The 10th Parachute Brigade (, Jawi: ١٠ بريڬيد ڤارا), abbreviated as 10 PARA BDE, is an elite division-sized hybrid airborne-marine unit within the Malaysian Army. 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. The 10 BDE Para is the independent elite units within the Malaysian Army, 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. 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. 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.

Etymology

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

History

Established as an infantry brigade

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.

Downsized to Task Force

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. 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.

Reorganised as a Strategic Defence Brigade

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 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.

Integrated into the Rapid Deployment Force

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. 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

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. 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.

Restructure as a hybrid airborne-marine unit

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. 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. 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. 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. The new role of the 10 PARA BDE was showcased to the public during the 89th Army Day, with members of the brigade conducting beach raids from the Royal Malaysian Navy's KD Mahawangsa.

Potential upgrade to a division size

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.

Timeline

Roles

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:

Identities

Maroon beret

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.

Cap badge

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

Parachutist badge

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 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.

PAC shoulder tab

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

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

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

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

Current formation

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

Family welfare support

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

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. 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:

Preparatory course (2 Weeks)

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. 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 km 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.

Basic Parachutist Course (4 Weeks)

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. The course is divided into three phases:

Phase 1: Theory

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:

Phase 2: Tower week

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 kg of equipment for each exercise. The exercises include:

Phase 3: Jump week

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.

Basic Rapid Deployment Force Course (4 Weeks)

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.

Phase 1: Camp phase

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:

Phase 2: Field phase

Conducted outside the military camp, the Field Phase is the 10 PARA BDE's version of the United States Navy SEAL's 'Hell Week'. 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

The graduation ceremony, originally conducted at Parawood, Terendak Camp, underwent a significant change in 2022. Originally, trainees would swim approximately 100 m 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. 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.

Advanced training

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: 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. Some of the advanced/specialist training courses include:

Equipment

Para oath

Recent operations

The unit has been deployed in the following operations: 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 km 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. 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.

The Chief of Army as patron

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.

Commanders

Honorary maroon beret

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. In Malaysia, the honorary beret is part of the official military attire. Among the recipients are:

Killed in the line of duty

In popular culture

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