11th Special Service Regiment
| 11th Special Service Regiment | |
|---|---|
| Rejimen ke-11 Gerak Khas | |
 | |
| Founded | 1 April 1981 |
| Country |  Malaysia |
| Branch |  Malaysian Army |
| Type | Special forces |
| Size | 4 squadrons, and 1 headquarters |
| Part of | 21st Special Service Group |
| Headquarters | Sungai Udang Camp |
| Nickname(s) | 'Malaysian Special Air Service', 'Unit Lawan Keganasan' (Anti-Terrorism Unit) |
| Motto(s) | Tetap Unggul (Still the Superior) |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Ahmad Huzaini Zainuddin |
The 11th Special Service Regiment (Abbr. 11 SSR, Malay: Rejimen ke-11 Gerak Khas (stylised 11 Rejimen Gerak Khas — 11 RGK)), also known as Unit Lawan Keganasan or Anti-terrorism Unit in English,[note 1] is the premier unit of the Malaysian Army's special forces.[1] The 11 SSR is one of the regiments under Gerak Khas, along with the 21st and 22nd Commando Regiment. Their headquarters are currently located at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca.
The 11 SSR is modelled after the organisational structure of the British 22 Special Air Service, and when compared to the United States military system, the 11 SSR is the "Tier 1" unit of the Malaysian Army. The 11 SSR operators were exclusively recruited from experienced commandos within the Gerak Khas' units.[1]
History[edit]
Created as a combat intelligence unit for army commandos[edit]
The Malaysian Intelligence Corps established the 11th Special Service Regiment (abbreviated as 11 SSR) and its sister unit, the 12th Special Service Regiment (abbreviated as 12 SSR), on 1 April 1981, as combat intelligence units for army commandos. They served as specialists in counter-revolutionary warfare for two commando regiments operating under the Malaysian Special Service Group (now recognised as the 21st Special Service Group).[2]
The 11 SSR is embedded into the 21st Para Commando Regiment (now known as the 21st Commando Regiment), while the 12 SSR is embedded with the 22nd Para Commando Regiment (now known as the 22nd Commando Regiment). Much like the SAS during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, their mission encompassed intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and the harassment of the adversary's leadership.[3][4]
The dissolution of the 12th Special Service Regiment[edit]
In 1983, the Malaysian Special Service Group (MSSG) disbanded the 12 SSR, resulting in the 11 SSR no longer functioning as a sub unit of the 21st Para Commando. The MSSG assimilated it and elevated it to the position of a counter-revolutionary warfare expert for the entire MSSG instead. The remaining members of the 12 SSR were integrated into the 11 SSR. Drawing inspiration from the capabilities of the British 22nd Special Air Service, the 11 SSR developed new specialised skills, including airborne pathfinders and frogmen.[3][4]
Elements of counter-terrorism have been included in the 11 SSR[edit]
Prior to the official end of the Communist insurgency in Malaysia in 1989, the primary focus of nearly all special forces in Malaysia, including the 11 SSR, was guerrilla warfare and jungle combat. Counter-terrorism was the responsibility of the Royal Malaysian Police's special forces unit, the Special Actions Unit (Malay: Unit Tindakhas). Post-1989, the Malaysian government sought to establish units capable of addressing terrorism, leading to the inclusion of counter-terrorism training for both the Royal Malaysian Police's 69 Commando and the 11 SSR. Under the Nelson Glory Project in 1990, counter-terrorism instructors from the 22 Special Air Service (22 SAS) were dispatched to impart their expertise to the 11 SSR. This initiative resulted in a significant restructuring of the 11 SSR's sabre squadrons, differentiating them from the organisational framework of the 22 SAS.[3][4][5][note 2]
Each Sabre squadron under the 11 SSR now distinguishes itself with specific capabilities and specialties, reflecting its individual roles and functions, in contrast to the 22 SAS.[5]
Separation of the Special Boat Squadron from the 11th Special Service Regiment[edit]
In 2009, a significant restructuring occurred within the 21st Special Service Group units, leading to the reorganisation of the 22nd Commando Regiment (22 CDO) to specialise specifically in amphibious warfare. Consequently, the 11 SSR's Special Boat Squadron (Malay: Skuadron Perahu Khas) was integrated with the 22 CDO.[6][7]
Organisation[edit]
As a member of the Commonwealth, Malaysia's military system shares similarities with that of the United Kingdom. The 11th Special Service Regiment (11 SSR) is intricately modelled after the British 22 Special Air Service and the historic Malayan Scouts. Initially comprising five sabre squadrons, the 11 SSR underwent restructuring as the 22nd Commando Regiment (22 CDO) evolved into a special forces unit specialising in amphibious operations. During this transition, the Victor squadron from the 11 SSR was relocated to the 22 CDO.[8]
Presently, the 11 SSR operates with four sabre squadrons, in addition to a headquarters and a family welfare support unit. These are:
Current squadrons[edit]
| Unit's name (English) | Unit's name (Bahasa Malaysia) | Nickname(s) | Motto | Unofficial logo | Specialty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 SSR's Headquarters | Markas 11 RGK | Administration and other tasks | ||||
| Sierra 'S' Squadron | Skuadron Sierra | 'Skuadron Tedung' (Cobra's Squadron), 'Skuadron Tinjau Khas Udara' (Airborne Special Recon Squadron) | Mengintip Memusnah | Special reconnaissance (by parachute) and pathfinder | Modelled after the Air Troops of the Special Air Service | |
| Tango 'T' Squadron | Skuadron Tango | Mencari & Memusnah | Special reconnaissance, counter-guerrilla, hunter-killer and direct action. | Modelled after the Mobility Troops of the Special Air Service | ||
| Uniform 'U' Squadron | Skuadron Uniform | 'Skuadron Lawan Keganasan' (Counter-Terrorism Squadron), 'Black Ghost' | Membunuh Menggeledah | Counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, direct action, and special reconnaissance | Modelled after the Counter Terrorist Wing of the Special Air Service | |
| 11 SSR's Logistics Squadron | Skuadron Logistik 11 RGK | Membantu Demi Kejayaan | Military logistics |
Family welfare support[edit]
11 SSR's BAKAT manages the family welfare support for the 11th Special Service Regiment (11 SSR). This organisation, under the leadership of the spouse of the Commander of 11 SSR, operates with the commander serving as its patron. BAKAT plays a crucial role in overseeing the well-being and providing support for the families associated with the regiment, providing a vital network of assistance and resources.
National Special Operations Force[edit]
The National Special Operations Force (NSOF) held the position of Malaysia's top counter-terrorism task force, recruiting exclusively from the finest counter-terrorism units within the country, such as the 11 SSR, the 69 Commando, the Special Actions Unit, PASKAL, PASKAU, and STAR. Operating under the direct authority of the Prime Minister's Office, the NSOF enjoyed increased autonomy, robust support from all federal government agencies, and substantial funding. Selected commandos from the 11 SSR's Uniform Squadron were granted the honour of joining this elite task force.[9] However, the National Special Operations Force was disbanded in July 2018.[10]
Defence Special Operations Division[edit]
The Bahagian Operasi Pasukan Khas Pertahanan, known by its English name Defence Special Operations Division (DSOD), or stylized as Defense Special Forces Operations Division in American English, was instituted by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in 2018 as a replacement for the National Special Operations Force. This transformation stemmed from the MAF's acknowledgement of the crucial role of joint special operations for Malaysia. Notably, DSOD operates under the jurisdiction of the MAF and includes exclusively the units within the MAF's organisational structure.[11]
Recruitment, selection and training[edit]
Given the distinct specialities of each squadron within the 11 SSR, the recruitment process for each squadron varies.[12] To be eligible for selection in the 11 SSR, an applicant must currently serve as a member of any Gerak Khas-related unit (such as the 21st Special Service Group, the Special Warfare Training Centre, or the 91st Intelligence Operations Group), maintain a clean disciplinary record, and have completed more than six years of service in any Gerak Khas-related unit.
According to Major (Retd) Nazar Talib's book "Menjunjung Bere Hijau" (2012),[13] the 11 SSR is more inclined to recruit Malaysian Army commandos with expertise in explosive ordnance disposal.
Notable missions[edit]
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1992-1996[edit]
From its inception, Malaysia actively participated in the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a dedicated peacekeeping force. Between 1992 and 1996, Malaysia contributed a total of 6085 peacekeepers across nine military contingents to both UNPROFOR (1992-1995) and IFOR (1995-1996) operations.[14] Notably, the 11th Special Service Regiment assumed a central role as the primary special operations unit on the ground.[note 3] They were frequently called upon to support peacekeeping forces from other nations, particularly during missions in challenging locations like Sniper Alley.[15][16][17]
Notes[edit]
- ^ The 11 SSRs were not disclosed to the media in the past. Not much is known about the 11 SSR's other specialist squadrons besides the anti-terrorism unit. As a result, all 11 SSRs are referred to as Unit Lawan Keganasan.
- ^ Each SAS squadron comprises teams with a variety of capabilities, such as Air troops, Mobility troops, Mountain troops, and Boat troops. See Special Air Service#Squadrons.
- ^ At that time, Malaysia was the only Muslim country sending special forces for peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 11th Special Service Regiment was chosen as part of a Combat Rescue Team for the United Nations in that region.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Mohamad Hafiz Yusoff Bakri (2019-09-11). "11 RGK 'berani mati'". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Sejarah Kor Rejimen Gerak Khas 1965 - 1982 (in Malay). Kuala Lumpur: Jabatanarah Gerak Khas. 1982.
- ^ a b c Shamsul Afkar bin Abd Rahman (June 2013). History of Special Operations Forces in Malaysia (Postgraduate Thesis). Monterey, CA: Naval Postgraduate School.
- ^ a b c Buku Jubli Emas GGK ke-50 (in Malay). Pusat Teknologi Maklumat Tentera Dara. 2015.
- ^ a b "Malaysian Special Service Unit - Father of Malaysian Special Forces". dsgcreview.com. 2020-11-28. Retrieved 2023-08-13.
- ^ "Biru Laut, Hijau Sherwood- Identiti Harimau Berjuang". The Patriots (in Malay). 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Mohd Foad, Helmi (2009-12-05). "Skuadron Maritim pamer ketangkasan". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay).
- ^ Nurulhuda (2022-04-02). "Skuadron Sierra 11 RGK: Pakar terjun 15,000 kaki tembusi garisan musuh". Air Times News Network (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Majlis Pelancaran National Special Operation Force (NSOF) - 27 Oktober 2016, retrieved 2023-08-14
- ^ Dzirhan Mahadzir (2018-10-05). "New Malaysian government disbands NSOF". www.shephardmedia.com. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
- ^ "Keupayaan Bahagian Operasi Pasukan Khas Pertahanan (BOPKP) Dipertingkatkan". www.mod.gov.my (in Malay). 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2023-08-14.
- ^ Nurulhuda (2021-11-27). "Ekesesais Tedung Bara: 11 RGK terjun 25 ribu kaki menyusup masuk kawasan musuh". Air Times News Network (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-08-11.
- ^ Den Komando (2012). Menjunjung Bere Hijau (in Malay). SNS Print & Bind. ISBN 9789675870064.
- ^ Nur Afiradina Arshad (2017-11-11). "Anggota Malbatt kongsi pengalaman pahit manis". Berita Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Azmil, Fildza Zainal (2019-09-04). "Perjuangan Komando Malaysia Yang Menggegar Dunia, Ini Kisah Grup Gerak Khas Yang Ramai Tak Tahu". Siakap Keli (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Abdul Hafiz Ahmad (2023-08-04). "TikTok kisah kepahlawanan Tun Mamat dan GGK di Bosnia". Bebas News (in Malay). Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- ^ Den Comando (2020). Misi di Bumi Bosnia (in Malay) (1st ed.). DCR.