The Special Forces Command (), previously known as the 911th Special Forces Regiment until July 2020, is the unified combatant command charged with overseeing the various special operations component commands of the Royal Cambodian Army.
History The unit was created as the 911th Special Forces Regiment in 1993.
On October 2015, 200 Cambodian National Police officers were trained by the unit's airborne battalions to assist in creating a "special intervention force" unit.https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2015/10/16/national-police-force-learn-tactics-from-911-brigade/
On July 23, 2020, the Malaysian ambassador to Cambodia Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim visited the regiment's base to extend offers for its paratroopers to train under the Malaysian Defence Cooperation Programme (MDCP) and the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP).https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50750366/nationalism-key-to-defence-reforms-hun-manet-seeks-to-strengthen-military/ On July 31, 2020, the regiment was incorporated into the SFC.https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50750366/nationalism-key-to-defence-reforms-hun-manet-seeks-to-strengthen-military/
On June 22, 2022, Prabowo Subianto (then as defense minister) visited the SFC and met with commandos who used to be under him during training.https://en.tempo.co/read/1604332/prabowo-subianto-visits-cambodias-special-forces-command
Organization and structure
The Special Forces Command's headquarters is near Takethmey Village, Kambol Commune, Angsnoul District, Kandal Province. It is under direct command of the High Command Headquarters of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
The Special Forces Command has multiple units, including air assault and airborne operations unit, amphibious assault unit, CBRN defense unit, combat diving unit, counterterrorism and hostage rescue unit, executive protection unit, military intelligence unit, maintenance unit, medical unit, military communications unit, mobility and transportation unit, psychological warfare unit, quartermaster unit, selection and training unit, sniper and counter-sniper unit, and special reconnaissance unit.
The Special Forces Command has seven branches with 14 battalions under their control. Following units is distributed in the Battalions:
Commando 1 to Commando 4 (Airborne Commando) Commando 5 to Commando 9 (Assault Commando) Commando 10 to Commando 12 (Support Commando) Special Group 13 (Executive Protection) Counter terrorist Group 14: Cambodia's first specialized counterterrorism and hostage rescue unit, and is the command Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) component which supports law enforcement in counterterrorism and hostage rescue operations.
Training Most of its commandos have graduated from training under Kopassus instructors, under a special program at Batujajar.https://www.isi-indonesia.com/post/looking-at-the-defence-cooperation-prospect-between-indonesia-and-cambodia American instructors have also provided training assistance.https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/asean/40053427 In order to graduate from the school, all cadets have to pass the test set. On passing, cadets receive their own red beret and a wings badge.
The SF regularly conduct trainings and joint exercises such as: Airborne 11 Courses (Parachuting) Counterterrorism and hostage rescue 3 Courses Military free-fall (MFF) 3 Courses Special forces 6 courses (Commando Red Beret) Tactical scuba diving 3 Courses (Chhak Saracen Sea)
Equipment & Gallery
Gears ImageImage (when equipped)ModelOrigin Future Assault Shell Technology helmetScalable Plate Carrier M81 Battle Dress Uniform "Darah Mengalir" Battle Dress UniformType 07 (camouflage)
Small Arms ImageName of modelOriginTypeCalibreDetailsPindad G2 EliteSemi-automatic pistol9x19mm ParabellumUsed by Special Force Command since 2024.CZ P-10 CSemi-automatic pistol9x19mm ParabellumUsed by Special Force Command.Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (27 January 2009). .NR08Submachine gun9×19mm ParabellumChinese copy of Heckler & Koch MP5.QBZ-95Assault rifle5.56×45mm NATOLimited use. used by special forces and BHQ since 2023.Norinco CQCarbine5.56×45mm NATOChinese copy of M4 carbine.K1AUsed by Special Forces Command.K2CPindad SS2-V5 A1Used by Special Forces Command since 2024.
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References