Levy County, Florida and PASKAL: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox U.S. County|
{{Infobox Military Unit
|unit_name=Pasukan Khas Laut
county = Levy County|
|image=[[Image:PASKAL Logo.jpg|100px]]
state = Florida |
|caption= The PASKAL elite logo.
map = Levy County Florida.png |
|dates=[[1975]] - Present
founded = [[March 10|10 March]] [[1845]]|
|country={{flagcountry|Malaysia}}
seat = [[Bronson, Florida|Bronson]] |
|branch=[[Royal Malaysian Navy]]
area_total_sq_mi =1412 |
|command_structure=[[Malaysian Armed Forces]]
area_water_sq_mi =294 |
|type=[[Malaysian Special Operations Force|Maritime Special Operations Force]]
area percentage = 20.81% |
|role=Maritime and Riverine special operations
census yr = 2000|
|size=Two squadrons
pop = 34450 |
|current_commander=
density_km2 =12|
|garrison= RMN Naval Base, [[Lumut]], [[Perak]],<br> RMN KD Semporna Naval Base, [[Semporna]], [[Sabah]]
web = www.levycounty.org |
|ceremonial_chief=
|}}
|ceremonial_chief_label=
[[Image:Bronson Levy County Courthouse01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Levy County Courthouse]], in Bronson]]
|colonel_of_the_regiment= [[Rear admiral|Rear Admiral]] Nasaruddin Othman
|nickname=PASKAL
|motto= Always The Best
|colors=Purple Coloured (beret)
|march=
|identification_symbol=[[Image:TRIMEDIA.jpg|140px]]
|identification_symbol_label=PASKAL Trimedia Badge
|mascot=
|battles= Spratleys Island</br>UNIVEM II 1998, [[Angola]]</br>MALCON - UNIFIL 2007, [[Lebanon]]
|notable_commanders= [[Admiral]] Sutarji Kasmin
|anniversaries=
}}


:''For other possible meanings, see [[Pascal]].''
'''Levy County''' is a [[county]] located in the [[U.S. state|state]] of [[Florida]]. As of 2000, the population was 34,450. The [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]] 2005 estimate for the county is 37,998.<ref>http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2005-01-12.xls</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Bronson, Florida]].{{GR|6}} Levy is pronounced ''lee vee''.
'''PASKAL''', an abbreviation for ''Pasukan Khas Laut'' ''(Naval Special Forces)'' is the [[elite]] [[special operations]] force of the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]], which conducts [[unconventional warfare]], [[guerrilla warfare]], [[jungle warfare]], [[direct action]], [[counter-terrorism]], close protection for VIPs, specific enemy assassination, hostage rescue, and [[special reconnaissance]] as well as [[foreign internal defense]].


It was officially established on [[1 October|October 1st]] [[1980]], after a five-year setting-up period, with the purpose of enforcing Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone maritime claims through sea, air and land operations (similar to the United States Navy [[Navy SEALs|SEALs]]).
== History ==
Levy County was created in 1845. It was named for '''[[David Levy Yulee|David Levy]]''', the first member of the [[United States Senate]] to have been, at one time, a practicing [[Jew]]. Levy was also one of Florida's first two U.S. Senators and served from 1845 to 1851 and and again from 1855 to 1861. Levy also constructed the first railroad in Florida linking the ports of [[Cedar Key, Florida|Cedar Key]] in on the [[Gulf of Mexico]] to [[Fernandina Beach, Florida|Fernandina]] on the [[Atlantic Ocean]].


==Geography==
==Organisation==
The manpower details of this unit is highly classified. Believed to be a regiment with an estimated 1,000 men divided into two operations units - ''PASKAL Unit Satu'' (PASKAL - First Unit) based in the Lumut Naval base in Perak on Peninsular Malaysia, and ''PASKAL Unit Dua'' (PASKAL - 2nd Unit) which is based at KD Sri Semporna, a Malaysian Royal Navy base in [[Semporna]], [[Sabah]]. A company-strength (''detachment'') is also based at the ''Teluk Sepanggar Naval Base'' near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, where the RMN's proposed Submarine Training Centre will be set up soon.
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of 1,412&nbsp;[[square mile]]s (3,658&nbsp;[[km²]]), of which, 1,118&nbsp;square miles (2,897&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 294&nbsp;square miles (761&nbsp;km²) of it (20.81%) is water.


''PASKAL'' organizes itself operationally into several squadrons of at least three companies (or ''Platoons'') each. Each company is in turn, organised roughly along the lines of the [[United States Army Special Forces]] structure of Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Detachments. The smallest unit for Paskal, however, is the so-called ''Boat Troop'' with 7 men.
===Adjacent counties===
*[[Dixie County, Florida]] — west
*[[Gilchrist County, Florida]] — north
*[[Alachua County, Florida]] — northeast
*[[Marion County, Florida]] — east
*[[Citrus County, Florida]] — south


Basically each squadron contains a mixture of specialists that is usually adjusted by the specifics of the mission or area it is tasked to operate within.
===National [[protected area]]s===
* [[Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge]]
* [[Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge]] (part)


Each squadron normally carries a ''Combat Intelligence Team'' ([[Malay]]: Tim Risik Gempur, TRG), trained in maritime tactical intelligence, counter intelligence and psychological operations.
==Demographics==
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 34,450 people, 13,867 households, and 9,679 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 31 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 16,570 housing units at an average density of 15 per square&nbsp;mile (6/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 85.88% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 10.97% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.47% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.37% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.96% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.32% from two or more races. 3.89% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


==History==
There were 13,867 households out of which 27.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.40% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.20% were non-families. 24.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.88.
The history of PASKAL began in [[1975]], when the [[Royal Malaysian Navy]] saw a need for a security regiment trained in modern maritime warfare. Its main purpose was originally to protect naval bases and national assets all over [[Malaysia]]. At that time, the RMN main base was known as KD Malaya ''(Kapal Diraja Malaya, His Majesty's Ship Malaya)'', formerly known as HMS Malaya before independence, in [[Woodlands]], [[Singapore]] (which was later transferred to the new naval base in [[Lumut]], [[Perak]] when it was completed in 1979.


The first batch of 30 officers, led by Captain Sutarji Kasmin (now Admiral, retired), was sent to the Malaysian Army's Special Warfare Training Center ''(Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas)'' located at Sg Udang Military Camp, [[Melaka]], and were trained by [[Grup Gerak Khas]] army commandos.
In the county the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 6.90% from 18 to 24, 25.00% from 25 to 44, 26.60% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.80 males.


They were also trained by instructors from [[KOPASKA|Indonesian KOPASKA]], [[Royal Marines|UK Royal Marine Commandos]] and [[United States Navy SEALs|US Navy SEALs]].
The median income for a household in the county was $26,959, and the median income for a family was $30,899. Males had a median income of $26,029 versus $20,252 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $14,746. About 15.00% of families and 18.60% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 25.80% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.


== Utilities ==
==Purposes==
On [[October 1]] [[1980]], PASKAL was officially established as the Malaysian Government began to enforce its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) which covers 200 [[nautical mile]]s off Malaysia's waters. In addition, there was a requirement to protect Malaysian offshore stations near the disputed [[Spratly Islands]].
On [[April 7]], [[2008]], [[Progress Energy Florida]], [[St. Petersburg, Florida|St. Petersburg]], announced it had authorized Shaw and Westinghouse to purchase long-lead-time materials for up to two [[AP1000]] [[nuclear reactor]]s for a [[greenfield]] plant in Levy County, producing about 1,100 [[Megawatt|MW]] each.


==Roles==
Progress expects to apply for a [[Combined Construction and Operating License]] (COL) in the summer of 2008, according to a spokeswoman. Southern and SCE&G would not reveal cost estimates, but Progress has said its plant will cost $14 billion, with $3 billion more for transmission infrastructure.
One of PASKAL's roles is to launch offensive operations independently via sea, land and air in enemy controlled waters. PASKAL operatives were trained to conduct maritime operations such as anti-piracy and anti-ship / oil rigs hijacking.


The security of more than thirty offshore oil rigs in Malaysian waters are solely the responsibility of PASKAL, and the unit has held regular training exercises on each of those oil rigs.
Applying for a COL does not commit the utilities to construct the plant, but it is part of the licensing process, say officials of all the utilities. The application starts a 40-month review by the [[Nuclear Regulatory Commission]], meaning that approval could come in August 2011.


Although part of PASKAL's mission consists of securing beachheads, deep penetration reconnaissance raids, structure and underwater demolition and sabotage, their range of training and activity extends beyond.
Progress Energy’s [[Levy County Nuclear Power Plant|Levy County plant]] would be one of the first greenfield nuclear plants to start construction in more than 30 years. The units on all three sites would enter commercial operation around 2016–17.


PASKAL's repertoire also includes in-harbour underwater sabotage, ship-boarding assault, Counter-Terrorist missions (CT) and mine-clearing operations.
== Municipalities ==
=== Incorporated ===
# Town of [[Bronson, Florida|Bronson]]
# City of [[Cedar Key, Florida|Cedar Key]]
# City of [[Chiefland, Florida|Chiefland]]
# City of [[Fanning Springs, Florida|Fanning Springs]]
# Town of [[Inglis, Florida|Inglis]]
# City of [[Otter Creek, Florida|Otter Creek]]
# City of [[Williston, Florida|Williston]]
# City of [[Yankeetown, Florida|Yankeetown]]


Special joint training with special Army units are also conducted regularly on specialised skills like HALO and HAHO overwater and overland parachute jumps.
=== Unincorporated ===
*[[Andrews, Florida|Andrews]]
*[[East Bronson, Florida|East Bronson]]
*[[East Williston, Florida|East Williston]]
*[[Ellzey, Florida|Ellzey]]
*[[Fowlers Bluff, Florida|Fowlers Bluff]]
*[[Gulf Hammock, Florida|Gulf Hammock]]
*[[Lebanon Junction, Florida|Lebanon Junction]]
*[[Manattee Road, Florida|Manattee Road]]
*[[Rosewood, Florida|Rosewood]]
*[[Turkeytown, Florida|Turkeytown]]
*[[Usher, Florida|Usher]]
*[[Williston Highlands, Florida|Williston Highlands]]


PASKAL detachments are also stationed in on sensitive Malaysian offshore stations particularly in Layang-Layang atoll and a few detachments are also permanently staged on several RMN's ships.<ref>''[http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/12/2/focus/19642236&sec=focus Well primed to repel attacks] [[The Star]] [[2 December]] [[2007]]''</ref>
==References==
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==Equipment==
*[http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/UFDC/?c=fdnl1&b=UF00028309 ''Levy County Journal''] newspaper that serves Levy County, Florida is available in full-text with images in [http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/UFDC/?c=fdnl1 Florida Digital Newspaper Library]


{{commonscat}}
===Government links/Constitutional offices===
* [http://www.levycounty.org/ Levy County Board of County Commissioners]
* [http://www.votelevy.com/ Levy County Supervisor of Elections]
* [http://www.qpublic.net/levy/search.html Levy County Property Appraiser]
* [http://www.levyso.com/ Levy County Sheriff's Office]
* [http://www.levytaxcollector.com/ Levy County Tax Collector]


====Special districts ====
* [http://www.levy.k12.fl.us/ Levy County School Board]
* [http://www.srwmd.state.fl.us/ Suwanee River Water Management District]
* [http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us Southwest Florida Water Management District]


==Training==
====Judicial branch====
* [http://www.levyclerk.com/ Levy County Clerk of Courts]
* [http://sawww.co.alachua.fl.us/ Office of the State Attorney, 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida] serving [[Alachua County, Florida|Alachua]], [[Baker County, Florida|Baker]], [[Bradford County, Florida|Bradford]], [[Gilchrist County, Florida|Gilchrist]], Levy, and [[Union County, Florida|Union]] Counties
* [http://www.circuit8.org/ Circuit and County Court for the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida]


As a Special Forces unit, PASKAL's personnel must be mentally and physically agile. Every new trainee is required to undergo three months of basic commando training at the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Lumut Naval Base. The criteria to join the naval Special Forces, all personnel must be younger than 30 years old and has a good health record.
=== Tourism links/Chambers of Commerce ===
* [http://www.visitnaturecoast.com/ Levy County Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.withlacoocheegulfareachamber.com/ Withlacoochee/Gulf Area Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.chieflandchamber.com/ Greater Chiefland Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.fanningspringsflorida.com/ Fanning Springs Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.cedarkey.org/ Cedar Key Area Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.fws.gov/cedarkeys/ Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge]
* [http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/goethe.html Goethe State Forest]
* [http://www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/default.cfm Manatee Springs State Park]
* [http://www.floridastateparks.org/cedarkeyscrub/default.cfm Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve]


Upon completing the course, they will be sent to the Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC) in Sungai Udang, Melaka to undergo basic parachuting.
{{Levy County, Florida}}
{{Florida}}


Those who pass the gruelling training process will continue on to the Advanced First Class training where they are given specialised courses in several fields such as medic, communications, explosives and electrical / mechanical repairing. They are also required to pass a physical test every three months.
{{coord|29.28|-82.79|display=title|type:adm2_region:US-FL_source:UScensus1990}}

Among others, the test consists of:

# 7.8km running in 24 minutes (below 24 years of age)
# 1.5km swimming in not more than 25 minutes (in a swimming pool)
# 6.4km swimming in open sea with full mission load - in under 120 minutes
# Day/Night sky diving at high elevation spots ie. hills, building and on ocean surface.
# Free style swimming for 1.5km under 31 minutes
# Surviving in water with hands and feet fully tied-up (drown-proofing)
# Diving without breathing apparatus for a minimum of 7m in depth

;Basic Recruitment Course

# Pre-Selection/Warm-Up<br>
# Basic PASKAL commando<br>
# Diving endurance<br>
# Basic Sky-Diving<br>

;Carrier Development Course

# First Class enrollment<br>
# Underwater Combat Maneuver<br>
# "Laskar Kanan" enrollment<br>
# "Bintara Muda" enrollment<br>
# Diving/Underwater Combat Superior

PASKAL routinely sends officers and men to train with the [[Special Air Service|SAS]]/UK, NGSLO, [[BUD]]/[[SEAL]], [[EOD]] (USA), Submarine Escape (Australia), Assault Swimmer and [[Clearance Diving Team (RAN)|Australia, Clearance Diver]] (Australia/USA), Sniper Supervisor (Australia), Mountain Climbing (France), [[SASR]] Australia, etc.

On 26 August 1991, the National Security Council declared PASKAL as Malaysia's main counter-terrorist task force for the defence of [[oil rig]]s and [[oil tanker]]/ships and to act as one of the elements in the Quick Reactions Force (QRF), or the [[Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat]] (PAC).

===Expertise/Specialist Course===

;Domestic :

;Insertion Techniques
# Basic [[HALO/HAHO]]
# Freefall Instructor
# Fast-roping Techniques
# Abseiling and Air Rescue Operations
# Tactical Cliff Climbing
# Tactical Cliff Climbing Instructor

;Combat Technique
# Combat Tracking
# Pathfinding & Jungle Survival
# Unarmed Combat (Tae Kwon Do - based)
# [[Close Quarters Combat|Close Quarters Combat Tactical]]
# [[Sniper]]
# [[Sniper]] Instructor
# [[Unconventional Warfare]]
# Section Leader
# Platoon Sergeant
# Company Commander

;Intelligence Gathering
# [[Intelligence (information gathering)|Intelligence]]
# Intel Sergeant
# Team Intel Officer
# Photographer
# C4-I Systems Implementations
# Long Range Recon Patrol

;Task Oriented
# [[Search and rescue|Combat, Search and Rescue]] (CSAR)
# Operation In Built-up Area - OBUA
# Combat Medic Specialist
# Diving Supervisor
# Small Vehicle Operator
# Small Surface Craft Operator
# Survival Night/Mission Test
# Combat Tracking
# Foreign Language
# Combat Medic Specialist
# [[Bomb disposal|Explosive Ordnance Disposal]]

PASKAL is strongly influenced by the tactics and organization of the British [[Special Boat Service]] (SBS). PASKAL usually trains with GGK as well as US [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]], Indonesian Navy's [[KOPASKA]] and, of course - the SBS.

==Weaponry and equipment==

PASKAL's weapon inventory is a confidential subject. Nevertheless, amid rumors of financing from the consortium of oil companies in addition to ample financing from the navy, PASKAL's inventory currently includes some of the most advanced and sophisticated equipment in the Armed Forces.

The voluntary contributions from the oil consortium has ensured that PASKAL has sufficient means to procure weapons and equipment that are much more modern and sophisticated in comparison to the other SOF units in the Malaysian armed forces.

Pictures taken during national day parades and from local defense magazines indicate the use of the following:
* various night-vision devices,
* lightweight PRO-TEC helmets,
* various thermal-imaging cameras,
* various ground tactical radar MASINT (Measurement and Signature Intelligence) including PSR MASINT,
* various sniper weapons [[Accuracy International Arctic Warfare Magnum]], [[Robar RC-50]] and [[Heckler & Koch MSG-90]],
* various submachineguns [[FN P90]], [[Brügger & Thomet]] and [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] in all types and variants,
* various combat shotgun [[Remington 870]] Marine Magnums, and
* various assault rifles including [[AK-101|AK-102]] ''(TRG mainly)'', [[M4 Carbine]] [[SOPMOD]] Block II with Aimpoint and Trijicon sight scopes, [[FN FNC]], and [[M16 rifle|Colt M16A1]] ''(with 20-round Colt-manufactured magazines and [[M203]] grenade launchers)''.

PASKAL is also known to utilise specialised delivery craft - among others, PASKAL employs high speed inflatable/collapsible sub-skimmers (also known as UDV - Underwater Delivery Vehicle), for infiltrations into hostile areas.

The acquisition of two Scorpene submarines which are jointly being built by DCNS, France and Navantia, Spain ("KD Tunku Abdul Rahman" commissioning January 2009, "KD Tun Razak" commisioning October 2008) is expected to further add PASKAL's capabilities and range.

==PASKAL Emblems and Badges==
;Purple Coloured Beret
:The purple beret reflects PASKAL's close relationship with the Indonesian Marine Corp.

;Camouflage
:The PASKAL camouflage uniform is identical to that worn by [[US Navy SEALs]]. It also reflects the close relations with this [[United States Special Operations Forces|US Special Forces]] unit from which PASKAL also receives training.

;Trimedia
:The "Trimedia" is PASKAL's main emblem which is worn by every PASKAL trooper. The various components symbolises:
# Wing - the traditional symbol for para capability
# Jet Fin & Face Mask Emblem - symbolises seaborne infiltration capability
# Combat Dagger - symbolises jungle-warfare capability
# Anchor - the symbol for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

==List of PASKAL Commanders==
{| class="wikitable"
|+'''List of PASKAL Commander'''
|- style="background-color: #f99; color: black;"
!Name
!Year
!Remark
|-
| Admiral Dr. Haji Sutarji bin Kasmin ||[[1975]]-[[2003]]|| PASKAL Commander from 1975 and retired in 2003
|-
| First Admiral Nasaruddin bin Othman ||[[2003]]-Now||
|}

==Famous PASKAL Members==
* [[Admiral]] Dr. Haji Sutarji Kasmin (retired) — ''first commanding officer of PASKAL, considered godfather of PASKALs''
* [[Rear admiral|Rear Admiral]] Nasaruddin Othman — ''second commanding officer of PASKAL, replacing Admiral Dr. Haji Sutarji Kasmin''
* [[Captain]] Jamaludin Mohd Saman RMN
* [[Commander]] Abd Malek Hj Mohd Daud RMN
* [[Commander]] Ahmad Ramli Kardi — ''honored Ahli Mangku Negara, Ahli Mahkota Perak medal''
* [[Commander]] Anuar Alias — ''honored [[Panglima Gagah Berani]] medal''
* [[Commander]] George Paul Thomas Rozario
* [[Commander]] Jason PASKAL
* [[Lieutenant Commander]] Che Adnan Mat Isa
* [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] Mohd Room Bahari
* [[Seaman]] Hairi Mat Balong
* PASKAL Senior [[Seaman]] Sukeri Abdullah (1994 - 1997)

==Highlights/Top story==
===PASKAL in the media===

* PASKAL was featured in TV3's Majalah 3 on [[30 August]] [[2003]] in conjunction with Merdeka

* Lieutenant Commander (Kehormat), Ahmad Ramli Kardi - PASKAL senior personnel is a member of the free-fall skydiving team for the Malaysian North Pole free-fall skydiving expedition in 1998. <ref>[http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/archive.asp?y=2003&dt=0104&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=tentera&pg=te_01.htm&arc=hive ''PASKAL--Unit elit serba canggih''] [[Utusan Malaysia]] January 04, 2003</ref>

* Lieutenant Commander Anuar, a PASKAL operator involved in the UN mission in Angola (UNIVEM II) 1998 received the "Pingat Gagah Berani"<ref>[http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/archive.asp?y=2002&dt=1102&pub=utusan_malaysia&sec=tentera&pg=te_01.htm&arc=hive ''Lt Kdr Anuar hero TLDM''][[Utusan Malaysia]] November 02, 2002</ref>

== Recent Operations ==
The unit has been deployed in the following operations:
{|class="wikitable"
!Operation
!Roles
!Country
!Year
|-
| Spratleys Island || Security Mission || {{flagcountry|Malaysia}} || [[1980]]s
|-
| Gugusan Semarang Peninjau || Security Missions || {{flagcountry|Malaysia}} || [[1979]]
|-
| United Nations Angola Verification Mission II ([[United Nations Angola Verification Mission II|UNIVEM II]]) || Peacekeeping Missions || {{flagcountry|Angola}} || [[1998]]
|-
| [[Operation Astute]] || Peacekeeping Missions || {{flagcountry|East Timor}} || [[2006]]
|-
| United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon ([[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|MALCON-UNIFIL]]) || Peacekeeping Missions || {{flagcountry|Lebanon}} || [[2007]]
|-
| United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon II ([[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|MALCON-UNIFIL II]]) || Peacekeeping Missions || {{flagcountry|Lebanon}} || [[2008]]
|-
|}

==See also==
* [[PASKAU]]

===Similar Navy Special Forces Units Outside Malaysia===
* {{flagicon|Australia}} [[Clearance Diving Team (RAN)|Clearance Diving Team]], Australia
* {{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Destacamento de Acções Especiais]], Portugal
* {{flagicon|France}} [[Escouade de Contre-Terrorisme et de Libération d'Otages]], France
* {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Kampfschwimmer]], Germany
* {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Kopaska|Komando Pasukan Katak - KOPASKA]], Indonesia
* {{flagicon|India}} [[Marine Commando Force]], India
* {{flagicon|Norway}} [[Marinejegerkommandoen]], Norway
* {{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Naval Diving Unit (Singapore)|Naval Diving Unit]], Singapore
* {{flagicon|Thailand}} [[Royal Thai Navy SEALs]], Thailand
* {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Special Boat Service]], United Kingdom
* {{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} [[Special Boat Squadron]], Sri Lanka
* {{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Special Service Group Navy]], Pakistan
* {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Unidad de Operaciones Especiales]], Spain
* {{flagicon|United States}} [[United States Navy SEALs|US Navy SEALs]], United States of America

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons|PASKAL}}
* {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [http://www.navy.mil.my/ Royal Malaysian Navy website]


[[Category:Florida counties]]
[[Category:Armed forces diving]]
[[Category:Levy County, Florida| ]]
[[Category:Special forces of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Royal Malaysian Navy|PASKAL]]
[[Category:Counter-terrorism in Malaysia]]


[[de:PASKAL]]
[[bpy:লেভী কাউন্টি, ফ্লোরিডা]]
[[ms:Pasukan Khas Laut (PASKAL)]]
[[de:Levy County]]
[[es:Condado de Levy (Florida)]]
[[fr:Comté de Levy]]
[[it:Contea di Levy]]
[[nds:Levy County]]
[[nl:Levy County]]
[[no:Levy County]]
[[pl:Hrabstwo Levy]]
[[pt:Condado de Levy]]
[[sv:Levy County]]
[[zh:萊維縣 (佛羅里達州)]]

Revision as of 12:21, 10 October 2008

Pasukan Khas Laut
File:PASKAL Logo.jpg
The PASKAL elite logo.
Active1975 - Present
Country Malaysia
BranchRoyal Malaysian Navy
TypeMaritime Special Operations Force
RoleMaritime and Riverine special operations
SizeTwo squadrons
Part ofMalaysian Armed Forces
Garrison/HQRMN Naval Base, Lumut, Perak,
RMN KD Semporna Naval Base, Semporna, Sabah
Nickname(s)PASKAL
Motto(s)Always The Best
ColorsPurple Coloured (beret)
EngagementsSpratleys Island
UNIVEM II 1998, Angola
MALCON - UNIFIL 2007, Lebanon
Commanders
Colonel of
the Regiment		Rear Admiral Nasaruddin Othman
Notable
commanders		Admiral Sutarji Kasmin
Insignia
PASKAL Trimedia BadgeFile:TRIMEDIA.jpg
For other possible meanings, see Pascal.

PASKAL, an abbreviation for Pasukan Khas Laut (Naval Special Forces) is the elite special operations force of the Royal Malaysian Navy, which conducts unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, direct action, counter-terrorism, close protection for VIPs, specific enemy assassination, hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance as well as foreign internal defense.

It was officially established on October 1st 1980, after a five-year setting-up period, with the purpose of enforcing Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone maritime claims through sea, air and land operations (similar to the United States Navy SEALs).

Organisation

The manpower details of this unit is highly classified. Believed to be a regiment with an estimated 1,000 men divided into two operations units - PASKAL Unit Satu (PASKAL - First Unit) based in the Lumut Naval base in Perak on Peninsular Malaysia, and PASKAL Unit Dua (PASKAL - 2nd Unit) which is based at KD Sri Semporna, a Malaysian Royal Navy base in Semporna, Sabah. A company-strength (detachment) is also based at the Teluk Sepanggar Naval Base near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, where the RMN's proposed Submarine Training Centre will be set up soon.

PASKAL organizes itself operationally into several squadrons of at least three companies (or Platoons) each. Each company is in turn, organised roughly along the lines of the United States Army Special Forces structure of Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Detachments. The smallest unit for Paskal, however, is the so-called Boat Troop with 7 men.

Basically each squadron contains a mixture of specialists that is usually adjusted by the specifics of the mission or area it is tasked to operate within.

Each squadron normally carries a Combat Intelligence Team (Malay: Tim Risik Gempur, TRG), trained in maritime tactical intelligence, counter intelligence and psychological operations.

History

The history of PASKAL began in 1975, when the Royal Malaysian Navy saw a need for a security regiment trained in modern maritime warfare. Its main purpose was originally to protect naval bases and national assets all over Malaysia. At that time, the RMN main base was known as KD Malaya (Kapal Diraja Malaya, His Majesty's Ship Malaya), formerly known as HMS Malaya before independence, in Woodlands, Singapore (which was later transferred to the new naval base in Lumut, Perak when it was completed in 1979.

The first batch of 30 officers, led by Captain Sutarji Kasmin (now Admiral, retired), was sent to the Malaysian Army's Special Warfare Training Center (Pusat Latihan Peperangan Khas) located at Sg Udang Military Camp, Melaka, and were trained by Grup Gerak Khas army commandos.

They were also trained by instructors from Indonesian KOPASKA, UK Royal Marine Commandos and US Navy SEALs.

Purposes

On October 1 1980, PASKAL was officially established as the Malaysian Government began to enforce its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) which covers 200 nautical miles off Malaysia's waters. In addition, there was a requirement to protect Malaysian offshore stations near the disputed Spratly Islands.

Roles

One of PASKAL's roles is to launch offensive operations independently via sea, land and air in enemy controlled waters. PASKAL operatives were trained to conduct maritime operations such as anti-piracy and anti-ship / oil rigs hijacking.

The security of more than thirty offshore oil rigs in Malaysian waters are solely the responsibility of PASKAL, and the unit has held regular training exercises on each of those oil rigs.

Although part of PASKAL's mission consists of securing beachheads, deep penetration reconnaissance raids, structure and underwater demolition and sabotage, their range of training and activity extends beyond.

PASKAL's repertoire also includes in-harbour underwater sabotage, ship-boarding assault, Counter-Terrorist missions (CT) and mine-clearing operations.

Special joint training with special Army units are also conducted regularly on specialised skills like HALO and HAHO overwater and overland parachute jumps.

PASKAL detachments are also stationed in on sensitive Malaysian offshore stations particularly in Layang-Layang atoll and a few detachments are also permanently staged on several RMN's ships.[1]

Equipment

Training

As a Special Forces unit, PASKAL's personnel must be mentally and physically agile. Every new trainee is required to undergo three months of basic commando training at the Royal Malaysian Navy's (RMN) Lumut Naval Base. The criteria to join the naval Special Forces, all personnel must be younger than 30 years old and has a good health record.

Upon completing the course, they will be sent to the Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC) in Sungai Udang, Melaka to undergo basic parachuting.

Those who pass the gruelling training process will continue on to the Advanced First Class training where they are given specialised courses in several fields such as medic, communications, explosives and electrical / mechanical repairing. They are also required to pass a physical test every three months.

Among others, the test consists of:

  1. 7.8km running in 24 minutes (below 24 years of age)
  2. 1.5km swimming in not more than 25 minutes (in a swimming pool)
  3. 6.4km swimming in open sea with full mission load - in under 120 minutes
  4. Day/Night sky diving at high elevation spots ie. hills, building and on ocean surface.
  5. Free style swimming for 1.5km under 31 minutes
  6. Surviving in water with hands and feet fully tied-up (drown-proofing)
  7. Diving without breathing apparatus for a minimum of 7m in depth
Basic Recruitment Course
  1. Pre-Selection/Warm-Up
  2. Basic PASKAL commando
  3. Diving endurance
  4. Basic Sky-Diving
Carrier Development Course
  1. First Class enrollment
  2. Underwater Combat Maneuver
  3. "Laskar Kanan" enrollment
  4. "Bintara Muda" enrollment
  5. Diving/Underwater Combat Superior

PASKAL routinely sends officers and men to train with the SAS/UK, NGSLO, BUD/SEAL, EOD (USA), Submarine Escape (Australia), Assault Swimmer and Australia, Clearance Diver (Australia/USA), Sniper Supervisor (Australia), Mountain Climbing (France), SASR Australia, etc.

On 26 August 1991, the National Security Council declared PASKAL as Malaysia's main counter-terrorist task force for the defence of oil rigs and oil tanker/ships and to act as one of the elements in the Quick Reactions Force (QRF), or the Pasukan Aturgerak Cepat (PAC).

Expertise/Specialist Course

Domestic
Insertion Techniques
  1. Basic HALO/HAHO
  2. Freefall Instructor
  3. Fast-roping Techniques
  4. Abseiling and Air Rescue Operations
  5. Tactical Cliff Climbing
  6. Tactical Cliff Climbing Instructor
Combat Technique
  1. Combat Tracking
  2. Pathfinding & Jungle Survival
  3. Unarmed Combat (Tae Kwon Do - based)
  4. Close Quarters Combat Tactical
  5. Sniper
  6. Sniper Instructor
  7. Unconventional Warfare
  8. Section Leader
  9. Platoon Sergeant
  10. Company Commander
Intelligence Gathering
  1. Intelligence
  2. Intel Sergeant
  3. Team Intel Officer
  4. Photographer
  5. C4-I Systems Implementations
  6. Long Range Recon Patrol
Task Oriented
  1. Combat, Search and Rescue (CSAR)
  2. Operation In Built-up Area - OBUA
  3. Combat Medic Specialist
  4. Diving Supervisor
  5. Small Vehicle Operator
  6. Small Surface Craft Operator
  7. Survival Night/Mission Test
  8. Combat Tracking
  9. Foreign Language
  10. Combat Medic Specialist
  11. Explosive Ordnance Disposal

PASKAL is strongly influenced by the tactics and organization of the British Special Boat Service (SBS). PASKAL usually trains with GGK as well as US Navy SEALs, Indonesian Navy's KOPASKA and, of course - the SBS.

Weaponry and equipment

PASKAL's weapon inventory is a confidential subject. Nevertheless, amid rumors of financing from the consortium of oil companies in addition to ample financing from the navy, PASKAL's inventory currently includes some of the most advanced and sophisticated equipment in the Armed Forces.

The voluntary contributions from the oil consortium has ensured that PASKAL has sufficient means to procure weapons and equipment that are much more modern and sophisticated in comparison to the other SOF units in the Malaysian armed forces.

Pictures taken during national day parades and from local defense magazines indicate the use of the following:

PASKAL is also known to utilise specialised delivery craft - among others, PASKAL employs high speed inflatable/collapsible sub-skimmers (also known as UDV - Underwater Delivery Vehicle), for infiltrations into hostile areas.

The acquisition of two Scorpene submarines which are jointly being built by DCNS, France and Navantia, Spain ("KD Tunku Abdul Rahman" commissioning January 2009, "KD Tun Razak" commisioning October 2008) is expected to further add PASKAL's capabilities and range.

PASKAL Emblems and Badges

Purple Coloured Beret
The purple beret reflects PASKAL's close relationship with the Indonesian Marine Corp.
Camouflage
The PASKAL camouflage uniform is identical to that worn by US Navy SEALs. It also reflects the close relations with this US Special Forces unit from which PASKAL also receives training.
Trimedia
The "Trimedia" is PASKAL's main emblem which is worn by every PASKAL trooper. The various components symbolises:
  1. Wing - the traditional symbol for para capability
  2. Jet Fin & Face Mask Emblem - symbolises seaborne infiltration capability
  3. Combat Dagger - symbolises jungle-warfare capability
  4. Anchor - the symbol for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).

List of PASKAL Commanders

List of PASKAL Commander
Name Year Remark
Admiral Dr. Haji Sutarji bin Kasmin 1975-2003 PASKAL Commander from 1975 and retired in 2003
First Admiral Nasaruddin bin Othman 2003-Now

Famous PASKAL Members

Highlights/Top story

PASKAL in the media

  • PASKAL was featured in TV3's Majalah 3 on 30 August 2003 in conjunction with Merdeka
  • Lieutenant Commander (Kehormat), Ahmad Ramli Kardi - PASKAL senior personnel is a member of the free-fall skydiving team for the Malaysian North Pole free-fall skydiving expedition in 1998. [2]
  • Lieutenant Commander Anuar, a PASKAL operator involved in the UN mission in Angola (UNIVEM II) 1998 received the "Pingat Gagah Berani"[3]

Recent Operations

The unit has been deployed in the following operations:

Operation Roles Country Year
Spratleys Island Security Mission  Malaysia 1980s
Gugusan Semarang Peninjau Security Missions  Malaysia 1979
United Nations Angola Verification Mission II (UNIVEM II) Peacekeeping Missions  Angola 1998
Operation Astute Peacekeeping Missions  East Timor 2006
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (MALCON-UNIFIL) Peacekeeping Missions  Lebanon 2007
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon II (MALCON-UNIFIL II) Peacekeeping Missions  Lebanon 2008

See also

Similar Navy Special Forces Units Outside Malaysia

References

  1. ^ Well primed to repel attacks The Star 2 December 2007
  2. ^ PASKAL--Unit elit serba canggih Utusan Malaysia January 04, 2003
  3. ^ Lt Kdr Anuar hero TLDMUtusan Malaysia November 02, 2002

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to PASKAL.
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