The VAT 69 ( Very Able Troopers 69), Komando 69

The VAT 69 (Very Able Troopers 69), also known as Task Force, Charlie Force and Special Project Team, is modelled on the British 22nd Special Air Service Regiment. It was founded in 1969 (hence the name 69) as a small combat unit to counter the tactics and techniques of the communist terrorists. It began when the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, The Honorable Allahyarham (late) Tun Dr Ismail proposed the formation of a special force for fighting the communist insurgency in 1969. In October 1969, 1, 600 officers and men from the Police Field Force applied for VAT 69 training of which 60 qualified themselves for basic commando training. A group of drill instructors from SAS were sent to Fort Kemar, Perak to supervise the inaugural 69 Commando. Only 30 police officers managed to pass and they formed the first nucleus troop of 69 Commando Battalion.