Gerak Khas (Malaysian Army unit)

Origin: Malaysian Special Service Unit

The formation was originally designated the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU) upon its establishment on 7 May 1965. Created as the successor to the Malayan Special Forces, the unit's title was inspired by the British Special Service Brigade of the Second World War. Initially organised as a special operations task force, the founding members underwent commando qualification under the supervision of the British 40 Commando, Royal Marines.^[6][7]

The creation of a joint special forces task force was proposed during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation by Abdul Razak Hussein, then the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. Abdul Razak's advocacy for a dedicated unconventional warfare capability was rooted in his Second World War service with the Wataniah Pahang, a resistance movement linked to Force 136 where he received guerrilla warfare training. His wartime experience included infiltrating the Japanese-occupied Malayan administration to gather intelligence for the Allied forces.^[7][8][9]

This initiative was supported by the Chief of Defence Forces, General Tunku Osman, himself a former Force 136 operative trained in commando tactics by the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Working together, Abdul Razak and Tunku Osman coordinated with 40 Commando at the Sembawang Naval Base in Singapore to develop the selection and training curricula.^{[note 1][7][8]}

While the MSSU recruited personnel from across all branches of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), the majority of successful candidates were drawn from the Malaysian Army, with a smaller contingent from the Royal Malaysian Navy. Consequently, the Malaysian Army assumed administrative control over the unit. In its earliest form, the MSSU was structured as an ad hoc task force intended for temporary operational requirements.^[7][9]

1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment and expansion

As an ad hoc task force, the MSSU originally drew its personnel from various regiments and corps within the Malaysian Army and the Royal Malaysian Navy. This structure created administrative difficulties, as personnel remained responsible to their parent units. To resolve this, the army command relocated the unit to Camp Sungai Udang, Malacca, on 1 August 1970.^[7][10]

A permanent successor was established, known as the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (1 MSSR). By 1973, a new policy required soldiers and sailors wishing to serve within the special forces to officially resign from their original units and volunteer for permanent transfer to 1 MSSR. Due to subsequent expansion, 1 MSSR (present-day 21st Commando Regiment) was later incorporated into the 21st Special Service Group.^[10]

Camp Sungai Udang

Located in Malacca, Camp Sungai Udang is regarded as the "Home of the Commandos" and the unit's spiritual headquarters. In 1976, the Special Warfare Training Centre (Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas; PULPAK) was established here as part of the Third Malaysia Plan and the subsequent expansion of the Malaysian Armed Forces. Although the 22nd Commando Regiment was relocated to Camp Erskine in Kuala Kubu Bharu in 1983 due to overcrowding, Camp Sungai Udang continues to house two Gerak Khas regiments.^[10]

Camp Sri Iskandar

The 21st Special Service Group, including one combat regiment and various support elements, is headquartered at Camp Sri Iskandar in Mersing, Johor. The base covers an area of 2,000 acres (8.1 km²) and was constructed at a cost of RM422,000,000. The facility includes extensive infrastructure designed for special operations, including 200 buildings, 20 kilometres (12 mi) of roads, three bridges, a harbour, helicopter landing pads, and specialised training facilities.^[11]

The base was originally designated Camp Sri Mersing but was later renamed in honour of the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor, who served as the unit's Colonel-in-Chief. Locally, the installation is commonly referred to as Camp Iskandar.^[11]

While the base was initially intended to function as a joint special operations base for both the Malaysian Army and the Royal Malaysian Navy, with plans to relocate the 22nd Commando Regiment and a detachment from the Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) to the site. At present, only Malaysian Army units are stationed there.^[12]

21st Special Service Group

The 21st Special Service Group (abbr.: 21 SSG; Malay: 21 Gerup Gerak Khas) is the primary administrative and operational command for Gerak Khas personnel. Functioning as a brigade-sized formation, the 21 SSG reports directly to the Chief of Army.^{[note 4]} The group comprises three special forces regiments, each with distinct specialisations in unconventional warfare, and is supported by several dedicated units that provide combat and logistics support. The formation is commanded by a Major General.^[10]

External attachments

While most personnel serve within the 21 SSG, Gerak Khas commandos are also seconded to various other military institutions:^[14][15]

• Special Warfare Training Centre: Commandos serve as instructors at this facility, which is currently managed by the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command.
• Malaysian Army Ready Battalion: A detachment is assigned to this battalion to provide a specialised operations capability.
• Historical air force roles: During the 1980s, personnel were attached to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Ground and Air Defence Force (HANDAU). In this capacity, they formed the RMAF Combat Air Rescue Team for combat search and rescue (CSAR) and the RMAF Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) for air assault operations.

Special Warfare Training Centre

The Special Warfare Training Centre (abbr.: SWTC; Malay: Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas) was officially established on 1 August 1976. Prior to its formation, the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment held primary responsibility for commando training. The creation of the SWTC allowed for the centralisation and systematisation of special operations instruction.^[10]

While the centre currently operates outside the direct command of the 21st Special Service Group, it maintains a close functional relationship with the 21st and 22nd Commando Regiments and the 11th Special Service Regiment, which provide both personnel and subject-matter expertise. The centre is tasked with several core mandates:^{[note 5]}

• Training basic commando candidates for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Providing advanced special operations and supervisor-level instruction for the MAF.
• Conducting unit-level evaluation tests and doctrinal research into unconventional warfare.
• Developing qualified instructors for specialised assignments within the special forces community.

Gerak Khas Selection

The selection and training pipeline for Gerak Khas is conducted three times annually and is open to both officers and other ranks. Historically, candidates were required to serve at least one year within a conventional military unit before volunteering. Since the early 2020s, this policy has been modified to allow high-performing recruits to be identified during initial recruit training. However, these candidates must still complete their basic military training before entering the selection pipeline.^[19][20]

The process is divided into three primary stages: the Preparatory Course, the Basic Commando Course, and Continuation Training.^[19][20]

Advanced training

Qualified commandos may proceed to advanced training, which is provided up to supervisor level at the SWTC. Exceptional personnel may also be selected for overseas specialist schools. Advanced curricula include:

• Sniper
• Mountaineering
• Small unit patrol
• Close-quarters combat
• Parachuting
• High-altitude military parachuting
• Pathfinder
• Parachute rigger
• Small boat operations
• Underwater diving
• Combat swimmer
• Underwater demolition

Green beret and 'Harimau Berjuang' cap badge

The green beret is the primary international symbol of commando status. Gerak Khas follows the Royal Marines' tradition of positioning the cap badge on the left side of the beret, positioned between the eyebrow and ear (temple). This style was adopted from Royal Marines snipers during the communist insurgency and remains a distinguishing feature of the unit.^[25]

The Harimau Berjuang (lit. 'Fighting Tiger') cap badge depicts a roaring tiger behind a commando dagger, framed by an anchor rope with a scroll bearing the motto Cepat dan Cergas (lit. 'Fast and Agile'). The current gold-coloured variant replaced a silver version in the 2010s. The original 1970 design was created by members of the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (1 MSSR) and was informally known as the "Laughing Tiger".^{[note 7]} This early iteration used the Za'aba spelling system, with the motto rendered as Chepat dan Chergas.^{[note 8][9]}

Caribbean-blue (Light blue) lanyard

Gerak Khas commandos wear a lanyard in a distinctive shade of Caribbean blue. This item is a mark of honour inherited from the unit's founders and original instructors, the 40 Commando, Royal Marines. The tradition was established in 1965 when 40 Commando RM oversaw the training of the MSSU.^[26]

Today, the Caribbean blue lanyard is a mandatory component of the uniform for all personnel who successfully qualify at the Special Warfare Training Centre. It serves as a visual link to the unit's historical lineage and its foundational ties to British commando traditions.^[26]

'GERAKHAS' shoulder flash

Personnel wear a gold-on-black GERAKHAS shoulder flash on the left sleeve. Similar in function to the United States Army Special Forces Tab, it denotes the wearer's qualification as a special forces operative.

Rank insignia and uniform styling

Unlike the black inverted chevrons used by regular army units, other ranks (ORs) in Gerak Khas wear green inverted chevrons on their No. 5 combat dress. Furthermore, the unit maintains a unique method of folding uniform sleeves, traditionally referred to as Lipatan Gaya Samseng (lit. 'Thug-style fold'). This style involves rolling the sleeves higher than the standard army regulation to reveal the inner fabric of the uniform, a practice influenced by the Royal Marines' No. 3B Summer Dress and Special Air Service (SAS) customs during the 1968–1989 insurgency.^[27]

Commando dagger

The Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife is presented to all graduates of the commando course alongside the green beret and lanyard. It serves as both a functional tool and a ceremonial item, worn on the left side of the belt during formal parades. Throughout the unit's history, the daggers have been sourced from several notable manufacturers:^[28]

• William Rodgers (Sheffield, England): 1960s–1990s
• Carl Schlieper (Germany): 1990s–2000s
• John Nowill & Sons (Sheffield, England): 2000s–present

Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation (1963–1966)

During the Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation, the Gerak Khas, which was then known as the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), was established in 1965 to strengthen Malaysia's defence against incursions by Indonesian forces.^[9]

The first operational deployment of the MSSU took place in September 1965 during Operation Khas, which formed part of Operation Claret. This operation followed earlier engagements such as the Tebedu Incident in April 1963 and the Battle of Tawau. It was led by British forces and involved personnel from the 22nd Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS), No. 2 Special Boat Section (now the Special Boat Service), 40 Commando Royal Marines, and the MSSU.^[9]

These forces were deployed to Sebatik Island, Tawau, and Semporna, located near the Indonesia–Malaysia border. Their mission was to reinforce the existing defensive line, provide support to forward units, conduct long-range reconnaissance patrols in jungle terrain along the border, and repel Indonesian troops attempting to cross into Malaysian territory by land or sea.^[9]

13 May Incident (1969)

During the racial riots of May 1969, the MSSU was tasked with securing the Camp Mindef (Kem Kementah) in Kuala Lumpur from potential attacks. Some commandos also collaborated with the Malaysian Police Special Branch, the country's domestic intelligence agency, to apprehend gang leaders and triad members who were fuelling racial tensions behind the scenes.

Communist Insurgency (1968–1989)

Throughout the communist insurgency, Gerak Khas commandos engaged in counterinsurgency operations, conducting jungle warfare missions against the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) insurgents.^[2]

Somalia (1993–1995)

Malaysia joined the United Nations Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) in 1993, with Gerak Khas commandos assigned as the Quick Reaction Force for the region under Malaysian command.^[35]

That same year, Gerak Khas took part in the rescue operations during the infamous Battle of Mogadishu, working alongside the Royal Malay Regiment and the Pakistan Army. Their mission was to extract trapped U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives amid fierce combat against warlord Mohamed Farah Aidid's forces. One Malaysian soldier, Lance Corporal Mat Aznan Awang of the Royal Malay Regiment, was killed, and several others were wounded during the operation.^[36]

In 1994, two Malaysian soldiers were killed in action when their vehicle was ambushed by militants during an intelligence-gathering mission led by the Italian peacekeeping force. The fallen soldiers were Staff Sergeant Azman Mohamad Tahir of the 21st Commando Regiment and Corporal Gani Binjoi of the Royal Ranger Regiment.^[36]

Bosnia and Herzegovina (1993–1996)

Gerak Khas commandos, mainly from the 11th Special Service Regiment, were deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina as part of the UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) from 1993 to 1995 and later the Implementation Force (IFOR) from 1995 to 1996. Malaysia was the only Muslim country to deploy special forces as part of its peacekeeping contingent. These commandos were frequently called upon to support peacekeeping operations, particularly in high-risk areas such as Sniper Alley.^[37][38]

16th Commonwealth Games (1998)

During the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Gerak Khas commandos from the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG) were deployed alongside the Pasukan Gerakan Khas (PGK), the Police Special Operations Command. Their role was to provide security and stand by for hostage rescue operations if necessary.

Sauk Siege (2000)

Gerak Khas commandos from the 22nd Commando Regiment (22 Cdo) were deployed to Bukit Jenalik, Sauk, near Kuala Kangsar, Perak, to capture 32 Al-Ma'unah militants who had fortified a hill after raiding and stealing weapons from a military camp in Gerik. The operation, codenamed Operation 304, aimed to neutralise the threat and rescue hostages.^[39][40]

During the standoff, two Special Actions Unit police personnel—Sergeant Mohd Shah Ahmad and Detective Corporal Sagadevan Rajoo—along with a civilian, Jaafar Puteh, were taken hostage by the militants. As the operation unfolded, Corporal Matthew anak Medan, a Gerak Khas commando from 22 Cdo, was captured while conducting reconnaissance. He was tortured and later executed after refusing to comply with the militants' demands. Detective Corporal Sagadevan was also killed before the remaining hostages were successfully rescued.^[39]

Meanwhile, the 11th Special Service Regiment was deployed to oversee negotiations between the militants and Lieutenant General Zaini Mohamad Said and Assistant Superintendent Abdul Razak Mohd Yusof, who represented the Malaysian government. The standoff ended when the militants surrendered to Malaysian authorities.^[39]

Timor-Leste (2006)

Gerak Khas, under the 21 SSG, was deployed alongside the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA) and the Royal Malaysian Police's PGK as part of Operation Astute, an Australian-led peacekeeping mission to stabilise Timor-Leste.^[41]

Genting Sempah Incident (2007)

In July 2007, Gerak Khas commandos from 22 Cdo, then specialising in mountain warfare, collaborated with the 10 PARA BDE, RMAF Special Forces (PASKAU), PGK, and other Malaysian emergency response units in a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation. The mission aimed to locate six missing Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) crew members after a Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri helicopter crashed near Genting Sempah in the Genting Highlands.^[42]

On 17 July 2007, the wreckage was discovered approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the reported crash site. Tragically, all six crew members were found deceased inside the cabin.^[42]

MALCON–UNIFIL (2007–Ongoing)

Malaysia has been deploying peacekeeping contingents to Lebanon as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (MALCON-UNIFIL) since 2007. Gerak Khas commandos from 21 SSG have been deployed alongside 10 PARA, the Naval Special Forces (PASKAL), and PASKAU to serve in peacekeeping operations as part of the Quick Reaction Forces (QRF).^[43][44]

MALCON–ISAF (2010–2014)

Gerak Khas, along with PASKAU, 10 PARA, and PASKAL, was deployed as part of Malaysia's contingent (MALCON) under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since 2010. Their mission primarily involved administrative support and humanitarian aid in the Bamiyan District, in coordination with the New Zealand Defence Force.^[45][46]

Lahad Datu Standoff (2013)

Gerak Khas was mobilised to Lahad Datu, Sabah, during the 2013 standoff against armed Sulu militants. Alongside other Malaysian Special Forces units, they played a crucial role in tracking, engaging, and neutralising the insurgents.