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10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)

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10th Parachute Brigade
10 Briged Para
١٠ بريڬيد ڤارا
10th Parachute Brigade's Insignia
Founded5 October 1979; 45 years ago (1979-10-05)
Country Malaysia
Branch Malaysian Army
Type
Role
Part ofRapid Deployment Force
Garrison/HQTerendak Camp, Malacca
Nickname(s)"Storm trooper", "Pasukan sayap berdarah" ('The blood wing forces'), "Briged Halilintar" ('Thunderbolt Brigade'), "Malaysian Marine Corps"[1]
PatronChief of Army
Motto(s)Tindak Pantas ('Act Fast')
Beret  Maroon
Anniversaries10 October
Engagements
List
Commanders
Current
commander		Major General Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal
Deputy commanderBrigadier General Fazillah Ibrahim
Insignia
Parachutist badge
Cap badge
Tactical formation patches

The 10th Parachute Brigade[note 1] (Malay: Briged ke-10 Payung Terjun – 10 Briged Para, Jawi: ١٠ بريڬيد ڤارا), abbreviated as 10 PARA BDE, is an elite division-sized hybrid airborne-marine unit within the Malaysian Army.[2] It is tasked with rapid reaction forces inside or outside the boundaries of Malaysia and serves as the key element of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force (Malay: Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat – PAC).[3]

The 10 BDE Para is the independent elite units within the Malaysian Army,[note 2] reporting directly to the Chief of Army. Since April 2023, a two-star general has commanded the 10 PARA BDE, symbolising an unofficial upgrade to division size. As of November 2023, the unit still retains its name as the 10th Parachute Brigade.[4]

10 BDE PARA is the only elite unit in the Malaysian Armed Forces that opens its membership to women. The Unit Tindakhas (UTK; 'Special Actions Unit') of the Royal Malaysia Police is the other elite unit that allows women to join.[5] Both units uses the maroon beret as their official headgear.

The current commander of this division is Major General Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal, who replaced Brigadier General Hj Semaon Hj Marjuki on 28 November 2020. This marks his second term as the commander of 10th BDE PARA; he previously held the position from 23 October 2018 to 18 July 2019.[4][6]

Etymology

[edit]

The official Malay name, 'Briged Infantri Ke Sepuluh Paracut', translates to 'Tenth Parachute Infantry Brigade' in Malaysian English.[note 3] The Malay term 'paracut' is borrowed from the English word 'parachute'. Alternatively, 'payung terjun' is another common Malay translation for parachute.[7]

In English, the unit is officially known as the '10th Parachute Brigade'. Informally, people also refer the unit as the '10th Airborne Brigade', as the abbreviation 'PARA' indicates 'Airborne'. All terms—10 Brigade (Para), 10th Brigade (Parachute), and 10th Brigade (Airborne)—refer to the same unit.[8]

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)'.[7][9]

History

[edit]
A paratrooper of 10 PARA BDE with Colt M4A1 with M203 grenade launcher and Aimpoint Micro-T1 red dot sight.

Established as an infantry brigade

[edit]

The 10th Infantry Brigade was officially established on 5 October 1979 at Sungai Besi Camp 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 Pengkalan Hulu Camp in Perak to relieve some of the area of operation from the 2nd Infantry Brigade.[10]

Downsized to Task Force

[edit]

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 (Malay: Ops 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 May 2, 1984, the task force was placed under the 11th Strategic Division.[10]

Reorganised as a Strategic Defence Brigade

[edit]

On 1 January 1990, Task Force 083 was upgraded back to the strength of a brigade and renamed the 10th Strategic Brigade. During this time, the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989) had recently ended. The 11th Strategic Division was tasked by the Army Command (Malay: Markas Tentera Darat) with strategic defence, requiring them to experiment in planning, doctrine, training, and other areas to ensure the Malaysian Army had an advantage in the event of a new armed conflict. In December 1992, the brigade was relocated from Pengkalan Hulu Camp to Terendak Camp in Malacca.[10]

Integrated into the Rapid Deployment Force

[edit]

In early 1994, the 10th Strategic Brigade was integrated into a new military unit named the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force. Simultaneously, the brigade was unofficially upgraded to an airborne brigade. On 10 October 1994, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, officially announced the establishment of Malaysian Armed Forces' Rapid Deployment Forces, and the 10th Strategic Brigade was officially renamed the 10th Parachute Brigade. Simultaneously, the brigade became an independent military formation directly under the command of the Chief of Army, and the 11th Strategic Division was officially dissolved.[note 4][11] 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 specialised light infantry

[edit]

Although trained in airborne operations, the battalions under 10 PARA BDE were initially designated as infantry battalions, tasked with conventional infantry duties. At that time, their status, as per the Malaysian Army Commands, was Batalion Infantri Standard, or, in English, Standard Infantry Battalion. On 9 October 2020, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Chief of Army, upgraded the status of 10 PARA BDE to specialised light infantry. With this upgrade, they were relieved of conventional infantry tasks previously assigned to Standard Infantry Battalions.[note 5][12] Presently, the status of 10 PARA BDE is comparable to the US Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group (now known as the Army Special Operations Brigade). Their primary focus is on airborne, air assault, and amphibious operations, with capabilities extending to special operations infantry or being special operations-capable.[13]

Restructure as a hybrid airborne-marine unit

[edit]
Paratroopers from the 10 PARA BDE boarded the amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD-46) 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 590,000 km2 maritime zone, realises the importance of an amphibious military unit such as Marines.[14] 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.[15][16] 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.[10] In August 2002, the 8 RANGER (PARA) was deployed to Sabah under Operations PASIR to defend the coastline alongside other Malaysian army units. In 2006, the 10 PARA BDE participated in the CARAT exercise, assuming the role of a Marine unit. Due to conflicts in the South China Sea, in 2022, the Malaysian Army Command directed the 10 PARA BDE to restructure as a hybrid airborne-marine unit.[17] The new role of the 10 PARA BDE was showcased to the public during the 89th Army Day (Malay: Hari Tentera Darat), with members of the brigade conducting beach raids from the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Mahawangsa.[18]

Potential upgrade to a division size

[edit]

On 17 April 2023, General Mohammad Ab Rahman, the Chief of Army, 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 the year 2020, the 10 PARA BDE's members exceed 4800 personnel, falling only short of 200 personnel from the division size according to NATO standards.[4][19]

Timeline

[edit]
  • 5 October 1979 – The 10th Infantry Brigade was established at Sungai Besi Camp in Kuala Lumpur.
  • October 1979 – The 10th Infantry Brigade moved to Pengkalan Hulu Camp in Perak and became part of the 2nd Infantry Division.
  • December 1982 – The 10th Infantry Brigade was reorganised and became Task Force 083.
  • 2 May 1984 – Task Force 083 was placed under the 11th Strategic Division.
  • November 1984 – Task Force 083 comprised the 8th Battalion of the Ranger Regiment (8 RANGER), which was stationed at Terendak Camp in Malacca.
  • 1 January 1987 – The 8 RANGER underwent training as an experimental airborne battalion.
  • 1 January 1990 – Task Force 083 was elevated to brigade formation and re-branded as the 10th Strategic Brigade.
  • January–November 1992 – Combat support units, including armoured, artillery, engineering, and others, were incorporated into the structure of the 10th Strategic Brigade.
  • December 1992 – The 10th Strategic Brigade moved to Terendak Camp in Malacca at the same time that the 9th Battalion and 17th Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment were assigned to the brigade.
  • 1994 – The Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force was informally established, and the 10th Strategic Brigade was assigned to this force.
  • 10 October 1994 – Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad, officially established the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force, re-designating the 10th Strategic Brigade as the 10th Parachute Brigade.[20]
  • 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 Warfare Forces (PASKAL). Operational support is provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force. The 1994 Halilintar Exercise (Malay: Eks Halilintar/94) featured a scenario where the Rapid Deployment Force, led by the 8 RANGER (PARA), reclaimed Langkawi International Airport from an invading force.[3]
  • 1 June 1999 – The pathfinder and reconnaissance unit for the 10th Parachute Brigade, officially named the Pathfinder Platoon (Para) (Malay: Platun Pandura (Para)), was formally established. This unit, initially created on an ad hoc basis since 1995 as a pathfinder task force, now becomes an official part of the brigade.[21]
  • 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 Seberang Takir Camp in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, this unit is assigned the responsibility of covering the east peninsular region.[22]
  • 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.

Roles

[edit]

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 land, air, and sea. The five primary objectives of the 10 PARA BDE are as follows:[note 6][23]

  1. Operate either independently or as part of a joint force in response to threats occurring within or outside Malaysia.
  2. Defend and rescue Malaysian citizens and property located abroad.
  3. Assist law enforcement with any threats occurring within Malaysia.
  4. Fight insurgency.
  5. Assist friendly countries in the event of a natural disaster, defending their citizens, or serving as peacekeepers.

Identities

[edit]
A paratrooper from the 10 PARA BDE of the Malaysian Army is holding his M4A1 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.[24]

Maroon beret

[edit]

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.[3]

Cap badge

[edit]

The insignia consists of parachute wings affixed to a black triangle background, with a Kris, featured prominently and pointing downwards.

Parachutist badge

[edit]

The design of the Malaysian military parachutist badge draws inspiration from the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia. For members of the 10 PARA BDE, this badge is referred to as 'Sayap Berdarah', translating to 'Blood Wings' in English. During the Blood Wings ceremony, VIPs, typically the Chief of Army or the Commander of 10 PARA BDE, along with instructors, punch the metal parachutist badge into the chests of the graduates. The sharp pins of the wing symbolically induce bleeding, and only those who undergo this ceremony earn the privilege to wear a blood-red background trim (Malay: Pelapik) on the back of their parachutist badge when donning any service uniform, excluding the combat uniform. Other units, like the 21st Special Service Group, if trained in airborne operations, wear the parachutist badge without the background trim.[25]

PAC shoulder tab

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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.

Brigade's composition

[edit]

The headquarters of the 10th Parachute Brigade is based at Terendak Camp, Malacca, also known as the 'Home of the Paras'.

Structure of the 10 PARA BDE (2022)

Current formation

[edit]

Currently, the 10th Parachute Brigade consists of the following units:

Family welfare support

[edit]

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

[edit]

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 soldiers. However, soldiers also have the option to challenge themselves by undertaking the full RDF pipeline, culminating in the acquisition of the coveted maroon beret.[26]

The second type is the full pipeline, which is mandatory for those who want to be on the front lines with the combat or combat support teams. Officers and soldiers in this category need to go through three courses before being awarded the maroon beret and parachutist badge. These courses, collectively known as the RDF pipeline, are as follows:[26]

Preparatory course (2 Weeks)

[edit]

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.[27]

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 2.5 kilometres (1.6 mi) 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.[27]

Basic Parachutist Course (4 Weeks)

[edit]

This course, also known as jump school or airborne school, is conducted at the Special Warfare Training Centre, Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca. It is compulsory, even for non-combat soldiers such as doctors, nurses, chefs, chaplains, intelligence personnel, and others who are attached to the 10 PARA BDE.[28]

The course is divided into three phases:[29]

Phase 1: Theory

[edit]

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 3.2 km (2.0 mi) in under 16 minutes
  • Rope climbing to a height of 6 m (20 ft)
  • Performing 6 chin-ups
  • Completing 32 press-ups in under 1 minute
  • Completing 32 sit-ups in under 1 minute
  • Buddy-carrying for 100 m (330 ft)

Phase 2: Tower week

[edit]

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 40 kilograms (88 lb) of equipment for each exercise. The exercises include:

  • Sitting for 45 minutes in a hot mock aeroplane in full battle equipment
  • Jumping from a 32 ft (9.8 m) tower
  • Completing an exit tower exercise from a 50 ft (15 m) height

Phase 3: Jump week

[edit]

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.[29]

Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course (4 Weeks)

[edit]
Paratroopers of 10 PARA BDE with Supacat vehicle.
Main article: Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course (Malaysia)

This course, known as Kursus Asas Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat or Kursus APAC in Malay, is conducted at Perkampungan Gempita Para ('Airborne Combat Village'), Terendak Camp in Malacca. The primary objective is to mentally and physically train paratroopers to achieve elite status, foster esprit de corps, and emphasise the 'Buddy System'. Originally spanning five weeks, this course serves as the Malaysian Army's equivalent of the US Army's Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. Also referred to as Latihan Semangat Waja and Pagasus Course, the course is divided into two phases.[30][31]

Phase 1: Camp phase

[edit]

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

[edit]

Conducted outside the military camp, the Field Phase is the 10 PARA BDE's version of the United States Navy SEAL's 'Hell Week'.[note 7] During this phase, candidates undergo a series of demanding challenges designed to assess their physical and mental fortitude. The field phase includes amphibious infiltration, 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.

Graduation

[edit]

The graduation ceremony, originally conducted at Parawood, Terendak Camp, underwent a significant change in 2022. Originally, trainees would swim approximately 100 metres (330 ft) in murky water, carrying their weapons and equipment, before being bestowed with the maroon beret and the blood wing as symbols of their graduation. The ceremony would conclude with the recitation of the para oath and a para war dance performed by the graduates.[25]

However, since 2022, the graduation ceremony has evolved to include a beach raiding exercise. Graduates now participate in this exercise before being officially bestowed with the maroon beret and the blood wing.[32][25]

Advanced training

[edit]
Paratroopers from 10 PARA BDE in demonstration for the 56th Merdeka Day parade.

After graduating from the RDF pipeline, new members are required to undergo compulsory advanced training courses tailored to their specific specialties within the 10th Parachute Brigade. For instance, graduates assigned to specialised light infantry combat units, like the 9th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay Regiment, must complete three additional advanced courses:[33]

  1. Rifleman Class II Marksmanship Course (4 weeks)
  2. Rifleman Class I Marksmanship Course (4 weeks)
  3. 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.[34]

Some of the advanced/specialist training courses include:

Equipment

[edit]
Name Type Origin Notes
Beretta 92FS Semi-automatic pistol Italy
Browning HP Mk.3 Semi-automatic pistol Belgium Out in service
Glock Semi-automatic pistol Austria Glock 18 and Glock 26.
Heckler & Koch P9S Semi-automatic pistol Germany Out in service
SIG Sauer P226 Semi-automatic pistol Switzerland
Remington 870 Shotgun United States
Beretta PMX Submachine gun Italy [35]
Heckler & Koch MP5 Submachine gun Germany MP5A3 and MP5SD3.
Colt M4A1 Assault rifle United States
Colt M16A1 Model 653 Assault rifle United States Out in service
Colt M16A4 Assault rifle United States
Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Sniper rifle United Kingdom
Barrett M107 Anti-material rifle United States
Harris Gun Works M-96 Anti-material rifle United States
FN MAG 58 Machinegun Belgium
FN Minimi Mk.2 Machinegun Belgium
Heckler & Koch HK11 Machinegun Germany
M203 grenade launcher Grenade launcher United States
Mk 19 grenade launcher Grenade launcher United States
Milkor MGL Grenade launcher South Africa
MBDA Eryx Anti-tank France
NLAW Anti-tank United Kingdom [36]
M72 LAW Anti-tank United States [37]
Anza Anti-aircraft missile Pakistan Anza Mk 1 and Anza Mk 2.

Para oath

[edit]
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."

Recent operations

[edit]

The unit has been deployed in the following operations:

Operation Country Year
Malaysian Medical Team (MASMEDTIM), Chaman  Pakistan 2003
MASMEDTIM, Kashmir  Pakistan 2005
MASMEDTIM, Acheh  Indonesia 2004-2005
Operations PADANAN SIPADAN ISLAND RESORT (Ops Pasir)  Malaysia 2002
Operation Astute[38]  Timor-Leste 2006
MALCON-UNIFIL, Lebanon[39]  Lebanon 2007–present
Genting Sempah Incident[40]  Malaysia 2007
MALCON-ISAF, Afghanistan[41]  Afghanistan 2011–2014
Ops Daulat  Malaysia 2013
Malaysian Medical Team, Pakistan

On 14 October 2005, the Malaysian Medical Team (Abbr.: MasMedTim) soldiers serving in earthquake-hit Battagram, Pakistan, were recommended for a service allowance of RM100 a day. The team, which left for Pakistan, had set up a field hospital in Battagram, about 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Islamabad, on 26 October. Equipped only with tents more suitable for the tropics and kerosene heaters, MasMedTim soldiers had to battle subzero temperatures while carrying out their duties of providing aid to survivors of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Insufficient winter clothes and the lack of hot water at the campsite had been affecting soldiers for over two months, as the temperature sometimes dropped to minus 7 degrees Celsius (−7 °C) at night.[42]

Operations "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.[43]

The Chief of Army as patron

[edit]

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 Terendak Camp as a symbol of honorary membership in the airborne brotherhood.[4][13][44][45]

Commanders

[edit]
No. Portrait Commander of 10 PARA BDE Took office Left office Time in office Ref.
17
Dato' Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim
Tengku Ibrahim, Tengku Muhammad FauziBrigadier General
Dato' Tengku Muhammad Fauzi Tengku Ibrahim		17 March 201622 October 20182 years, 219 days[46]
18
Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal
Ahmad Natal, Khairul AzmizalBrigadier General
Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal		23 October 201818 July 2019268 daysFirst term[4]
19
Hj Semaon Hj Marjuki
Marjuki, SemaonBrigadier General
Hj Semaon Hj Marjuki		19 July 201928 October 20201 year, 101 days[4]
20
Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal
Ahmad Natal, Khairul AzmizalMajor General
Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal		29 October 2020Incumbent4 years, 59 daysSecond term[4]

Honorary maroon beret

[edit]

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.[47] In Malaysia, the honorary beret is part of the official military attire.[45]

Among the recipients are:

Killed in the line of duty

[edit]
Rank Name Unit Year of Death Circumstances
Private Awanis Othman Salary and Budget Department, Headquarters Company 31 July 1998 During a basic free fall course training exercise at Terendak Camp, Malacca, Private Awanis was involved in a fatal accident. On her third jump out of eleven in the course, witnesses reported that Private Awanis's parachute malfunctioned and failed to deploy. Sergeant Ali Ahmad of the RMAF Special Forces, acting as the skydiving instructor, exited the Nuri aircraft after Private Awanis. He attempted to reach her in mid-air and deploy a parachute for both of them. The tragic delay in Sergeant Ali's parachute deployment caused a fatal outcome for both individuals.[64]
Ranger Norizan Abdul Rahman 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment 15 August 2001 Fatality from a pulmonary hemorrhage during Operation KOTA Foxtrot Series 2/2001 in Gerik, Perak.
Ranger Siti Hajar Yakub 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment 2 December 2007 A parachute incident occurred during preparations for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition show. Strong winds encountered during a static line jump diverted approximately fourteen paratroopers from the designated landing zone. These paratroopers landed either in the swamp area or in the sea. On arrival, the rescue team confirmed the deaths of three paratroopers by drowning.[65]
Private Nurul Wahida Mohamad Yunus 17th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Malay Regiment
Private Raymond Duncan Armoured Squadron (Parachute), Royal Armoured Corps
Corporal Mohamad Safuan Hassan 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment 25 June 2018 Fatality due to a falling tree during Operation KOTA Foxtrot Series 2/2018 in Gerik, Perak.[66]
Lance corporal Fahrurozi Abd Manaf 8th Battalion (Parachute), Royal Ranger Regiment
Corporal Mohamad Azrin Mohamad Isa Pathfinder Company 1 September 2021 Lance Corporal Azrin went missing on 29 August 2021, while participating in infiltration training while tactically swimming across the Pahang River during Exercise Para Predator Series 1/2021. On 1 September 2021, his body was discovered 75 kilometres away from where he was last seen. He was a member of Pathfinder Company's Recon Platoon.[67] On 2 September 2021, he was posthumously promoted to the rank of Corporal.[68]
[edit]

Books, television, and movies featuring the 10th Parachute Brigade:

  • 2010: "Delta Two Bar", a telemovie by RTM, depicts the story of the son of a veteran from the Malaysian Communist Insurgency War who serves with the 10 PARA BDE.
  • 2016: "Majalah 3: Wira Semerah Hati", a documentary by TV3, explores the operations of the 10 PARA BDE.
  • 2017: "Panorama: Sayap Berdarah", a documentary by RTM, highlights the operations of the 10 PARA BDE. It was aired on 5 September 2017.
  • 2019: "Leftenan Zana [ms]", a TV series by TV3 starring Janna Nick and Sheila Rusly [ms], narrates the story of the youngest daughter of a retired army officer who aspires to continue her father's legacy. Her family initially hindered her, but she eventually rose to become an officer and a paratrooper in the elite 10 PARA BDE. The series premiered on 7 February 2019.[citation needed]

See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to 10 Para Brigade (Malaysia).

Notes

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  1. ^ In Malaysian English, the proper grammatical term for this unit is "10th Parachute Brigade". Other Commonwealth nations also use this naming style for their historical airborne units, such as the United Kingdom's 1st Parachute Brigade and Canada's 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. France follows a similar naming convention with its 11th Parachute Brigade. For alternative names for this Malaysian unit, see the 10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)#Etymology
  2. ^ Both units did not fall under the command of any army field commands, either Eastern or Western.
  3. ^ As a Commonwealth country, Malaysia adheres to The Queen's English, or Received Pronunciation, for its official English.
  4. ^ The 11th Strategic Division was dissolved, and everything that remained, including staff, facilities, and other assets, was absorbed into the newly established command known as the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command.
  5. ^ One of the duties assigned to Standard Infantry Battalions in the Malaysian Army is border operations, involving tasks like border control, apprehending smugglers, addressing illegal immigration, and confiscating prohibited goods. This duty is rotated among all standard infantry battalions.
  6. ^ Before its upgrade to specialised light infantry in 2022, the brigade aimed for this objective. Its objectives may vary after 2022.
  7. ^ This phase spans about one week almost the same length as the US Navy Seals'. The training, challenge and exercise of both Hell Week maybe different but the objective is the same which is to make elite military personnel.

References

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