Korps Commandotroepen 1964-1990

In 1964 the Korps got different features as a result of economy operation "Chirurg": The commando as a pre-eminent combat soldier was transformed into a super scout organized in 104 Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol company (104 LRRP coy). In addition the Corps was given a Combat training task for all infantry units of 1 (NL) Armycorps. In times of war soldiers of 104 LRRP coy were to be the eyes and ears of 1 (NL) that had to defend a sector of the NATO line of defence on the Northern German Lowlands. From behind enemy lines the commandos had to collect as much information as possible about the enemy, with the main-effort on surveillance of possible advance- and supply routes. Over the years many commando units participated in international exercises such as "Schinderhannes" (BRD), "Eugenie" (FR), "Pegasus" (BE), "Tristar" (UK), "Viking" (DK), and "Low Lands" (NL). These manoeuvres showed that Dutch commando units, which consisted for the greater part of conscripts, could excellently compete with the best of the foreign units, which largely consisted of professional soldiers. Over the years 104 LRRP coy grew from 18 operational teams of three soldiers each into 27 teams of four soldiers each. In addition to these 27 teams in times of war 1 (NL) Armycorps could also have 9 reserve teams at its disposal. The parachutist-scouts were specialised in establishing and maintaining long-range communications and in reconnoitring enemy equipment. They were also specialized in all aspects of surviving in enemy territory. During the exercises and field training, extra attention was paid to aspects such as infiltration and exfiltration, laying-up-positions, avoiding enemy, resistance to interrogation and possible escaping from captivity. After having completed basic Commando training each Green Beret was trained to become a parachutist by the Korps Parachutists' Training group. They were also drilled in all aspects of survival under the most difficult terrain and weather conditions by the Survival Instruction group. With a communications platoon and a support platoon of its own the "one-o-four" made a thorough intelligence unit during the days of the Cold War. Next to the operational task of the 104 LRRP coy the Corps also had a major training task for the benefit of combat units of the 1 (NL) Armycorps. In November 1964 the first three-week version of the soon to become illustrious combat training "Pantserstorm" started. In 1966 the length of this very heavy combat training was reduced to two weeks. This training course lasted until the Royal Netherlands Army transformed from a cadre militia army into a regular army (1995). Combat training for regular personnel already existed for a longer time especially for officer-cadets of the Royal Military Academy and for NCO-students of the Royal Military School. NCO-students of the Royal Military Police School also completed their combat training at KCT. In addition to this regular combat training, support was also given in occasional training such as training of personnel for the mission to Lebanon. Training was provided for the Ministry of Justice in the initial stages of the formation of special squads and anti-riot squads. In this way over 100,000 conscripts and regulars got acquainted with Korps Commando Troepen. Until the beginning of the nineties the mission of the Korps remained practically unchanged. The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 made an end of the Cold War and caused a drastic change in the security situation in Europe. This would not remain without consequences for the mission and organisation of the Army and the Korps.