Mounted Ceremonial Squadron
The formation of the Mounted Ceremonial Squadron (Skuadron Istiadat Berkuda) added another milestone to the history of the Armoured Corps, the national tourism industry and the development of the national equestrian sports. The idea was mooted by then Prime Minister Dato' Seri Mahathir bin Mohamed (now Tun Mahathir bin Mohamed). With the formation of this unit, it becomes the third uniformed organization after the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
The Mounted Ceremonial Squadron was officially launched on the 13th May 1997 by the then Minister of Defence Dato' Syed Hamid Albar bin Syed Jaafar Albar. On this historical day, the mounted squadron was officially designated as 21st Mounted Ceremonial Squadron, Royal Armoured Corps (21 SIB). The main camp is in Sungai Buloh, Selangor. With the formation of this unit, it is expected to play a significant roles in all national ceremonial functions involving His Majesty the King (SPB YDP Agong) during the opening of the Parliament Session, National Day Parade, Trooping of Colours and Heads of States visits. Presently, priorities is given to train the horsemen in horse riding and horse handling, parade formalities and to prepare them for the future roles as the mounted palace guards.
The squadron's present strength is 6 officers including a veterinarian and 97 other ranks. The present strength will be increased in the near future in line with the present demand to perform the ceremonial duties at the Istana Negara. A year after the official launching of the unit, on 3 November 1998 the unit undertake its first task as a Mounted Static Guard at the main entrance of the Istana Negara. In the long term, the squadron will be expanded to a regiment which brings all the existing Regalia Group under one command and control. The existing Regalia Group are comprises the following:
- Lancers Guard
- Sovereign's Escort
- Squadron Trumpeters
- Central Band of the Royal Armoured Corps
Generally the uniform worn by the horsemen has some similarity with the present dress of the Lancers Guard and the Sovereign Escort. The design of the dress is a continuity of the original ceremonial dress of the Reconnaissance Regiment worn during the formation of the Armoured Corps. The ceremonial jacket of the mounted unit is red in colour with black riding breeches with double gold braide on both sides of the breeches. The dress is specially design for the horsemen to perform duties on horseback armed with the Cavalry Sabre and Lances. The personnel of the squadron are carefully picked and must comply to the specific criteria laid by the Armoured Directorate. The horses purchased for the squadron is specially selected by the expect, the type and breed must be able to acclimatise the local weather conditions and able to perform specific ceremonial duties with ease. All technical requirement of the horses is clearly mentioned in the General Staff Requirement (GSR)produced by the unit.
The first Officer Commanding of the unit is Major Ahmad Fakharuzi Hj Ibrahim (now Lieutenant Colonel) and the first Squadron Sergeant Major is Warrant Officer 2 Manivanan Nadison. The Motto of the unit is : Cekal dan Unggul (Determined and Excellent)(Pervicax quod Praeclarus). The spirit of the squadron is: Ride to Serve and Proud To Be Above
Read more about this topic: Malaysian Royal Armoured Corps
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