# 21st Special Service Group

The 21st Special Service Group (Abbr.: 21 SSG, Malay: 21 Gerup Gerak Khas), also known as the 21st Special Forces Group, serves as the command for the Malaysian Army's special forces, the Gerak Khas. Since 1985, 21 SSG has also been considered the 21st combat brigade within the Malaysian Army, which is reflected in its designation. Operating independently under the Malaysian Army, the unit reports directly to the Chief of Army. The headquarters of the 21 SSG are located at Sri Iskandar Camp in Mersing, Johor.
On 10 May 2024, Major General Ahmad Shuhaimi Mat Wajab has assumed command of the 21 SSG, succeeding Major General Mohd Adi Ridzwan.

## History

The 21st Special Service Group, formerly known as Rejimen Pertama Gerak Khas Malaysia or the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment, was founded on 1 August 1970, at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca. This unit directly succeeded the Malaysian Army's special operations task force, the Malaysian Special Service Unit (MSSU), and served as the spiritual successor to Malaysia's first modern special forces unit, the Malayan Special Forces.

### Background

Following the conclusion of the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation in 1966, the army command contemplated disbanding the MSSU. The MSSU, stationed at Sebatang Karah Camp in Negeri Sembilan, was a task force whose members were all commando-trained but belonged to their respective regiments or corps, including some sailors from the Royal Malaysian Navy.
In 1969, the 13 May incident prompted the MSSU’s deployment to Kuala Lumpur to secure the weapons depot at Mindef Camp (Malay: Kem Kementah). The unit also worked alongside the Royal Malaysia Police’s Special Branch, the country's domestic intelligence agency, to apprehend gang and triad leaders suspected of orchestrating the violence behind the scenes. Due to the MSSU’s effectiveness in handling the crisis, military leadership decided against its disbandment.

### Establishment of the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment

On 1 August 1970, the Malaysian Army established the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (1 MSSR) to succeed the MSSU. Initially, MSSU personnel remained attached to their original regiments, corps, and branch while operating as a task force. To streamline the unit’s structure, by 1973, MSSU personnel who wished to continue serving in special forces had to formally resign from their parent units and enlist in 1 MSSR as full-time members.
On 1 January 1976, in response to the expansion of Malaysia’s special forces, the 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment (2 MSSR) was formed. Additionally, on 1 August 1976, the Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC) was established to provide commando and special operations training for Gerak Khas. Given its seniority, 1 MSSR personnel were selected as instructors at SWTC. Around this time, the 1 MSSR headquarters company was also tasked with overseeing and commanding all special forces operations within the Malaysian Army.

### Reorganisation and separation from 1 MSSR

On 4 April 1980, the Malaysian Army separated the command structure of special forces from 1 MSSR by establishing the Malaysian Special Service Command (Malay: Markas Pemerintahan Gerak Khas) at Imphal Camp in Kuala Lumpur. The majority of leadership from the 1 MSSR headquarters company was transferred to the new command, while 1 MSSR and 2 MSSR continued to operate as combat units.
Subsequently, on 1 April 1981, the Malaysian Army renamed the Malaysian Special Service Command to the Malaysian Special Service Group (MSSG). At the same time, 1 MSSR was redesignated as the 21st Para Commando Regiment, and 2 MSSR became the 22nd Para Commando Regiment.
Simultaneously, two new counter-revolutionary warfare and military intelligence units were formed: the 11th Special Service Regiment (11 SSR) and the 12th Special Service Regiment (12 SSR), with the purpose of providing specialised support to the Para Commando regiments. In December 1981, numerous support units were established to provide additional combat support to the combat units under MSSG. However, in 1983, the 12 SSR was disbanded, and the 11 SSR was no longer exclusively assigned to the 21st Para Commando Regiment.

### Renaming to the 21st Special Service Group

In 1985, MSSG was rebranded as the 21st Special Service Group (21 SSG) as part of the Malaysian Army’s efforts to standardise unit designations and formally recognise it as the 21st brigade within the army. This restructuring also led to the renaming of its combat units: the 21st Para Commando Regiment became the 21st Commando Regiment (21 CDO), and the 22nd Para Commando Regiment became the 22nd Commando Regiment (22 CDO).
Additionally, in 1986, the 21st Engineering Squadron of 21 SSG, now known as the 10th Squadron (Parachute), Royal Army Engineer Regiment, was transferred to the Malaysian Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. In 1995, the Special Warfare Training Centre was placed under the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command.

### Relocation to Sri Iskandar Camp

Sri Iskandar Camp, originally known as Sri Mersing Camp, was purpose-built as a special forces base in Johor. Located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) south of Mersing, the camp spans 920 hectares (9.2 km$^2$) and features extensive infrastructure, including 200 buildings, 20 kilometres (12 mi) of roads, three bridges, a harbour, helicopter landing pads, parade squares, and other facilities designed to support special operations and begin its construction in 2001. Construction of the base began in 2001.
The 22nd Commando Regiment was the first unit to relocate to the new base in 2004, moving from Erskine Camp in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor. Since then, 21 SSG has gradually transferred its headquarters from Sungai Udang Camp to Sri Iskandar Camp, with the relocation completed in 2009.
Originally named Sri Mersing Camp, the base was later renamed Sri Iskandar Camp in honour of the late Sultan Iskandar of Johor, a strong supporter of Gerak Khas and its former Colonel-in-Chief.

## Structures

As a nation that is part of the Commonwealth, the Malaysian military adheres to the traditions of the British Armed Forces. In the case of the 21st Special Service Group, they have adopted the structure of the British Special Air Service, employing the term 'sabre squadron' instead of 'company', unlike other units within the Malaysian Army.

### 1970–2017

1970–1980
* 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment
* 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment
* Special Warfare Training Centre
1980–1981
* Malaysian Special Service Command
** 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment
** 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment
** Special Warfare Training Centre
1981–1983
* Malaysian Special Service Group
** Garrison Command
** 21st Para Commando Regiment
*** 11th Special Service Regiment, Malaysian Intelligence Corps
** 22nd Para Commando Regiment
*** 12th Special Service Regiment, Malaysian Intelligence Corps
** 21st Signals Squadron, Malaysian Signals Regiment
** 21st Engineering Squadron, Malaysian Army Engineers Regiment
** 21st Composite Company, Malaysian Service Corps
** 21st Ordnance Company, Malaysian Ordnance Corps
** 21st Military Police Company, Malaysian Military Police Corps
** 21st Workshop Company, Malaysian Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
** Armed Forces Payroll Affairs Company, Malaysian General Service Corps
** Special Warfare Training Centre
1983–1985
* Malaysian Special Service Group
** Garrison Command
** 11th Special Service Regiment
** 21st Para Commando Regiment
** 22nd Para Commando Regiment
** 21st Signals Squadron, Malaysian Signals Regiment
** 21st Composite Company, Malaysian Service Corps
** 21st Ordnance Company, Malaysian Ordnance Corps
** 21st Military Police Company, Malaysian Military Police Corps
** 21st Workshop Company, Malaysian Corps of Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
** Armed Forces Payroll Affairs Company, Malaysian General Service Corps
** Special Warfare Training Centre
1985–2017
* 21st Special Service Group
** Garrison Command
** 11th Special Service Regiment
** 21st Commando Regiment
** 22nd Commando Regiment
** 21st Signals Squadron, Royal Signals Regiment
** 21st Composite Company, Royal Service Corps
** 21st Ordnance Company, Royal Ordnance Corps
** 21st Military Police Company Royal Military Police Corps
** 21st Workshop Squadron, Corps of Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers
** Armed Forces Payroll Affairs Company, General Service Corps

### Current structures

21st Special Service Group :
| Unit's name (English) | Unit's name (Bahasa Malaysia) | Abbreviation | Headquarters | Specialty and purpose |
| Garrison Headquarters | Markas Garison | MK GARISSON | Sri Iskandar Camp | The MK GARISSON is a company-sized unit that provides administrative support to assist the 21 SSG in its administration. |
| 11th Special Service Regiment | 11 Rejimen Gerak Khas | 11 SSR | Sungai Udang Camp | The 11th Special Service Regiment stands as a top-tier special forces unit within the Malaysian Army and is one of the three combat units under the 21 SSG. Referred to as the 11 Unit Lawan Keganasan (Abbr.: 11 ULK), or the 11th Counter Terrorism Unit in English, its duties encompass counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, close protection, and special reconnaissance. |
| 21st Commando Regiment | Rejimen 21 Komando | 21 CDO | Sungai Udang Camp | The 21st Commando Regiment (21 CDO) is one of the three combat units within the 21 SSG. Specialising in traditional special forces roles, the 21 CDO distinguishes itself by emphasising airborne operations, in contrast to the 22nd Commando Regiment. Its capabilities encompass unconventional warfare, direct action, counter-insurgency and special reconnaissance. |
| 22nd Commando Regiment | Rejimen 22 Komando | 22 CDO | Sri Iskandar Camp | The 22nd Commando Regiment is among the three combat units within the 21 SSG. After undergoing a restructuring in 2009, the 22 CDO now places a greater emphasis on amphibious operations compared to its previous specialisation in mountain warfare. Like the 21 CDO, its responsibilities encompass unconventional warfare, direct action, counter-insurgency, and special reconnaissance. Additionally, it has taken on a new role of anti-piracy. |
| 21st Logistics Group | 21 Kumpulan Logistik | 21 KUMP LOG | Sri Iskandar Camp | The 21 KUMP LOG is a specialised unit that supports combat operations for the 21 SSG by providing services like military logistics. Formed in 2017, it is one of the newest units alongside the 21 MEDIC. Merging service support companies from the 21 SSG created the 21 KUMP LOG, resulting in three squadrons: Royal Ordnance Corps' 21st Materials Squadron Royal Service Corps' Logistics Service Squadron Corps of Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers' 21st Workshop Squadron. |
| 21st Signals Squadron, Royal Signals Regiment | 21 Skuadron Semboyan Diraja | 21 SSD | Sri Iskandar Camp | The 21 SSD is a special operations combat support unit tasked with providing communication support to all units under the command of the 21 SSG. |
| 21st Medic Squadron | 21 Skuadron Medik | 21 MEDIC | Sri Iskandar Camp | The 21 MEDIC is a special operations support unit assigned to provide medical support to all units under the command of the 21 SSG. Alongside the 21st Logistics Group, established in 2017, these are the newest units of the 21 SSG. Its duties include supplying special operations combat medics and delivering medical care to all special forces members and their families at army camps occupied by the 21 SSG. |
| 21st Company, Royal Military Police Corps | 21 Kompeni Polis Tentera Diraja | 21 KPTD | Sri Iskandar Camp | The 21 KPTD is a military police unit responsible for law enforcement within the 21 SSG and Sri Iskandar Camp. |
| 21 SSG's Intelligence Cell, Royal Intelligence Corps | Sel Risik 21 GGK | | Sri Iskandar Camp | This unit manages military intelligence operations, overseeing the careful dissemination of information within the 21 SSG to avoid leaks. |

### Family welfare support

The 21 SSG's BAKAT manages family welfare support for the 21st Special Service Group. The spouse of the Commander of 21 SSG leads the organisation, with the commander serving as its patron.

## Uniforms and insignia
### Green beret

Members of Gerak Khas inherit the green beret and Fairbairn–Sykes fighting knife as a symbol of commando qualification, a tradition adopted from the Royal Marines Commando. This practice originated when the initial group underwent commando training at the British Army Jungle Warfare Training School with the 40 Commando Royal Marines. Unlike the British Armed Forces or the U.S. Army, where only those who have completed the Basic Commando Course or the United States Army Special Forces selection and training are authorised to wear the green beret, all members of the 21 SSG wear the green beret, irrespective of Basic Commando Course completion.
Members who have successfully completed the Basic Commando Course have the option to wear their unit's beret backing (Malaysian renditions of the U.S. military beret flash) to distinguish themselves from non-commando-trained members. As of 2023, only those who have passed the Malaysian Special Forces Selection are allowed to don the green beret. Other members of the 21 SSG who have not yet passed the selection process continue to wear their original unit berets.

### Shoulder sleeve insignia
#### Number 5 uniform (Combat uniform)

The insignia, alternatively referred to as a tactical formation patch (Malay: Lencana formasi taktikal), is affixed to the combat uniform and bears olive and black colours. The patch prominently showcases a roaring tiger's head with a commando dagger positioned at the centre.

#### Number 2 uniform (Bush jacket)

The personnel of the 21 SSG don their command insignia on the left shoulder sleeve of their number 2 uniform. The 21 SSG shoulder sleeve insignia closely resembles the beret backing but incorporates a distinct black outline. This current design draws inspiration from the insignia of the Malaysian Special Service Unit, featuring a striking depiction of a roaring tiger's head with a commando dagger at the centre. The background is a fusion of jungle green and Caribbean blue, where jungle green signifies commando specialities and serves as a representation of the colour of Islam, while Caribbean blue pays homage to the founder, 40 Commando Royal Marines.

### Stable belt

Members of the 21 SSG don the number 3 uniform (work dress) paired with a green and light blue stable belt.

## Commanders

Since the establishment of the Malaysian Special Service Unit in 1965, 22 individuals have served as the Commander of Gerak Khas, also known as the Panglima Gerak Khas (lit. 'Commander of Special Forces') in Malay. Out of these 22 individuals, 17 have held the position of the Commander of the 21st Special Service Group (Malay: Panglima 21 Gerup Gerak Khas), which was created after 1981.

### Commander of the 21st Special Service Group

The position begins after the Malaysian Special Service Command was renamed to the Malaysian Special Service Group on 1 April 1981.
| No. | Commander of the 21 SSG | Took office | Left office | Time in office | Ref. |
| 1 | HarunBrigadier General Dato' Harun Taib | 1 January 1980 | 31 December 1983 | 3 years, 364 days | He retired as a Brigadier General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 2 | BorhanBrigadier General Dato' Borhan Ahmad | 1 January 1984 | 18 December 1985 | 1 year, 351 days | He retired as a General; he previously held the position of the 12th Chief of Defence Forces |
| 3 | HasbullahBrigadier General Datuk Hasbullah Yusof | 19 December 1985 | 30 June 1989 | 3 years, 193 days | While in service, he met a tragic end in a helicopter crash on 8 December 1989. At the time, he held the rank of Brigadier General and served as the Commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade |
| 4 | Mohd RamliBrigadier General Dato’ Mohd Ramli Ismail | 1 July 1989 | 2 March 1993 | 3 years, 244 days | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command. Died on 13 November 2011 |
| 5 | GhazaliBrigadier General Dato’ Ghazali Ibrahim | 3 March 1993 | 2 November 1995 | 2 years, 243 days | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command |
| 6 | DaudBrigadier General Dato' Daud Ariffin | 3 November 1995 | - | - | He retired as a Brigadier General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 7 | Ahmad RodiBrigadier General Dato' Ahmad Rodi Zakaria | - | - | - | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the Malaysian Army Training and Doctrine Command |
| 8 | AwieBrigadier General Dato' Awie Suboh | 1 September 2006 | 28 July 2009 | 2 years, 330 days | He retired as a Lieutenant General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 1st Infantry Division |
| 9 | Abdul SamadBrigadier General Dato' Abdul Samad Yaacob | 29 July 2009 | 2012 | - | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Assistant Chief-of-Staff of Malaysian Army Planning and Development |
| 10 | HarunBrigadier General Dato' Harun Hitam | 2012 | - | - | He retired as a Brigadier General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 11 | AffendyBrigadier General Dato' Affendy Abd Karim | - | 14 December 2016 | - | He retired as a Brigadier General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 12 | ZolkopliMajor General Datuk Zolkopli Hashim | 15 December 2016 | 22 November 2017 | 342 days | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 13 | HasanLieutenant General Datuk Hasan Ali | 23 November 2017 | 19 July 2020 | 2 years, 239 days | He retired as a Lieutenant General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 14 | JamaluddinMajor General Datuk Jamaluddin Jambi | 20 July 2020 | 5 September 2021 | 1 year, 47 days | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 15 | NubliMajor General Nubli Hashim | 6 September 2021 | 14 May 2023 | 1 year, 250 days | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 16 | Mohd Adi RidzwanMajor General Mohd Adi Ridzwan Abdullah | 15 May 2023 | 10 May 2024 | 361 days | He retired as a Major General; he previously held the position of the Commander of the 21 SSG |
| 17 | Ahmad ShuhaimiMajor General Ahmad Shuhaimi Mat Wajab | 11 May 2024 | Incumbent | 311 days | |

## Lineage

| 1960 | 1965 | 1970 | 1980 Separated | 1981 Name changes | 1985 Name changes |
| Malayan Special Forces | Malaysian Special Service Unit | 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment | Malaysian Special Service Command | Malaysian Special Service Group | 21st Special Service Group |
| Malayan Special Forces | Malaysian Special Service Unit | 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment | 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment | 21st Para Commando Regiment | 21st Commando Regiment |