (91 IOG) • JMF Elite Unit Pipelines comparison == Preparatory course ==

This course is known by various names, including 'Warm-up for the Basic Commando Course ()', 'STAR Pre-Basic Commando Course ()', 'PASKAL Warm-up Stage ()', and several others. Regardless of its name, this four-week course aims to physically and mentally prepare candidates for upcoming phases in their special forces pipeline. It maintains a less strict atmosphere, occasionally allowing candidates permission to leave the camp on weekends. Throughout this course, candidates are instructed on optimal techniques for physical training to minimise the risk of injuries during the basic commando course. 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: • Running in under 30 minutes • Swimming in a pool within 10 minutes • Sidestroke swimming for within 12 minutes • Mixed-style swimming for within 12 minutes Since August 2025, the Malaysian Coast Guard has conducted its own independent special forces selection process. Consequently, candidates from the Coast Guard are no longer required to complete the STAR Pre-Basic Commando Course. Under the new system, applicants must successfully navigate two stages of screening: the Selection and Pre-Assessment Course (), followed by the Final Screening Test (). == Pre-Basic Commando Course ==

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. This is crucial because, unlike the Malaysian Army or Royal Malaysian Air Force, which recruits potential commandos from infantry and air force infantry units, the navy, coast guard, and police do not undergo similar training. For instance, naval and coast guard officers and sailors have their own distinctive naval ratings when in their original units. Similarly, policemen primarily focus on law enforcement duties in their original units. In this course, they receive a crash course on what to expect if they become special forces operators. When compared to the United Kingdom Special Forces Selection, this course is equivalent to the SAS Infantry Skills Course, which is optional only for candidates not from infantry units. == Water Competency Training ==

Designed specifically for special forces involved in maritime operations, this rigorous four-week programme focuses on physical conditioning and water competency testing. Similar to the requirements for U.S. Navy SEALs and SWCC candidates, successful completion is mandatory. This programme is not exclusive to special forces; candidates from other maritime specialised units, such as Navy Clearance Divers and Coast Guard Rescue Divers, also participate alongside them. In the final week, they need to pass the following tests: • Fitness Test (Land): • run in under 34 minutes • 50 push-ups in 90 seconds • 50 sit-ups under 90 seconds • of rope climbing, and more • Fitness Test (Water): • of freestyle swimming in under 10 minutes • of sidestroke swimming in under 12 minutes • of mixed-style swimming in under 12 minutes • dive to the pool's bottom • of diving across the pool under one breath • Diving from a platform • ''''Drown-proofing' Test: All with arms and legs tied''' • swim across • 15-minute float in the pool • of diving to the pool bottom Since August 2025, the Malaysian Coast Guard has operated an independent special forces selection process featuring a specialised training module. Under this new pipeline, Water Competency Training is no longer conducted as a separate stage; instead, it has been integrated into the first phase of the basic commando course, known as the Self-identity module. == Basic Commando Course (Military) ==

The Malaysian Armed Forces conduct the Basic Commando Course, known as Kursus Asas Komando in Malay, over 12 weeks, making it the most challenging course. The course runs for 12 consecutive weeks without any rest days between phases. On average, candidates get approximately 3 hours of sleep per night from the beginning to the end of the course. 40 Commando supervised the Basic Commando Course in 1965, which initially spanned 12 weeks before extending to 24 weeks, following the establishment of the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (now known as the 21st Commando Regiment) in 1970. However, in the 1980s, the course was streamlined back to its current 12-week duration. All special forces, except those from the Royal Malaysian Police, attend the course at all commando schools within the Malaysian Armed Forces. While all courses generally follow the same curriculum and phases, the Royal Malaysian Air Force Basic Commando Course differs in its designation of phases as modules. Additionally, they separate the sea phase into the 'Sea Module' and the 'Dark Water Module'. The phases include: Camp Phase (5 weeks) Organised over five weeks, this phase stands as the crucial level for testing and enhancing candidates' physical and mental resilience. Candidates undergo constant physical endurance and exercise, engaging in theories and practical applications of weapon handling, explosives handling, tactics and stratagem implementation, field medical procedures, rappelling and abseiling, as well as honing map-reading skills. At the end of each week, candidates are required to undergo several series of loaded marches, with distances progressively increasing from 4.8 kilometres (3.0 mi), 8 kilometres (5.0 mi), 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi), 14 kilometres (8.7 mi), and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi). If they fail to reach the end under the specified time limits, the instructors withdraw them from the Basic Commando Course. Jungle Phase (2 weeks) This two-week jungle training is a favourite among the candidates. It provides exposure to practical training and field skills, including guarding and patrolling, establishing bases, survival techniques, and small unit tactics (section/troop) combat. For instance, candidates learn about poisonous and edible plants, trap-setting, and identifying drinkable water sources from plants. Swamp Phase and Long Range March (10 days) 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. They are provided only with their underwear and rifle, and they are required to share a machete. This phase serves as a practical application of all survival lessons taught in previous phases. Sea Phase (2 weeks) The sea training spans two weeks, during which candidates engage in practical exercises involving small craft marine navigation, long-range silent rowing, and beach raids using rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RIB), rigid raider craft, and kayaks. 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. For the Royal Malaysian Air Force Basic Commando Course, this phase is split into two modules known as the 'Sea Module' and the 'Dark Water Module'. Escape and Evasion Phase (2 weeks) This phase exposes candidates to real special forces operations, requiring them to apply all they have learned and endured in the previous phases. Candidates are deployed in groups, tasked with infiltrating 100 kilometres (62 mi) into the operation area by rowing RIB. In the operation area, candidates must locate and identify the enemy and their assets before planning, organising, and launching a raid in the enemy's territory. Once they achieve their objective, they need to escape and report to several agents at designated checkpoints. They must know how to contact their agents and evade instructors acting as enemies who control that area. If caught, candidates will be tortured and abused. Captured candidates will be marked and released to continue their journey until they reach the last checkpoint. Candidates can be caught more than once. The total distance candidates cover during their escape is almost 240 kilometres (150 mi), and they must cover this distance within 5 days. == Basic Commando Course (Royal Malaysian Police) ==

Known as Kursus Asas Komando 69 in Malay or Basic 69 Commando Course in English, this course spans 20 weeks. 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. Originally, VAT 69 candidates underwent a similar Basic Commando Course as the military, lasting for 12 weeks. However, due to a low number of police personnel passing the course, in January 2019, the then-Commander of VAT 69, SAC Abdul Razak Mohd Yusoff , aimed to adjust VAT 69's selection program. This adjustment aimed to allow for more graduates to fill the larger spots left by retired and departing commandos. Since the adjustment to the selection process in 2019, the number of graduates from the Basic 69 Commando Course has approached 30. The Royal Malaysian Police implemented the following new components for the Basic Commando Course: First Phase 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. Subsequently, candidates transition to the jungle environment before proceeding to the swamp area and sea. Second Phase In the second phase, candidates receive instruction on operating as small units. They must master jungle warfare, guerrilla warfare, weaponry, explosives, manhunt, communication, and field medical skills. Additionally, candidates learn how to create booby traps, handle explosives, and employ various demolition techniques. Third Phase The final phase, known as the Final Mission Execution phase, subjects candidates to comprehensive testing across all the skills and lessons acquired in the preceding phases. This phase is similar to the Escape and Evasion Phase from the Military Basic Commando Course. == Basic Special Actions Unit Course ==

The Special Actions Unit's selection process is similar to that of other special forces in Malaysia. Candidates must undergo a preparatory course and a main selection course before being bestowed with the Bordeaux-coloured beret. Although the Special Actions Unit received training from the British Special Air Services during its establishment in 1975, it is the only Special Forces unit in Malaysia not considered to have 'Commando' status due to their focus on urban operations rather than jungle environments like other special forces. 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: First stage The first stage, also known as the camp phase, is conducted at the Malaysian Police Training Centre. Candidates undergo rigorous physical exercises while simultaneously learning theory about weapon handling and marksmanship, basic rope training, basic first aid, unarmed combat, and basic close-quarters combat. Second stage 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. Candidates engage in challenging physical exercises while learning jungle survival theory before implementing the practical aspects in nearby jungles. Despite the Special Actions Unit's specialisation not being in jungle warfare, candidates must understand how to operate in jungle environments, as they may need to conduct raids on locations situated at the jungle's edge near major cities. Third stage 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. They are taught theory on raiding cars, buildings, buses, trains, and aeroplanes in classes before executing the raid exercises at locations such as Malayan Railways' locomotive depot, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. == Basic Commando Course (Malaysia Coast Guard) ==

In 2025, the Malaysia Coast Guard conducted its inaugural independent special forces selection, officially designated as the Basic Commando Course – STAR Team. This programme is specifically tailored to the operational requirements of the Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Team, drawing directly from their maritime security experiences. The course is currently conducted at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Coast Guard Academy (AMSAS) in Kuantan, Pahang, utilising shared facilities with the Coast Guard Diving School and other departmental infrastructure. This arrangement serves as an interim measure while the construction of a dedicated special forces training centre in Kemaman, Terengganu is finalised. Upon completion, the Kemaman facility will serve as the permanent hub for STAR Team training and selection. The training is structured into three distinct phases: Phase 1: Physical and Mental Fortitude This phase is designed to cultivate the specific mindset required of a special operations operative. Candidates are introduced to technical modules while simultaneously undergoing rigorous physical conditioning to test their limits. The training focuses on developing physical strength, bravery, leadership, and camaraderie. Those who fail to meet the standards are withdrawn from the course, while successful candidates proceed to the next stage. Key challenges include: • Self-identity module (): Psychological and character development. • Long Range March • Water and Land Competency Training • Specialised Phobia Testing: Assessments involving heights and confined spaces. Phase 2: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) This phase provides candidates with the essential skills required to survive in hostile or isolated conditions across diverse environments. Trainees undergo intensive modules in swamp, jungle, and maritime settings. The phase culminates in a comprehensive SERE exercise where candidates must apply their knowledge of survival and evasion under tactical pressure. Phase 3: Basic Specialisation The final phase, also known as Fasa Asas Kepakaran in Malay, introduces candidates to the core operational roles and tactical duties of the STAR Team. Trainees are taught basic proficiency in a wide range of specialised modules, including: • Close Quarter Battle (CQB) and Special Demolition • Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) • Sniper operations and Sabotage • Intelligence gathering and Combat Rescue • Dignitary protection (Bodyguarding) Candidates who successfully navigate this final assessment proceed to the formal graduation ceremony to be officially inducted into the STAR Team. == Graduation ==

Upon the successful completion of the Basic Commando Course or the Basic Special Actions Unit Course, candidates must perform a final practical demonstration. This display is conducted for an audience of VIPs, instructors, visitors, and the families of the trainees. The specific nature of the demonstration is determined by the traditions and operational focus of the respective training school. Following the demonstration, candidates proceed to a formal graduation ceremony. At this event, they are awarded the distinctive beret of their unit, along with other accessories which may include a lanyard, a special operations insignia or a combat knife. The JMF Elite Forces are unique in that they undergo two separate graduation ceremonies: the first occurs upon completion of the basic commando phase at a special warfare school, and the second follows the conclusion of their compulsory advanced training. == Compulsory advanced training ==

Compulsory advanced training refers to mandatory programmes that special forces personnel must complete following their basic selection but before they are considered fully qualified. Currently, the JMF Elite Unit are the only unit in Malaysia that maintains this specific requirement. This programme is conducted immediately after candidates graduate from the Special Warfare Training Centre (PULPAK). For the JMF Elite Unit, the successful completion of this additional phase is the prerequisite for being awarded the Special Operations Insignia. Previously, the Malaysia Coast Guard's STAR Team required a six-week programme known as the Special Task Introduction Course. Upon graduating from a military-led basic commando course, personnel were required to complete this course before they were officially bestowed with the scarlet red beret. However, as of late 2025, this curriculum has been consolidated into the 16-week Basic Commando Course – STAR Team. Consequently, a separate advanced training phase is no longer required for the Coast Guard's special forces candidates, as the specialised modules are now integrated into the primary selection pipeline. == Continuation training ==

After graduating, individuals still need to attend various special operations courses before being granted operational status. Importantly, these courses are not conducted consecutively, and graduates have resting periods between them. Depending on the availability of class slots, the fastest time to complete all courses, from the beginning of their Basic Commando Course or Basic Special Actions Unit Course until receiving operational status, is two years. == See also ==