Hunter Group

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. Members received 240 hours of training over weekends and at night over twelve months.^[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.^{[1][3]: Ch2}