page_title: PASKAL
section_title: Selection and training
hierarchical_section_title: PASKAL / Selection and training
caption_attribution_description: English: LUMUT (May 01, 2016) – One member of the PASKAL Vessel, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) team using the rappeling from Super Lynx helicopter while boarding Tunda Satu naval trawler to demonstrate the maritime hostage rescue during 82nd Anniversaries of Royal Malaysian Navy, Lumut, Perak, Malaysia.
context_page_description: The Pasukan Khas Laut, commonly abbreviated to PASKAL, is the principal special operations force of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
  PASKAL's task is to conduct small-unit maritime military operations that originate from, and return to a river, ocean, swamp, delta or coastline. PASKAL also performs unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, counter-guerrilla warfare, jungle warfare, counter-terrorism, close protection, hostage rescue and foreign internal defence.
  Although PASKAL was created as a maritime counter-terrorism unit, it has become a multi-functional special operations unit with roles that include high-risk operations including direct action, special reconnaissance operations and other specialised missions.
  PASKAL is an all-male force that was officially established on 1 October 1982, after a five-year setup period, with the purpose of enforcing Malaysia's Exclusive Economic Zone maritime claims through sea, air and land operations.
  PASKAL personnel routinely serve and train with allied SOFs including the Australian SASR, Indonesian Kopassus and Denjaka, Singaporean Naval Diving Unit, Thai Navy SEALs, US Green Beret and USN SEALs.
context_section_description: As a Special Forces unit, PASKAL's personnel are required to be mentally and physically agile. Every new trainee undergoes three months of the Basic Commando Course at the RMN's Lumut Naval Base.
  Applicants must be younger than 30 years old and healthy. They must complete and pass the Basic Commando Course before attending the Special Warfare Training Centre (SWTC; PULPAK) in Sungai Udang, Malacca to undergo basic parachute training.
  Next is the Advanced First Class training where they receive training in fields such as medic, communications, explosives and electrical–mechanical repair.
  They must pass a physical test every three months.
  Assignment to PASKAL is conditional on passing the PASKAL Physical Screening Test (PST). Prospective trainees are expected to exceed the minimums.
  Among other activities the PST consists of:
  7.8 km running in 24 minutes (below 24 years of age)
  1.5 km swimming in not more than 25 minutes (in a swimming pool)
  6.4 km swimming in open sea with full mission load – under 120 minutes
  Day–night skydiving at high elevation spots i.e. hills, buildings and on ocean surface
  Freestyle swimming for 1.5 km under 31 minutes
  Surviving in water with hands and feet fully tied up (drown-proofing)
  Diving without breathing apparatus for a minimum of 7 m in depth
caption: PASKAL Maritime Counter-Terrorism strike team member using the rappeling from Super Lynx helicopter while boarding Tunda Satu naval trawler during 82nd Anniversaries of Royal Malaysian Navy
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