10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)

The official Malay name, 'Briged Infantri Ke Sepuluh Paracut', translates to 'Tenth Parachute Infantry Brigade' in Malaysian English. The Malay term 'paracut' is borrowed from the English word 'parachute'. Alternatively, 'payung terjun' is another common Malay translation for parachute. The units under this brigade, such as the 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment, can be denoted in American English as the '8th Battalion (Airborne), Royal Ranger Regiment' or simply 8 RANGER (Airborne). Similarly, the special operations unit within this brigade, Pathfinder Company (Para), can be referred to as 'Pathfinder Company (Airborne)'. ==History==

Established as an infantry brigade The 10th Infantry Brigade was officially established on 5 October 1979 at Camp Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989). At that time, the brigade was placed under the 2nd Infantry Division. Later, the brigade was relocated to Camp Pengkalan Hulu in Perak to relieve some of the area of operation from the 2nd Infantry Brigade. Downsized to Task Force The 10th Infantry Brigade was downsized in December 1982 and renamed to Task Force 083, while their area of operations remained unchanged. Since 1 January 1983, Task Force 083 has been assigned responsibility for the area of operations named Operation KOTA Echo/Foxtrot (). Members of the task force are rotated among battalions from the Royal Malay Regiment and the Malaysian Ranger Regiment (now known as the Royal Ranger Regiment). On 2 May 1984, the task force was placed under the 11th Strategic Division. As of 2023, the 10th Parachute Brigade is the sole component of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force, supported by the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Navy. Upgraded to the status of special operations-capable Although initially trained in airborne operations, the battalions under the 10 PARA BDE were originally designated as standard infantry battalions, performing conventional infantry duties. At the time, they were classified by the Malaysian Army as Batalion Infantri Standard or Standard Infantry Battalions in English. However, on 9 October 2020, under the 'ARMY 4NEXTG' plan, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Chief of Army, upgraded 10 PARA BDE's status to special operations-capable. This transformation relieved them of the conventional infantry roles previously assigned to standard infantry battalions, allowing them to focus on more specialised tasks. With this upgrade, 10 PARA BDE now operates at a level comparable to the United States Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group (now known as the Army Special Operations Brigade). Their primary focus revolves around air assault operations, airborne operations, and amphibious warfare operations with extended capabilities in special operations light infantry roles or functioning as special operations-capable forces. Restructure as a special operations-capable with hybrid airborne-marine capability to conduct a beach raiding exercise during the 2006 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). Malaysia, as a nation in maritime Southeast Asia with a maritime zone, realises the importance of an amphibious military unit such as Marines. In 2013, the Malaysian government expressed its desire to establish a marine corps, but they couldn't decide which military service should be in charge of the marine corps. For instance, while most marine units fall under the navy, there are instances where marine units fall under the army, as seen with the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, a part of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. The 10 PARA BDE has been trained as a substitute for the Marines, since the early 2000s. In June 2002, the 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment (8 RANGER (PARA)), underwent training with the United States Marine Corps. The new role of the 10 PARA BDE was showcased to the public during the 89th Army Day (), with members of the brigade conducting beach raids from the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Mahawangsa. Potential upgrade to division sized unit On 17 April 2023, the Chief of Army, General Mohammad Ab Rahman, promoted the 10 PARA BDE commander, Brigadier General Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal, to the rank of Major General. With this promotion, the 10 PARA BDE was unofficially upgraded to a division-sized military unit. This marks the first time, since the establishment of this brigade, that it is led by a major general. As of 2020, the 10 PARA BDE's members exceed 4800 personnel, falling only short of 200 personnel from the division size according to NATO standards. Integration of amphibious and air assault operations In January 2024, the Chief of Army, General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, announced future development plans for the Malaysian Army. Several units, including the 10 PARA BDE, were identified for inclusion in these initiatives. For the brigade, the programme is officially designated Way Forward 10 Briged (Para), or '''''10 PARA BDE's Way Forward'''''. The plan places particular emphasis on enhancing the brigade's capability to conduct amphibious and air assault operations. To support the implementation of these concepts, the Army Headquarters engaged with the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps, seeking assistance in areas such as exercise planning, organisational structures, force composition, logistics, and asset deployment. By March 2024, a blueprint for the initiative had been finalised, and implementation commenced within the 10th Parachute Brigade. In Series 1/2025, the 10 PARA BDE introduced an experimental pilot version of its selection pipeline, incorporating elements of basic amphibious warfare and basic air assault training. This extended the course duration to six weeks. The brigade headquarters is currently planning to test a seven-week version in the upcoming series, with the most effective structure to be adopted as the official standard in the future. Establishment of the Amphibious Boat Company On 1 August 2025, as part of the follow-up to the Way Forward programme, the 10 PARA BDE established a nucleus team for a new amphibious combat formation. The unit, officially designated the Amphibious Boat Company (), was created as an experimental element within the brigade to trial the concepts and plans developed since early 2024. The nucleus team serves as a testbed for shaping the brigade's future amphibious role and determining the final structure and functions of the unit. Current plans envisage the company being deployed using hovercraft, Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC), with embarkation and support provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy. • 10 October 1994 – The 10 PARA BDE conducts rapid deployment exercises, collaborating with special forces such as the 21st Special Service Group and Naval Special Forces (PASKAL). Operational support is provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The 1994 Halilintar Exercise () featured a scenario where the Rapid Deployment Force, led by the 8 RANGER (PARA), reclaimed Langkawi International Airport from an invading force. • June 2002 – A battalion within the 10th Parachute Brigade underwent marines training with the USMC. • 21 February 2018 – The 18th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment was elevated to an airborne battalion and positioned under the 10th Parachute Brigade. Headquartered at Camp Seberang Takir in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, this unit is assigned the responsibility of covering the east peninsular region. • 9 October 2020 – Upgraded to the status of specialised light infantry. • 2022 – The 10th Parachute Brigade assumed the role of marine forces while awaiting the establishment of the Malaysian version of the Marine Corps by the Malaysian Armed Forces. • January 2024 – The 10 PARA BDE's Way Forward, future plans for the brigade, was introduced. • March 2025 – A new selection pipeline for the brigade was introduced. • 1 August 2025 – The Amphibious Boat Company () was established. ==Roles==

As of 2023, the 10 PARA BDE has a multi-spectrum of roles. Its original roles are as an airborne and air assault unit for the Malaysian Armed Forces, similar to the British Army's 16 Air Assault Brigade. The amphibious elements were later added, making the 10 PARA BDE a hybrid airborne-marine unit capable of deployment from sea, air, and land. The five primary objectives of the 10 PARA BDE are as follows: • Operate either independently or as part of a joint force in response to threats occurring within or outside Malaysia. • Defend and rescue Malaysian citizens and property located abroad. • Assist law enforcement with any threats occurring within Malaysia. • Fight insurgency. • Assist friendly countries in the event of a natural disaster, defending their citizens, or serving as peacekeepers. ==Identities==

carbine. Notice that the beret is worn in a style where the cap badge is not visible from the front. This style of beret is used by all elite units in Malaysia, including the 10 PARA BDE and all special forces. The style was first adopted by Gerak Khas during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989) and was inspired by the Royal Marines Commando Snipers team who served alongside Gerak Khas during the conflict.|alt= Maroon beret The maroon beret worn by the 10th Parachute Brigade is known as 'Pegasus'. To qualify for wearing the maroon beret, one must successfully complete both the Basic Parachutist Course and the Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course. This practice is modelled after the British Parachute Regiment, including the style of wearing the beret and the cap badge. PAC shoulder tab Members of the 10 PARA BDE wear this tab on their left shoulder in both service dress and combat uniforms. The maroon-coloured tab is embroidered with black letters 'PAC', representing the acronym for Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat. Airborne shoulder tab The tab is similar to the US Army 101st Airborne Division tab, with yellow or gold 'AIRBORNE' letters embroidered on a black background. In the Malaysian Army, it is worn on the left shoulder of the service dress uniform. The black and olive version is worn above the tactical formation patches on the combat uniform. Motto Tiada Misi Terlalu Sukar, Tiada Pengorbanan Terlalu Besar, Tugas Diutamakan! (No Mission Too Difficult. No Sacrifice Too Great. Duty First!). The motto is adopted from the motto of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army. ==Structures==

The headquarters of the 10th Parachute Brigade is based at Camp Terendak, Malacca, also known as the 'Home of the Paras'. Current structure Currently, the 10th Parachute Brigade consists of the following units: • Headquarters, 10th Parachute Brigade. At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger (Specialised light infantry). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 9th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay (Specialised light infantry). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 17th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay (Specialised light infantry). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 18th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay (Specialised light infantry). At Camp Sri Pantai in Terengganu • 1st Artillery Regiment (Parachute), Royal Artillery (Airborne close support artillery). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Armoured Squadron (Parachute), Royal Armoured (Airborne mechanised infantry and light infantry fighting vehicles). At Camp Syed Sirajuddin in Negeri Sembilan • 10th Signal Squadron (Parachute), Royal Signals (Communication and information support). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 10th Engineering Squadron (Parachute), Royal Army Engineers (Close support air manoeuvre engineers). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 361st Air Defence Battery (Parachute), Royal Artillery (Close support air manoeuvre anti-aircraft gunners). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 10th Field Workshop Company (Parachute), Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (Close support air manoeuvre engineers). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Pathfinder Company (Para) (Special operations-capable forces). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Support Company (Parachute) (Anti-tank, heavy machine gun, grenade machine gun, and light armoured car support). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Medical Company (Parachute), Royal Medicals (Air manoeuvre medical support). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • 10th Logistic Company (Parachute), Royal Logistics (Airborne combat logistics support). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Amphibious Boat Company (Marine infantry). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Military Police Platoon (Parachute), Royal Military Police (Brigade's law enforcement). At Camp Terendak in Malacca • Intelligence Cell of the 10th Parachute Brigade, Royal Intelligence (Military intelligence support). At Camp Terendak in Malacca Family welfare support 10 PARA BDE's BAKAT oversees the family welfare support for the brigade. The organisation is under the leadership of the spouse of the Commander of 10 PARA BDE, with the commander serving as the patron for this organisation. ==Selection and training==

There are two ways for soldiers in the Malaysian Army to serve in the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and the 10th Parachute Brigade. The first type is for combat service support, such as logistics, medical, chaplains, and others. These individuals only need to pass the Basic Parachutist Course and qualify as airborne forces. However, soldiers also have the option to challenge themselves by undertaking the full pipeline, culminating in the acquisition of the coveted maroon beret. Preparatory course (2 Weeks) This course, officially known as the 10th Parachute Brigade Induction Programme, lasts for two weeks and is divided into two types. The first type is designed for other ranks, while the second, known as the 10th Parachute Brigade Junior Officer Induction Programme, is tailored for officers. The course aims to instill discipline, multi-skills, practicality, substance, and action-oriented skills in the candidates. For officers, leadership skills are also included in their curriculum. Throughout the course, candidates undergo physical and mental preparation for subsequent courses in the RDF pipeline. This involves completing a run twice a day at 0700 hrs and 1500 hrs. Candidates need to navigate through an obstacle and endurance course known as Endurance Challenge Tachtlon and undergo marksmanship tests as part of their final assessment for this course. The course is divided into three phases: Phase 1: Theory The first phase lasts for two weeks, during which candidates are instructed in the correct techniques for parachute jumps. They learn how to land, emergency procedures if the main chute does not deploy or fails to open correctly, how to handle collisions in the air, deploying the second chute, maintaining discipline in the aircraft, landing techniques in challenging conditions (such as rough winds or water landings), and the correct method for packing the parachute after landing. Every Friday, candidates must pass the following physical tests: • Running in under 16 minutes • Rope climbing to a height of • Performing 6 chin-ups • Completing 32 press-ups in under 1 minute • Completing 32 sit-ups in under 1 minute • Buddy-carrying for Phase 2: Tower week The second phase, lasting for one week, involves testing the theories learned in Phase 1 at a high tower. Each candidate is required to carry of equipment for each exercise. The exercises include: • Sitting for 45 minutes in a hot mock aeroplane in full battle equipment • Jumping from a tower • Completing an exit tower exercise from a height Phase 3: Jump week The final phase of the Basic Parachutist Course, known as the Jump Week, involves candidates being sent to a selected airport. The airport and drop zones are not fixed, with known drop zones including Gong Kedak in Kelantan, Padang Terap in Kedah, and Pontian in Johor. During this week, candidates are required to complete eight jumps, with at least two jumps performed in full battle equipment. In some cases, only seven jumps are needed if weather conditions do not permit. Non-full RDF pipeline candidates receive their parachutist badge in a small graduation ceremony after the last jump, while full RDF pipeline candidates move on to the next course. Phase 1: Camp phase During this phase, candidates undergo both theoretical and practical training to prepare them for the subsequent phase and their roles within the Malaysian RDF and the 10 PARA BDE. The theories they learn encompass: • Airborne Operations: Understanding the principles and tactics involved in parachute-assisted military operations, covering both strategic and tactical aspects of airborne assaults • Amphibious Operations: Learning the strategies and techniques used in military operations that involve both land and water elements, emphasising versatility in deployment. • Air Assault Operations: Gaining knowledge and skills related to rapid deployment and assault via helicopters or other air assets, with a focus on speed and flexibility. Phase 2: Field phase Conducted outside the military camp, the Field Phase is the 10 PARA BDE's version of the United States Navy SEAL's 'Hell Week'. During this phase, candidates undergo a series of demanding challenges designed to assess their physical and mental fortitude. The field phase includes amphibious infiltration, jungle warfare with small unit tactics, long-distance loaded marching by foot, land navigation tests, climbing and ascending mountains, swimming and river crossing, and survival in swamps. Throughout this phase, all theories and training acquired in Phase 1 are put to the test. The field phase simulates real-world conditions, ensuring candidates can apply their knowledge and skills effectively in challenging operational scenarios. Phase 3: Air assault and amphibious training The air assault and amphibious phase was introduced in 2025 as part of the expanded role of the 10th Parachute Brigade under the Way Forward plan. In this phase, candidates apply the knowledge acquired during earlier stages of training through practical air assault and amphibious operations. The air assault component is conducted at designated training facilities, including tower-based sites where candidates learn insertion techniques such as fast-roping. Plans are in place to incorporate training with real helicopters, providing candidates with live air assault experience. Should this be implemented, the overall course length may be extended from six to seven weeks, although the final structure and duration remain under review by brigade headquarters. • Rifleman Class II Marksmanship Course (4 weeks) • Rifleman Class I Marksmanship Course (4 weeks) • Military Hand-to-Hand Combat Course (2 weeks) In addition to the compulsory training, members of the 10 PARA BDE have the opportunity to advance their skills by participating in advanced courses offered by the Malaysian Armed Forces. They can also strive to join the 10 PARA BDE's special operations unit, the Pathfinder Company (Para). Several veteran paratroopers from the 10 PARA BDE have chosen to undergo Special Forces Selection. Some of the advanced/specialist training courses include: • Tactical Air Landing Operations (TALO) • Free Fall • Close Quarters Combat (CQC) • Vehicle driver • HALO/HAHO • Sniper • Demolition expert • Sharpshooters • Pathfinder • Airborne combat medic ==Equipment==

::Kami berikrar bahawa kami, sentiasa mentaati Rukun Negara dan Ikrar Kesatria. ::Kami berikrar bahawa kami, dengan kemahuan kami sendiri, diterjunkan dan melaksanakan tugas parajurit para. ::Kami berikrar bahawa kami menjunjung tinggi dan mempertahankan darjat, nama, kehormatan dan jiwa parajurit para. ::Kami berikrar bahawa kami, sentiasa bersiap sedia untuk diterjunkan pada setiap saat, di mana jua, dan dalam keadaan apa sekalipun. ::Kami berikrar bahawa kami, sentiasa bersikap sopan dan menurut perintah dengan ikhlas dan jujur. :::"We pledge that we always obey the Rukun Negara and the Warriors' Pledge. :::We pledge that, with our own will, we jump and carry out the duties of the paratroopers. :::We pledge that we uphold and defend the ranks, names, honours, and souls of the paratroopers. :::We pledge that we are always ready to jump at any time, anywhere, and in whatever circumstances. :::We pledge that we will always be polite and sincerely and honestly carry out all orders given to us." == Future plans ==

Amphibious assets Under the 2024 Way Forward programme, Army Headquarters outlined plans to restructure the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE) into a dynamic, multi-role formation with the ability to conduct operations across sea, air, and land. The brigade is intended to serve as a rapidly deployable force capable of insertion from multiple domains. To support these roles, several amphibious assets have been requisitioned, including hovercraft, Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC). The brigade is scheduled to receive six Hovercraft Kaiman, to be built in Malaysia through a partnership between Airlift Hovercraft (Australia) and IDC Technologies (Malaysia). The locally built variant will be designated the Hovercraft Salamander, with delivery planned to begin in October 2025. ==Recent operations==

The unit has been deployed in the following operations: ;Malaysian Medical Team, Pakistan On 14 October 2005, members of the Malaysian Medical Team (MasMedTim) serving in Battagram, Pakistan, were recommended to receive a daily service allowance of RM100 in recognition of their challenging conditions. The team had been deployed to support relief efforts following the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake, and by 26 October, they had established a field hospital in Battagram, located roughly from Islamabad. ;Operation "Padanan, Sipadan Island Resort" The security surveillance, code-named Operation Padanan Sipadan Island Resort, or Ops Pasir, which was launched on 20 September 2000, following the hostage-taking incidents in Sipadan and Pandanan islands, had restored confidence among tourists to visit the resort islands. The integrated operation involved the Malaysian army, navy, and air force, as well as other related agencies such as the police and the coast guard. == The Chief of Army as patron ==

As a military formation that sits directly under the Chief of Army, the Chief of Army is traditionally selected to become the patron of the 10th Parachute Brigade. Every new Chief of Army is given a maroon beret and blood wings upon their visit to Camp Terendak as a symbol of honorary membership in the airborne brotherhood. == Commanders ==

As the second most prestigious beret in the Malaysian Army, only after the green beret of Gerak Khas, the maroon beret of 10 PARA BDE is honorarily awarded to high-ranking individuals, military or government officials, and foreign VIPs. In Malaysia, the honorary beret is part of the official military attire. • Sultan Nazrin Shah, Sultan of Perak, received it in August 2014. • Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince of Brunei, received it in November 2013. • Crown Prince Tengku Amir Shah. Crown Prince of Selangor, received it in March 2017. Tengku Amir is a graduate of Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course Series 2/2016. He held the rank of Leftenan Muda (Second Lieutenant) in 17 RAMD (Para) when he received the beret. • Najib Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, received it in October 2003. • Hishammuddin Hussein, Malaysian Minister of Defence, received it in July 2013. • General Ismail Omar, Malaysian Chief of Defence Force, was the first recipient. • General Suraphong Suwana-adth, Thailand Chief of Defence Forces, received it in May 2017. • General Songwit Noonpackdee, Thailand Chief of Defence Forces, received it in October 2023. • Major General Aminan Mahmud, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, received it in March 2014. • General Ismail Hassan, former Malaysian Chief of Army, was the second recipient. • General Chalermchai Sitthisad, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, received it in April 2017. • General Apirat Kongsompong, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, received it in January 2020. • General , Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, received it on 11 May 2010. • General , Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, received it in October 2013. • Major General Chan Chun Sing, Singapore Chief of Army, received it in September 2010. == Killed in the line of duty ==

Books, television, and movies featuring the 10th Parachute Brigade: • 2010: "Delta Two Bar" is a telemovie by RTM that tells the story of the son of a veteran of the Malaysian Communist Insurgency War, who is currently serving with the 10th Parachute Brigade. • 2016: "Majalah 3: Wira Semerah Hati" is a documentary by TV3, produced by Nurul Fariha Onn, which aired on 29 May 2016. It explores the operations of the 10th Parachute Brigade and won the 2016 Anugerah Skrin award in the documentary category. • 2017: "Panorama: Sayap Berdarah" is a documentary by RTM that highlights the operations of the 10th Parachute Brigade. It was aired on 5 September 2017. • 2019: "Leftenan Zana" is a television drama directed by Sheila Rusly and produced by JS Pictures for TV3, starring Janna Nick, Redza Rosli, and Sheila Rusly. The series follows the story of the youngest daughter of a retired army officer who aspires to follow in her father's footsteps. Despite strong opposition from her family, she secretly joins basic training and eventually becomes an EOD officer and paratrooper in the 10th Engineering Squadron (Parachute) of the 10th Parachute Brigade. The show also portrays her journey through training. It premiered on 7 February 2019. ==See also==