10th Parachute Brigade (Malaysia)

The 10th Parachute Brigade (Malay: Briged ke-10 Payung Terjun – 10 Briged Para, Jawi: ١٠ بريڬيد ڤارا), commonly known as 10 Para, is an elite brigade-sized airborne unit within the Malaysian Army tasked with being rapidly deployed inside or outside the boundaries of Malaysia. 10 Para is the key element of the Rapid Deployment Force (Malay: Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat – PAC).

10th Parachute Brigade
10 Briged Para
١٠ بريڬيد ڤارا
10th Parachute Brigade Insignia
FoundedNovember 1988 (1988-11)
Country Malaysia
Branch Malaysian Army
TypeElite Airborne forces
Rapid deployment force
RoleAir assault
Airborne force
Counter-insurgency
Direct Action
Part of
Garrison/HQTerendak Camp, Malacca
Nickname(s)"Storm Trooper", "Pasukan Sayap Berdarah" ('The Bleeding Wing Forces'), "Briged Halilintar" ('Thunderbolt Brigade')
Motto(s)Tindak Pantas ('Act Fast')
Beret  Maroon
Anniversaries10 October
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		Brigadier General Semaon Bin Marjuki
Insignia
Parachutist badge
Cap badge
Tactical formation patches

10 Para is the only elite unit in the Malaysian Armed Forces to open its membership to women. The other elite unit to open its membership to women is the Unit Tindakhas (UTK; 'Special Actions Unit') of the Royal Malaysia Police.[1]

History
A paratrooper of 10 Para with Colt M4A1 with M203 grenade launcher and Aimpoint Micro-T1 red dot sight.

10 Para's primary role is to be the nation's main offensive force in time of war or emergencies. The creation of the Parachute Brigade was proposed by Malaysia's defence planners in the late 1970s as a part of the modernisation plan for the military. The plan originally did not receive much support from the government due to concerns that the formation of such a brigade would be looked with suspicion by its neighbour, Singapore.

In November 1988, Malaysia was unable to respond to a request for assistance by Maldives when that country was invaded by Tamil mercenaries. This inability to render timely help to prompt Malaysian leaders to move to form paratrooper units within the Malaysian Army.

Timeline
  • 1988 – A single Malaysian Army infantry battalion from the 8th Royal Ranger Regiment is parachute trained and converted from their traditional infantry role into a parachute battalion. This battalion becomes the first members of the new rapid deployment force.
  • 1990 – The 17th Royal Malay Regiment and 9th Royal Malay Regiment are jump qualified and join the rapid deployment force.
  • 10 October 1994 – Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mahathir Mohamad formally redesignates the 10 Malaysian Infantry Brigade as the 10 Parachute Brigade and in the same time given its Rapid Deployment Force status.[2]
  • October 1994 – 10 Para undertakes a rapid deployment exercise, supported by elements of the Malaysian 21 Gerup Gerak Khas ('21st Special Service Group') and PASKAL and with operational support provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force. The Halilintar Exercise 1994 centres on a scenario of the retaking of Langkawi International Airport from an invading force by the Rapid Deployment Force spearheaded by 8th Rangers (Para).
  • 21 February 2018 – The 18th Royal Malay Regiment was upgraded into an airborne battalion. Based at Seberang Takir Camp, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, the 18 RAMD (Para) is entrusted to cover the east peninsular region.[3]

Roles

10 Parachute Brigade is highly skilled in accordance with its status as a Rapid Deployment Force. The paratroopers are vigorously trained for specialised combat operations and rapid deployment in alignment with the brigade's motto Tindak Pantas (English: Act Fast). The 10 Para can be deployed from land, air and sea.

Identities
Paratrooper from 10 Para of Malaysian Army holding his M4A1 Carbine

Maroon beret

The maroon beret worn by the 10 Parachute Brigade is known as 'Pegasus'. The conditions for wearing the maroon beret are to pass the basic parachute course and to APAC course. This is an imitation of the British Parachute Regiment, as is the way the beret is worn and the cap badge. Much of their training is based on the British paras due to their reputation of being the best airborne force in the world.

Cap badge

Parachute wings with Kris on a black triangle backing pointing downwards.

Parachutist badge

For 10 Para members, the parachute wings are titled Sayap Berdarah meaning 'The Bleeding Wings'. During graduation ceremony, VIPs (usually the Chief of Army or the Commander of 10 Para) or instructors will punch the metal parachute wing into graduates' chest. The sharp pins from the wing will make graduates bleed with their wings.

PAC shoulder tab

This tab is only worn by the members of 10 Para on their left shoulder both at service dress uniform and battledress. The tab is in maroon colour and embroidered with black letters 'PAC' which an acronym for Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat.

Airborne shoulder tab

This tab is worn by any soldiers who passed the Basic Parachute Course held by the PULPAK. The tab is similar to the US Army 101st Airborne Division tab; yellow/gold 'AIRBORNE' letters embroidered on black background, and worn on the right shoulder of the service dress uniform. The black and olive version is worn at the Combat uniform.

Slogan

Tiada Misi Terlalu Sukar, Tiada Pengorbanan Terlalu Besar, Tugas Diutamakan ('No Mission Is Too Difficult, No Sacrifice Is Too Great, Duty Becomes Priority')

Brigade composition
Structure of the 10 Para

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

Current formation

The brigade consists of:

  • Four infantry battalions
    • 8th Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment (Para)
    • 9th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para)
    • 17th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para)
    • 18th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para) – Based at Seberang Takir Camp. Declared as a full airborne battalion on 21 February 2018.[3]
  • Royal Artillery Regiment
    • 1st Royal Artillery Regiment (Para)
  • Royal Armoured Corps
    • Armoured Squadron (Para) – Based at Sungai Buluh Camp. Equipped with Alvis Scorpion 90 armed with 90 mm Cockerill Mk III gun and Stormer APC armed with 20 mm Oerlikon Contraves gun.
  • Support units
    • 10th Squadron Royal Signals Regiment (Para)
    • 361st Battery Air Defence Royal Artillery Regiment (Para)
    • 10th Squadron Royal Engineer Regiment (Para)
    • 10th Field Workshop Company (Para)
    • Pathfinder Company (Para)
    • Support Company (Para)
    • Royal Military Police Corps Platoon (Para)
    • Royal Medical Corps Company (Para)

Training

Members of the brigade must pass a Kursus Asas Payung Terjun ('Basic Parachute Course') and Kursus Asas Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat (APAC; 'Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course') before being qualified to wear the maroon beret and parachute wing.[4]

Preparatory Course (2 Weeks)

This warm-up session lasts for two weeks. The candidates are prepared physically and mentally for the actual course. Candidates need to run 2.5 km (1.6 mi) twice a day at 0700 hrs and 1500 hrs.

Basic Parachute Course (4 Weeks)

This course is conducted at PULPAK, Sungai Udang Camp, Malacca. This course is compulsory for a non-combat soldier (doctors, nurses, chefs, religions officers, intelligence, etc.) to be attached to the 10 Para.[5]

This course is divided into three phases:[6]

Phase 1: Theory

The first phase lasts for two weeks. Candidates are taught the correct techniques, how to land, emergency procedures if the main chute did not deploy or did not open correctly, emergency procedures if a collision happens in the air, how to deploy the second chute, discipline in the aircraft, landing techniques in difficult conditions (rough wind, water etc.) and the correct technique to pack the parachute after landing.

Every Friday, candidates need to pass these physical tests:

  • Running 3.2 km (2.0 mi) under 16 minutes
  • Rope climbing 6 m (20 ft)
  • Chin-up 6 reps
  • Press-up 32 reps under 1 minute
  • Sit-up 32 reps under 1 minute
  • Buddy-carry 100 m (330 ft)

Phase 2: Tower week

Lasts for one week, the theories learnt in phase 1 is tested at high tower. Each candidate needs to carry 40 kg (88 lb) of equipment for each exercise. The exercises are:

  • 45 minutes sit in hot mock airplane in full battle equipment
  • Jumping from 32 ft (9.8 m) tower
  • Exit tower 50 ft (15 m) exercise

Phase 3: Jump week

This is the final phase of the Basic Parachute Course. Non-PAC candidates are given their parachute wings right after performing the last jump while the PAC candidates move to the next course. In jump week, candidates are sent to a selected airport. The airport and drop zones are not fixed. Some of the known drop zones are Gong Kedak, Kelantan, Padang Terap, Kedah and Pontian, Johor.

Compulsory jump is eight jumps with at least two jumps in full battle equipment. However, there are a few cases in which only seven jumps are needed if the weather conditions did not permit.[6]

Basic Rapid Deployment Course (5 Weeks)
Paratroopers with Supacat vehicle.

Known as Kursus Asas Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat (APAC) in Malay language, this rigorous course is conducted at Perkampungan Gempita Para ('Para Combat Village'), Terendak Camp, Malacca. The purpose of this course is to mentally and physically train the paratroopers to its elite status, applying esprit de corps and emphasise the 'Buddy System' among themselves. Also known as Latihan Semangat Waja, this course is divided into two phases.[7]

Phase 1: Camp phase

Trainees need to learn theory and also endure physical training.

The theories they need to learn are:

  • Air traffic operations
  • Amphibious operations
  • Air assault operations

Physical training/test they need to endure:

  • Obstacle crossing
  • Speed march test
  • Swimming test
  • Abseiling and repelling test
  • Basic combat swimmer
  • Determination training

Phase 2: Field phase

In this phase, trainees are trained with basic 10 Para tasks and they will be tested to perform the task under stress. Among the training is:

  • Climb and descend Mount Ledang in Johor
  • Speed march 40 km (25 mi)
  • Loaded march 80 km (50 mi)
  • Night and day navigation 40 km (25 mi)
  • Survival skills (Swamp area)
  • River crossing
  • Paddling combat craft 25 km (16 mi)

The final training is conducted at Parawood, Terendak Camp. Trainees need to swim c.100 m (330 ft) in murky water with weapon and equipment before been bestowed with the maroon beret and the bleeding wing. The ceremony ends with the para oath and para dance by the graduates.

Advanced training
Paratroopers from 10 Para preparing to march for the 59th Merdeka Day parade

The career with the 10 Para does not stop once they receive the maroon beret. The 10 Para members can proceed to the next level of training by participating in an advanced course offered to them by the Malaysian Armed Forces. They can also try to join the 10 Para's Special Forces Equivalent Unit, the Pandura Company ('Pathfinder'). Some of the veteran paratroopers of the 10 Para proceeded to enter the Basic Commando Course.[8]

Some of the Advanced/Specialist training includes:

Light firearms
Pistols
Shotguns
Submachine guns
Assault rifles
Sniper rifles
Anti-material rifles
Machineguns
Grenade launchers
Anti-tank / Anti-aircraft / Rocket launchers

Para oath
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 we, with our own will, jump (sic) 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 (sic) at any time, anywhere, and in whatever circumstances.
We pledge that we will always be polite and sincerely and honestly carry all orders given to us."

Recent Operations

The unit has been deployed in the following operations:

Operation Country Year
Malaysian Medical Team (MASMEDTIM), Chaman Pakistan
MASMEDTIM, Kashmir Pakistan
MASMEDTIM, Acheh Indonesia
Operations PADANAN SIPADAN ISLAND RESORT (Ops Pasir) Malaysia2006
Operation Astute[10] Timor-Leste2006
MALCON-UNIFIL, Lebanon[11] Lebanon2007–present
Genting Sempah Incident[12] Malaysia2007
MALCON-ISAF, Afghanistan[13] Afghanistan2011–present
Ops Daulat Malaysia2013
Malaysian Medical Team, Pakistan

On 14 October 2005, The Malaysian Medical Team (MasMedTim) soldiers serving in earthquake-hit Battagram, Pakistan have been recommended for a service allowance of RM100 a day. The team, which left for Pakistan had set up a field hospital in Battagram, some 250 km from Islamabad, on 26 October. Equipped only with tents that were 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 8 October South Asia earthquake. Insufficient winter clothes and the lack of hot water at the campsite was affecting soldiers for over two months now as the temperature sometimes dropped to minus 7 degrees Celsius (−7 °C) at night.[14]

Operations "Padanan, Sipadan Island Resort"

The security surveillance, code-named Operation Padanan Sipadan Island Resort or known as Ops Pasir, which was launched on 20 September 2000 following the hostage-taking incidents in Sipadan and Pandanan islands, had restored confidence among tourists, including from the United States, to come to the resort islands. The integrated operation involves the Malaysian army, navy and air force as well as other related agencies such as the police and the coast guard.[15]

Honorary maroon beret

As the second most prestige beret in the Malaysian Army; only after the green beret of the Grup Gerak Khas, the maroon beret of 10 Para is honorarily awarded to the high ranking individuals, military or government high ranking and foreign VIPs.[16] In Malaysia, the honorary beret is part of the official military attires.

Among the recipients is:

Killed in the line of duty

Books, televisions and movie featuring the 10th Parachute Brigade

  • 2010: "Delta Two Bar", a telemovie by RTM about a son of a Malaysian Communist Insurgency War veteran serves with the 10 Para.
  • 2016: "Majalah 3: Wira Semerah Hati", a documentary by TV3 about 10 Para's operations.
  • 2017: "Panorama: Sayap Berdarah", a documentary by RTM about 10 Para's operations. Aired on 15 September 2017.
  • 2019: "Leftenan Zana", a TV series by TV3 starring Janna Nick and Sheila Rusly about the youngest daughter of a retired army officer dreaming to succeed her father legacy even though been prevented by her family. She ultimately becomes an officer and a paratrooper in the elite 10 Para. Aired on 7 February 2019.

See also

References
  1. Mohamad Zainal Abidin, Lt Muhamad Zainalarifin (6 April 2018). "Kursus APAC Mantapkan Warga PAC". BDTM Online (in Malay).
  2. "Ucapan Perdana Menteri Malaysia Sempena Perasmian Taraf Operasi PAC – ATM". 15 April 2008.
  3. Abd Rahman, Helmy (21 February 2018). "Batalion ke-18 RAMD Para disusun semula". Berita Harian (in Malay).
  4. Shahzada Manja, Khaleeq (30 May 2016). "Wira Beret Semerah Hati". Majalah 3, TV3 (Malaysia).
  5. "Kursus TCCC Mantapkan Warga 10 Bgd Para". BDTM Online facebook page (in Malay). 9 March 2017.
  6. Zaini (9 October 2017). "Kenangan bersama 10 Bgd Para : Pengalaman Kursus APT Siri 2/01". Cerita dari Lipis (in Malay).
  7. Mat Rashid, Lt Mohd Noradri (19 March 2018). "Kursus Asas PAC Menguji Kecekalan, Ketahanan Mental dan Fizikal". BDTM Online facebook page (in Malay).
  8. "38 pegawai, anggota tentera tamat Kursus Asas Komando". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). 22 November 2015. Archived from the original on 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  9. Abas, Marhalim (26 July 2018). "NLAW for the Army". Malaysian Defence. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  10. Malaysia Sends 209 Soldiers To Help Quell Unrest In Timor Leste Archived 4 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Bernama. 26 May 2006.
  11. "Malaysia wants longer peacekeeping tenure". The Star (Malaysia). Archived from the original on 4 February 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2009.
  12. "Villagers help in ground search". The Star (Malaysia). Archived from the original on 9 September 2007.
  13. "Malcon Isaf bukan sekadar pasukan perubatan". Utusan Malaysia. Archived from the original on 3 April 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2011.
  14. "Army Relief Team in Pakistan To Get Higher Allowance". Bernama. 14 December 2005. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  15. Marhalim (27 August 2008). "Sabah Radars, Finally…". Malaysian Defence. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  16. "Sultan Nazrin terima dua penganugerahan ATM". Sinar Harian (in Malay). 19 August 2014.
  17. "Raja Bahrain dianugerah beret merun kehormat". Harian Metro (in Malay). 1 May 2017.
  18. "Kedah Sultan Awarded Maroon Beret". Bernama. 13 February 2018.
  19. "Brunei Crown Prince Honoured With 10th Para Brigade Maroon Beret, Honorary Airborne Wing". SSIG.gov. 12 November 2013. Archived from the original on 9 July 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  20. Abdul Hamid, Rizanizam (15 March 2017). "Raja Muda Selangor terima anugerah". Harian Metro (in Malay).
  21. Afeeqa Afeera; Afix Redzuan (13 December 2017). "Tengku Amir Shah inspirasi belia". Selangorkini (in Malay).
  22. "More weapons for elite troops". The Star. 15 October 2003.
  23. "Hishammuddin dianugerah Beret Merun". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). 10 July 2013. Archived from the original on 9 July 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  24. Major Suleiman Moideen Kutty (12 March 1998). "10 Briged Para Anggota Elit Yang Disegani". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). Archived from the original on 9 July 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  25. Abdul Hamid, Rizanizam (5 May 2017). "Jeneral Suraphong dianugerah Beret Merun". Harian Matro (in Malay).
  26. "RBLF Commander Honoured With Maroon Beret, Airborne Wing". Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam. 4 March 2014.
  27. "Royal Thai Army Commander-In-Chief awarded Maroon Beret". New Straits Times. 11 March 2015.
  28. Mat Ali, Mohd Shahril (5 April 2017). "Gen Chalermchai Sitthisad Terima Beret Merun Kehormat". BTDm Online (in Malay).
  29. "Ketua Staf Angkatan Darat TNI terima Beret Merun ATM". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). 28 October 2013. Archived from the original on 9 July 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
  30. "Diiktiraf" (in Malay). Utusan Malaysia. 12 May 2010. Archived from the original on 15 May 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
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