The 10th Parachute Brigade (, Jawi: ), better known as 10 PARA BDE, is special operations capable unit in the Malaysian Army. A brigade-sized force with both airborne and marine capabilities, designed to carry out rapid-response missions within Malaysia or overseas. As the main component of the Malaysian Rapid Deployment Force (Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat â PAC), 10 PARA BDE is specially trained to be the first on the ground during emergencies, conflicts, or humanitarian operations.
Unlike regular army units, the 10 PARA BDE operates as an independent combat formation that reports directly to the Chief of Army. It is not part of any field army command structure within the Malaysian Army. In April 2023, a two-star general was appointed to lead the brigadeâÂÂa move considered a sign of the unit's rising strategic importance, bringing it closer in stature to a full division. Despite this symbolic upgrade, 10 PARA BDE continues to operate under its original brigade structure as of 2025.
10 PARA BDE is unique is that it is the only elite unit in the Malaysian Armed Forces that accepts women. This makes it one of the few inclusive specialised units in the country. The only other elite Malaysian unit to do the same is the Special Actions Unit from the Royal Malaysia Police.
The current commander of this division is Brigadier General Khairul Anwar Soib, who replaced Major General Datuk Khairul Azmizal Ahmad Natal on 4 February 2025.
The official Malay name, 'Briged Infantri Ke Sepuluh Paracut<nowiki/>', translates to 'Tenth Parachute Infantry Brigade' in Malaysian English. The Malay term 'paracut' is borrowed from the English word 'parachute'. Alternatively, is another common Malay translation for parachute.
In English, the unit is officially known as the '<nowiki/>10th Parachute Brigade<nowiki/>'. Informally, people also refer the unit as the '10th Airborne Brigade<nowiki/>', as the abbreviation 'PARA' indicates 'Airborne'. All termsâÂÂ10 Brigade (Para), 10th Brigade (Parachute), 10th Brigade (Airborne), and 10th Paratrooper BrigadeâÂÂrefer 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)'.
The 10th Infantry Brigade was officially established on 5 October 1979 at Camp Sungai Besi in Kuala Lumpur during the Communist insurgency in Malaysia (1968âÂÂ1989). At that time, the brigade was placed under the 2nd Infantry Division. Later, the brigade was relocated to Camp Pengkalan Hulu in Perak to relieve some of the area of operation from the 2nd Infantry Brigade.
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 2 May 1984, the task force was placed under the 11th Strategic Division.
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 (1968âÂÂ1989) had recently ended. The 11th Strategic Division was tasked by the Army Headquarters () 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 Camp Pengkalan Hulu to Camp Terendak in Malacca.
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.
Although initially trained in airborne operations, the battalions under the 10 PARA BDE were originally designated as standard infantry battalions, performing conventional infantry duties. At the time, they were classified by the Malaysian Army as Batalion Infantri Standard or Standard Infantry Battalions in English. However, on 9 October 2020, under the 'ARMY 4NEXTG' plan, General Zamrose Mohd Zain, the Chief of Army, upgraded 10 PARA BDE's status to special operations-capable. This transformation relieved them of the conventional infantry roles previously assigned to standard infantry battalions, allowing them to focus on more specialised tasks.
With this upgrade, 10 PARA BDE now operates at a level comparable to the United States Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and the British Army's Specialised Infantry Group (now known as the Army Special Operations Brigade). Their primary focus revolves around air assault operations, airborne operations, and amphibious warfare operations with extended capabilities in special operations light infantry roles or functioning as special operations-capable forces.
Malaysia, as a nation in maritime Southeast Asia with a 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 Army Headquarters 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.
On 17 April 2023, the Chief of Army, General Mohammad Ab Rahman, 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 2020, the 10 PARA BDE's members exceed 4800 personnel, falling only short of 200 personnel from the division size according to NATO standards.
In January 2024, the Chief of Army, General Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, announced future development plans for the Malaysian Army. Several units, including the 10 PARA BDE, were identified for inclusion in these initiatives. For the brigade, the programme is officially designated Way Forward 10 Briged (Para), or 10 PARA BDE's Way Forward. The plan places particular emphasis on enhancing the brigade's capability to conduct amphibious and air assault operations.
To support the implementation of these concepts, the Army Headquarters engaged with the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps, seeking assistance in areas such as exercise planning, organisational structures, force composition, logistics, and asset deployment. By March 2024, a blueprint for the initiative had been finalised, and implementation commenced within the 10th Parachute Brigade.
In December 2024, the first nucleus cadre of instructors and trainers, designated as the Mobile Training Team, was established. Comprising approximately 20 officers and 108 other ranks, the team underwent retraining in amphibious and air assault operations. The Mobile Training Team now serves as the foundation for training future members of the 10th Parachute Brigade in these specialised roles.
In Series 1/2025, the 10 PARA BDE introduced an experimental pilot version of its selection pipeline, incorporating elements of basic amphibious warfare and basic air assault training. This extended the course duration to six weeks. The brigade headquarters is currently planning to test a seven-week version in the upcoming series, with the most effective structure to be adopted as the official standard in the future.
On 1 August 2025, as part of the follow-up to the Way Forward programme, the 10 PARA BDE established a nucleus team for a new amphibious combat formation. The unit, officially designated the Amphibious Boat Company (), was created as an experimental element within the brigade to trial the concepts and plans developed since early 2024.
The nucleus team serves as a testbed for shaping the brigade's future amphibious role and determining the final structure and functions of the unit. Current plans envisage the company being deployed using hovercraft, Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC), with embarkation and support provided by the Royal Malaysian Navy.
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 sea, air, and land. The five primary objectives of the 10 PARA BDE are as follows:
The maroon beret worn by the 10th Parachute Brigade is known as 'Pegasus<nowiki/>'. 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.
The insignia consists of parachute wings affixed to a black triangle background, with a Keris, featured prominently and pointing downwards.
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<nowiki/>', 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.
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.
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.
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.
The headquarters of the 10th Parachute Brigade is based at Camp Terendak, Malacca, also known as the 'Home of the Paras'.
Currently, the 10th Parachute Brigade consists of the following units:
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.
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 forces. However, soldiers also have the option to challenge themselves by undertaking the full 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 teams 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 Malaysia Rapid Deployment Force Selection pipeline, are as follows:
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 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.
This course, also known as jump school or airborne school, is conducted at the Special Warfare Training Centre, Camp Sungai Udang 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:
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:
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 of equipment for each exercise. The exercises include:
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.
The course, officially known as Kursus Asas Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat (Kursus APAC), is conducted at various locations where units of the 10th Parachute Brigade are based. It was originally held at the Perkampungan Gempita Para ("Airborne Combat Village") in Camp Terendak, Malacca. In later years, the course was decentralised, with responsibility for its conduct rotated among the brigade's units. At present, it is primarily conducted in two locations: Terengganu, where the 18th Battalion Royal Malay Regiment (Para) is garrisoned, and Malacca, which hosts the majority of the brigade's units.
The course initially lasted four weeks but was extended to six weeks beginning with Series 1/2025, following the expansion of the brigade's role to include air assault and amphibious operations. Experimental adjustments are ongoing, with a possible extension to seven weeks in future series; the final course length will be determined after evaluation. Previously, air assault and amphibious training were considered advanced and non-compulsory, with candidates only required to go through the theory during selection. These elements have since been integrated into the basic syllabus.
The primary objective of the course is to develop the mental and physical resilience of paratroopers, foster esprit de corps, and reinforce the "Buddy System" as a core principle. Often compared to the United States Army's Ranger Assessment and Selection Programme (RASP), the course serves as the Malaysian Army's equivalent gateway to elite airborne service.
The course is also known as Latihan Semangat Waja ("Iron Will Training") and the Pegasus Course. It is divided into two phases, designed to progressively test and evaluate candidates' combat readiness.
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:
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, jungle warfare with small unit tactics, 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.
The air assault and amphibious phase was introduced in 2025 as part of the expanded role of the 10th Parachute Brigade under the Way Forward plan. In this phase, candidates apply the knowledge acquired during earlier stages of training through practical air assault and amphibious operations.
Trainees undergo the Basic Amphibious Warfare Course and the Basic Air Assault Course, which were previously considered advanced and non-compulsory qualifications. The amphibious component is conducted in coastal and beach environments, where candidates train in basic beach raiding tactics and other littoral operations.
The air assault component is conducted at designated training facilities, including tower-based sites where candidates learn insertion techniques such as fast-roping. Plans are in place to incorporate training with real helicopters, providing candidates with live air assault experience. Should this be implemented, the overall course length may be extended from six to seven weeks, although the final structure and duration remain under review by brigade headquarters.
The graduation ceremony, originally conducted at Parawood, Camp Terendak, underwent a significant change in 2022. Originally, trainees would swim approximately 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.
After graduating from the RDF pipeline, new members are required to undergo compulsory advanced training courses tailored to their specific specialities 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:
Under the 2024 Way Forward programme, Army Headquarters outlined plans to restructure the 10th Parachute Brigade (10 PARA BDE) into a dynamic, multi-role formation with the ability to conduct operations across sea, air, and land. The brigade is intended to serve as a rapidly deployable force capable of insertion from multiple domains.
To support these roles, several amphibious assets have been requisitioned, including hovercraft, Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC). The brigade is scheduled to receive six Hovercraft Kaiman, to be built in Malaysia through a partnership between Airlift Hovercraft (Australia) and IDC Technologies (Malaysia). The locally built variant will be designated the Hovercraft Salamander, with delivery planned to begin in October 2025.
As of August 2025, no official specifications have been released regarding the ORC and CRRC models intended for the brigade. With the integration of these assets, the likelihood of establishing a separate Malaysian Marine Corps has diminished, as the 10th Parachute Brigade is expected to fulfil the amphibious role within the Malaysian Army.
As the brigade's capabilities expand beyond its traditional airborne role, consideration has been given to renaming the formation in order to reflect its multi-domain operational role. Proposed changes remain under discussion as part of the wider Way Forward programme.
The unit has been deployed in the following operations:
On 14 October 2005, members of the Malaysian Medical Team (MasMedTim) serving in Battagram, Pakistan, were recommended to receive a daily service allowance of RM100 in recognition of their challenging conditions. The team had been deployed to support relief efforts following the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake, and by 26 October, they had established a field hospital in Battagram, located roughly from Islamabad.
Despite their commitment, the team faced severe hardships. They were equipped with tropical tents and kerosene heaters, which were poorly suited to the subzero temperatures of the mountainous region. Nighttime temperatures often dropped to , and soldiers had to carry out their duties without adequate winter clothing or access to hot water. These harsh conditions persisted for over two months, making their humanitarian mission both physically and mentally demanding.
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.
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 Camp Terendak as a symbol of honorary membership in the airborne brotherhood.
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:
Books, television, and movies featuring the 10th Parachute Brigade: