Table Of ContentDutch Special Forces and Counter Terrorist unit
Overview
The Kingdom of the Netherlands maintains a number of elite units within its armed forces, and law
enforcement agencies. Most of these units are concentrated within the Royal Army or Royal Netherlands
Marine Corps. A brief description of each unit is given below.
Army:
The Royal Army's special operations units are grouped with in the Korps Commando Troepen.
KCT (Korps Commando Troepen)
The Korps Kommando Tropen (Army Commando Troops Corps) is the Dutch Army's special operations
force. Organized along the same lines British SAS, KCT is tasked with conducting various missions
such as direct action, long-range reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering.
Currently, KCT is composed of one active and two reserve units; but there are currently plans to
reorganize KCT's structure. The plan calls for the activation of both reserve formations and their
integration into the active force. Upon completion of this reorganization KCT will be composed of three
Special Operation Companies, one HQ and support Company, and one training Company. At one time
there was also a reserve formation known as the 305th Commando Troepen Bataljon (305 Commando
Troops Battalion). It appears as though this unit was disbanded sometime during the early 1990's.
Currently KCT is organized as follows:
� 108 S.O.C.: Reactivated in the early Nineties, the 108 SOC is the Dutch Army's active Special
Operations unit. Tasked with conducting DA (Direct Action), sabotage, and reconnaissance
missions. Troops are skilled in airborne, airmobile, amphibious, arctic and mountain operations.
Some troops have also under gone training in the use of powered hangliders. The unit as recently
seen action in Bosnia, apprehending war crimes suspects.
� 104 Waarnemings-en Verkennings Companie (104 Recon & Observation Co.): The 104th R&S
Co. was formally an active unit, transferred to the reserves when the 108th SOC was activated.
Tasked to act as the Dutch Army's Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP) unit. Unit members are
trained in HAHO/ HALO parachuting techniques, and covert observation skills. Under the current
plans 104th Recon & Observation Co. will be activated, and its name changed to 104th SOC.
� 105th Waarnemings-en Verkennings Companie (105th Recon & Observation Co.): The 105th
is the second reserve formation within KCT, and conducts the same type of operations as its sister
unit the 104 Recon & Obsevation Co. Current plans also call for this unit to be activated, and
redesignated as the 105th SOC.
Royal Netherlands Marine Corps:
The RNLMC contains a number of special operations units. Many of the units are trained and organized
to operate with or under the direct control of their British counterparts during war.
7 Netherlands Special Boat Squadron(7NL SBS): 7NL SBS is known within the RNLMC as the
Amphibious Platoon. The platoon is organized, equipped, and operates in a fashion similar to the British
SBS, who they would operate with in war time. When conducting operations alongside of the British
SBS, the unit is known as C Squadron, SBS. The members of this highly trained combat swimmer unit
are trained parachutist, scuba divers, and demolition experts. The unit is also capable of performing
maritime CT operations, and is tasked with protecting Dutch off shore oil platforms from terrorist attack.
Mountain Leader Platoon: A relatively new unit within the RNLMC, the unit was formed in 1997
by consolidating all of the Mountain Leaders (ML) within one unit. The platoon is organized and
operates in a fashion similar the British 3Cdo. Bde., Brigade Patrol Troop (formally the Mountain and
Arctic Warfare Cadere - M&AW Cadre).
The platoon's MLs act as the 1 Amphibious Combat Group's (The RNLMC rapid reaction force)
reconnaissance unit when deployed. Unit members are trained in mountain, arctic, small boat, and
parachute operations, with all of the platoons members having successfully completed the British Royal
Marines ML course. During a war, involving NATO, the unit would come under the control of the
British 3 Cdo. Bde.
There are also to two other units within RNLMC trained in conducting airborne operations:
� 23 Airborne Co. RNLMC: Formally Known as "Whiskey Co." this unit is organized and
operates similarly to the British Brigade Patrol Troop. These mountain and arctic warfare
specialist also act as the 1 Amphibious Combat Group's (The RNLMC rapid reaction force)
reconnaissance unit when deployed. Unit members are trained in mountain, arctic, small boat, and
parachute operations. During a war, involving NATO, the unit would come under the control of
the British 3 Cdo. Bde.
� 11th Airborne Co. RNLMC: The 11th Airborne Company is the second formation within the
RNLMC.
Bijzondere Bijstands Eenhid (BBE): The BBE (Special Intervention Force) is Holland's national CT
unit. Answering to the Dutch Ministry of the Interior, this unit of approximately 100 operators is
considered to be one of the best CT units in the world. Tasked with conducting CT, DA and various
other covert missions. Unit members are trained in combat medicine, demolition's, EOD,
communications, and CQB.
Bijzondere Bijstandseenheid Krijgsmacht: The BBEK (Armed Forces Special Assistance Unit)
is the Royal Netherlands Military Police's SWAT team. the unit is tasked with responding to attacks on
Dutch military installations.
Police
the Dutch National Police (Regionale Politie) maintains a special intervention unit:
Politie BBE: The Politie BBE (Police Special Assistance Unit) is the Dutch National police
SWAT and special investigation unit. The unit is tasked with providing specially trained
marksmen and intervention teams though out the county.
Koninklijke Marechaussee (KMar, Royal
Constabulary)
Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB, Special Protection Unit): The BSB is an
elite force of specially trained and selected Military Police. The unit is tasked with providing body
guards, for Dutch VIPs and acting as a police SWAT team. Unit members also perform covert
intelligence gathering and observation teams.
*Thanks to Arthur Voois for providing me with the updated info*
-Dominique Sumner
