22nd Commando Regiment (Malaysia)

The 22nd Commando Regiment, initially founded as the 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment on 1 January 1976, emerged during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968–1989) at Sungai Udang Camp in Malacca. In the aftermath of the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation (1963–1966) and subsequent conflicts, the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment (now known as the 21st Commando Regiment) faced difficulties countering enemies skilled in guerrilla warfare given their existing capabilities.^{[note 1]} As a response, the 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment was established to provide additional support and augment their efforts.^[2][3]

Recognising the evolving landscape, on 4 April 1980, the headquarters company of 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment was restructured and established as the Malaysian Special Service Command (now known as the 21st Special Service Group) at Imphal Camp in Kuala Lumpur. Consequently, all special forces within the Malaysian Army, including the 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment, fell under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Special Service Command.^[3]

On 1 April 1981, the Malaysian Special Service Command underwent a reorganisation and was renamed the Malaysian Special Service Group. Concurrently, all combat units previously under the Malaysian Special Service Command received new designations. Specifically, the 1st Malaysian Special Service Regiment transformed into the 21st Para Commando Regiment, while the 2nd Malaysian Special Service Regiment evolved into the 22nd Para Commando Regiment. This transformation signified a strategic shift, indicating that all special forces within the Malaysian Army would now receive training in airborne operations.^[4]

Simultaneously, the Malaysian Intelligence Corps (now known as the Royal Intelligence Corps) established two combat intelligence regiments: the 11th Special Service Regiment and the 12th Special Service Regiment. Initially, these regiments were integrated with both the 21st Para Commando Regiment and the 22nd Para Commando Regiment. However, by 1983, the 12th Special Service Regiment had dissolved from the 22nd Para Commando Regiment. Furthermore, the 11th Special Service Regiment transitioned from its attachment with the 21st Para Commando Regiment to becoming an integral combat unit within the Malaysian Special Service Group.^[4]

In 1983, the 22nd Para Commando Regiment was relocated to Erskine Camp in Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, and simultaneously underwent retraining to specialise in mountain warfare. Erskine Camp, situated at the base of the Titiwangsa Mountain range, was transformed into a mountain warfare school specifically designed for special forces training.^[4]

In 1985, the Malaysian Army underwent a significant organisational transformation. As part of this restructuring, the Malaysian Special Service Group was renamed the 21st Special Service Group. Concurrently, the combat units within the Malaysian Special Service Group also received new designations: the 21st Para Commando Regiment was re-branded as the 21st Commando Regiment, and the 22nd Para Commando Regiment transitioned to become the 22nd Commando Regiment.^[3][4]

In 2004, the 22nd Commando Regiment was relocated to the newly constructed Sri Iskandar Camp in Mersing, Johor. During this period, the camp, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities tailored for special forces training, was envisioned as the garrison for two elite special forces units: the 21st Special Service Group from the Malaysian Army and the Naval Special Forces (PASKAL) from the Royal Malaysian Navy.^{[note 2][5]} The 22nd Commando Regiment was the inaugural unit to be relocated to this facility. However, as of 2009, the Royal Malaysian Navy had yet to assign a PASKAL detachment to Sri Iskandar Camp. Consequently, the Victor Squadron from the 11th Special Service Regiment, also known as the 11th SSR's Special Boat Squadron, utilised the facilities intended for PASKAL.^{[note 3][6][7]}

In 2009, the Malaysian Army Command restructured the 22nd Commando Regiment to specialise in amphibious warfare and maritime operations. Existing squadrons within the 22nd Commando Regiment underwent retraining specifically tailored for amphibious warfare. Concurrently, the Victor Squadron from the 11th Special Service Regiment was permanently integrated into the 22nd Commando Regiment and formally re-designated as the Special Boat Squadron. Consequently, amphibious insertion capabilities became a prominent strength of the 22nd Commando Regiment.^[7]

The 22 CDO adopts a structure reminiscent of the British Special Air Service, referring to all its companies as "sabre squadrons". Prior to the 2009 restructure, the 22 CDO comprised five sabre squadrons, aligning with the squadrons of the 21 CDO. Notably, names like X-ray Alpha Squadron, Yankee Alpha Squadron, and Zulu Alpha Squadron exemplify the designation of an "Alpha" suffix in each squadron within the 22 CDO. However, in 2009, these squadrons were disbanded, and a Combatant Boat Squadron was established in their stead. Additionally, one squadron from the 11th Special Service Regiment was transferred to join the 22 CDO during this restructuring.^[4]

The family welfare support for the 22nd Commando Regiment (22 CDO) is overseen by the 22 CDO's BAKAT. The spouse of the Commander of 22 CDO leads this organisation, with the commander serving as its patron.^[10]