OVERVIEW EX MANTIS SERIAL 6/2020 Exercise MANTIS Serial 6/2020. The exercise was conducted over nine weeks in Malacca and divided into expert teams to operate in Counter Terrorism Operations from the planning phase until the execution phase. Daily scenarios were issued based on injection. The exercise concludes with FTX in a CBRNe counter based at Kuala Linggi Sea Port and Hang Jebat Stadium, Malacca. 22 Officers and 102 ORs from Malaysia and one team from Canada were involved in this training exercise. The Engineer Western Field Commander conducted the opening ceremony, while the closing ceremony was by the Army Western Field Commander. The Evaluation Team of the Army TRADOC is involved in analyzing operations from a doctrinal point of view. Live Agent Training (LAT) 2020. No LAT was conducted in Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 44
All Participant involve in Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 All Participant involve in Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 All Participant involve in Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 Ex Director with CDA Canada Ex Director with CDA Team Leader in each element for Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 Team Leader in each element for Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 Team Leader in each element for Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 Application of the arm bandEx Director with Ex Executer Application of the arm bandEx Director with Ex Executer Application of the arm bandEx Director with Ex Executer Opening Speech From Ex Director Director Director Ex Director give commander intent and guidance before exercise begin Launch conjunction with opening ceremony of Exercise MANTIS 6/2020 Launch conjunction with opening ceremony of Exercise MANTIS 6/2020 Launch conjunction with opening ceremony of Exercise MANTIS 6/2020 OPENING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 6/2020 45
Assaulter Team capture terrorist CIED team neutralize IED SIBCRA team sampling chemical agent Walking brief by Exercise Director to government agencies Walking brief by Exercise Director to government agencies Walking brief by Exercise Director to government agencies Assaulter Team secure Hang Jebat Stadium be tadium be tadium before CBRN team and IED team exploit objective area FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE IN EX MANTIS SERIAL 6/2020 46
Assaulter team secure objective area and capture terrorist Assaulter team secure objective area and capture terrorist Assaulter team secure objective area and capture terrorist Coordination between SIBCRA team and CIED team Medical team give first aid treatment and triage before sent to decontamination station Medical team give first aid treatment and triage before sent to decontamination station Medical team give first aid treatment and triage before sent to decontamination station Coordination between SIBCRA team and CIED team Coordination between SIBCRA team and CIED team Coordination between SIBCRA team and CIED team Exploitation stage for Extraction Team and SIBCRA team Exploitation stage for Extraction Team and SIBCRA team Exploitation stage for Extraction Team and SIBCRA team Extraction team sent casualty to decontamination station Extraction team sent casualty to decontamination station Extraction team sent casualty to decontamination station All casualty sent to decontamination station escort by assaulter member All casualty sent to decontamination station escort by assaulter member All casualty sent to decontamination station escort by assaulter member Spray down to down to down to reduce contamination ontamination ontamination CLOSING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 6/2020 47
Promotion from Lieutenant to Captain for Capt Aizul Fahmi bin Jamaludin Promotion from Lieutenant to Captain for Capt Aizul Fahmi bin Jamaludin Promotion from Lieutenant to Captain for Capt Aizul Fahmi bin Jamaludin CANSOFCOM Team involve for Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 CANSOFCOM Team involve for Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 CANSOFCOM Team involve for Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 Momentous form 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) to CANSOFCOM Team Commander Momentous form 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) to CANSOFCOM Team Commander Momentous form 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) to CANSOFCOM Team Commander Closing Speech by High Commission of Canada Closing Speech by High Commission of Canada Closing Speech by High Commission of Canada Closing Speech by Ex Director Closing Speech by Ex Director Closing Speech by Ex Director Memorial Session with High Commission of Canada with cultural dancers Memorial Session with High Commission of Canada with cultural dancers Memorial Session with High Commission of Canada with cultural dancers Memorial Session with All Participant of Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 during closing ceremony Momentous form Ex Director to CANSOFCOM Team Momentous form Ex Director to CANSOFCOM Team Momentous form Ex Director to CANSOFCOM Team CLOSING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 6/2020 48
PARTICIPANT INVOLVE EPARTICIPANT INVOLVE49
X MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021 EX MANTIS SERIAL 6/2020
EX MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021
OVERVIEW DURING EX MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021 Exercise MANTIS Serial 7/2021. This exercise demonstrates the concept of counter-terrorism operations in the CBRNE environment like in previous years. The involvement is comprised of 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) as CBRN Team, 21 Cdo Regt and 11 SSR as Assault Team, 21 Med Sqn SSG and 2 Med Bn as CBRN Medical Team, 91 Sp Regt RER as CIED Team and Support Team from units under HQ RER AFWC. This time, the Evaluation Team from Army TRADOC is also involved in analyzing operations from a doctrinal point of view. Exercise can only be carried out around Terendak Camp, Malacca. There were 23 Officers and 96 ORs from Malaysia, and one team from Canada were involved in this training exercise. Live Agent Training (LAT) 2021. The training was conducted in Canada to expose the 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe), 2 Med Bn and 21 Med Sqn SSG personnel handling live agents in a safe facility. Involvement were 3 Officers and 15 ORs from Malaysia. 52
Assaulter Team Capture HVT and secure objective area CIED Team neutralize IED by using Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) SIBCRA team exploit objective area by conducting outer survey and secure chemical agent EXECUTION DURING EX MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021 53
Media Conference for Ex MANTIS Serial 7/2021 Closing Speech From Army Western Field Command Closing Speech From Army Western Field Command Closing Speech From Army Western Field Command Dismantlement of Arm Band Mementos From Army Western Field Command to Canadian Defence Mementos From Army Western Field Command to Canadian Defence Mementos From Army Western Field Command to Canadian Defence Parade in conjun in conjun in conjunction of Closing Ceremony Ex MANTIS Serial 7/2021 Walking Brief Conducted by Exercise Director to High Commission of Canada CLOSING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021 54
55 All Participant involve in Ex MANTIS Serial 7/2021 PARTICIPANT INVOLVE E55 PARTICIPANT INVOLVE
56 X MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021 Chief Engineer Visit Ex MANTIS Serial 7/2021 EX MANTIS SERIAL 7/2021
EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022
OVERVIEW EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022 58 Exercise MANTIS Serial 8/2022. This exercise focuses on Combat Decontamination, Tactical Casualty Care (TCCC), Surveillance/ Reconnaissance, and Sampling procedures. The involvement of a team of 1 x sect combined with 3 Sqn RER and 5 Sqn RER and Observers from RMN and RMAF. The final exercise was conducted at Cochrane MRT Station, Kuala Lumpur, in collaboration with Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Cooperation Sdn Bhd. There were 28 Officers and 117 ORs from Malaysia and one team from Canada involved in this exercise. The opening ceremony was conducted by the Engineer Western Field Commander, while the closing ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Chief of the Army. Live Agent Training (LAT) 2022. The training was conducted in Canada to expose the 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe), 3 Sqn RER, 2 Med Bn, and 21 Med Sqn SSG personnel handling live agents in a safe facility. Involvement were 5 Officers and 13 ORs from Malaysia. In addition to exposure to the handling of live CBRN agents, participants were also exposed to the usage of atropine autoinjectors injected into animals' skin.
Opening Ceremony by Army Western Field Engineer Commander The application of the arm band for the exercise participants Walking Brief new donation equipment from Canada before continuing with the exercise briefing at the 12 Skn RAJD (CBRNe) Operations Room OPENING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022 59
All Personal go through decontamination station level two Assaulter Team Secure Objective area at Malacca International Airport at Batu Berendam which terrorist bring radiation agent by using commercial airplane CIED Team and SIBCRA Team exploit objective area by secure FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE AT MALACCA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022 60
All Personal go through decontamination station level 2 All Personal go through decontamination station level 2 All Personal go through decontamination station level 2 Media Conference towards Operations Against Terrorism in CBRNe threat situations at Subway Stations Media Conference towards Operations Against Terrorism in CBRNe threat situations at Subway Stations Media Conference towards Operations Against Terrorism in CBRNe threat situations at Subway Stations CIED Team neutralize IED threat SIBCRA Team sampling chemical agent Assaulter Team Secure Objective area at Cochrane station station station is a Mass Rapid Transit which terrorist try to release chemical agent FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE IN COCHRANE MRT STATION EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022 61
Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by Deputy Chief of Army Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by Deputy Chief of Army Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by Deputy Chief of Army Dismantlement of Arm Band by Deputy Chief of Army Dismantlement of Arm Band by Deputy Chief of Army Dismantlement of Arm Band by Deputy Chief of Army Donation CBRN equipment to 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) Donation CBRN equipment to 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) Donation CBRN equipment to 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) Team Leader each element in Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 Team Leader each element in Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 Team Leader each element in Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 All Participant involve in Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 CLOSING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022 62
All Participant involve in Opening Ceremony Ex MANTIS Serial 6/2020 PARTICIPANT INVOLVE INPARTICIPANT INVOLVE I63
EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022 All Participant involve in Field Training Exercise at Malacca International Airport N EX MANTIS SERIAL 8/2022
EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023
OVERVIEW EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 Exercise MANTIS Serial 9/2023. This exercise is implemented in the concept of Counter-Terrorism Operation in the CBRNE environment. The Field Training Exercise (FTX) was held at the Asahan Water Treatment Plant and Tanjung Brus Seaport, Malacca. This year, there was involvement from the Explosive Detection Dog (EDD) from PULADA in the FTX to assist the CIED Team and 1 x sect of 5 Sqn RER to assist the CBRNE Team. Involvement was 28 Officers and 128 ORs from Malaysia and one team from Canada. The opening ceremony was conducted by the Engineer Western Field Commander, while the closing ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Chief of the Army. Live Agent Training (LAT) 2023. No LAT conducted in Canada this year. 66
Opening Ceremony by Army Western Field Engineer Commander The application of the arm band for the exercise participants Opening Speech from Exercise Director FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE IN ASAHAN WATER TREATMENT EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 67
FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE AT ASAHAN WATER TREATMENT EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 Orders and Rock Drill before execute mission to secure Asahan Water Treatment Plant Assaulter team secure objective area Casualty and personnel go through decontamination ontamination ontamination station station station level two Decontamination Level 1 deploy to minimize contamination due to biological agent Decontamination Level 1 deploy to minimize contamination due to biological agent Decontamination Level 1 deploy to minimize contamination due to biological agent CIED team and SIBCRA team exploit objective area 68
FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE AT TANJUNG BRUAS PORT EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 Assaulter secure objective area CIED team and SIBCRA team coordination to neut to neut to neutralize IED and secure sample Pesonnel go through decontamination ontamination ontamination level one and move out to from objective area After action review for final field training exercise Support Team attach to Assaulter team 69
Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by Deputy Chief of Army Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by Deputy Chief of Army Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by Deputy Chief of Army Momentous Exchange Dismantlement of Arm Band by Deputy Chief of Army Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by High Commissioner of Canada Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by High Commissioner of Canada Closing Speech for Ex MANTIS Serial 8/2022 by High Commissioner of Canada CBRN Analysis Information System by Geospatial Team Team Leader each element in Ex MANTIS Team Leader each element in Ex MANTIS Team Leader each element in Ex MANTIS Serial 9/2023 l 9/2023 l 9/2023 All Participant involve in Ex MANTIS Serial 9/2023 l 9/2023 l 9/2023 CLOSING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 70
Photo Session in Opening Ceremony Ex MANTIS Serial 9/2023 PAPARTI RTICCIPIAPANNTTININVOVOLVELVEININ 71
EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 9/2023 9/2023 Photo Session in Closing Ceremony Ex MANTIS Serial 9/2023 EX MANTIS SERIAL 9/2023 9/2023 9/2023
EX MANTIS SERIAL 10/2024
OVERVIEW EX MANTIS SERIAL 10/2024 Exercise MANTIS Serial 10/2024. The concept of the exercise remains the same as before: Counter-Terrorism Operations in the CBRNE environment. The participants include teams from the CBRNE Element (12 Sqn RER (CBRNe)), the Special Forces Element (21 SSG), the CIED Element (combination of 11 Sqn RER (Mech) and 4 Sqn RER (Br)), and the Medical Element (combination of 2 Med Bn and 21 Sqn Medic SSG). This exercise is a continuation of military training cooperation through Technical Arrangement (TA) Year 2021-2024, and it will take place from 15 January to 8 March 23 (8 weeks). The exercises were separated into two phases: Cross Training Exercise (CTX) in Terendak Camp and Airstrip Camp, and Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Pulau Sebang Railway Station and CREaTE JKR. Malaysia contributed 35 Officers and 113 other ranks, while Canada contributed with one team. Engineer Western Field Commander Brig Jen Fazillah bin Ibrahim officiated the opening ceremony, followed by the closing remarks of Deputy Chief of Army, Lt Jen Dato' Tengku Muhammad Fauzi bin Tengku Ibrahim. Live Agent Training (LAT) 2024. The training will be placed in Canada to expose CBRNE Elements to CBRN agent sampling, and Medical Elements from 2 Med Bn and 21 Sqn Med SSG will handle CBRN Medical when exposed to a live agent. Four Officers and 14 Ors will participate in this training from 6 to 10 May 24. 74
OPENING CEREMONY EX MANTIS SERIAL 10/2024 CBRN detector use during Ex MANTIS All participants involve in Ex MANTIS Gimmick Opening Ceremony by parade commander report to Ex Director using nerve agent attack the application the arm band for exercise participants Ex Director give the direction and intent for Ex MANTIS Serial 10/24. Team Leader for each element receive arms band 8. parade for opening ceremony 75
EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE FROM CIVILIAN AGENCIES Role and Task STRIDE dealing with chemical and biological agent Role and Task SEARCCT deal with terrorist activity in Malaysia Role and Task RMP deal with terrorism activity and CBRN threat. Role and Task RMP deal with terrorism activity and CBRN threat. Participant involve during knowledge sharing from related civilian agencies which support counter terrorism operation in CBRN environment Officer in Command 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) sharing knowledge about deployment of Army when Directive no 18 activated Role and Task Nuklear Malaysia deal with radiological agent 76
PARTICIPANT INVOLVE INPhoto Session in Opening Ceremony Ex MANTIS Serial 9/2023 PARTICIPANT INVOLVE IN 77
Photo Session in Closing Ceremony Ex MANTIS Serial 9/2023 E EXXMANT MANTIS SE IS SERIRAILA 9/2023 9/2023 9/2023 L 1/2024 10/2024 10/2024
THE OUTCOME
Safety Briefing Before Conduct Training t Training t Training Sampling Nerve Agent Practical Class Before Executed Field Training Exercise Practical Class Before Executed Field Training Exercise Practical Class Before Executed Field Training Exercise Decontamination ontamination ontamination Station Level Two Confident Test Before Conduct Live Agent Training Confident Test Before Conduct Live Agent Training Confident Test Before Conduct Live Agent Training THE OUTCOME The Ex-MANTIS has started since 2015 until today has given positive impact to the 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) and Royal Engineer Regiment. Life Agent Training (LAT) Life Agent Training (LAT) which has been conducted in Suffield, Canada. Since 2018, soldiers of 12 Sqn RER has been attended to this training. This training is funded by the Canadian government. The objective of this training is to instill confidence in the unit's members when dealing with the real CBRN agents. 80
LIVE AGENT TRAINING Detect chemical agent Detect Chemical agent inside fume hood Sampling in fume hood Sampling biological agent Clean Man and dirty man sampling chemical agent Detect chemical agent Briefing before sampling CBRN agent Detect chemical agent 81
CBRN UNIT DEFENCE COURSE Malaysian participants and Canada participants Malaysian Officer attending the course Malaysian participants and Canada participants Practical training to detect CBRN agents CBRN Unit Defence Officer Course This course was held at Canadian Force Fire and CBRN Academy (CFFCA), Canadian Force Base in Borden, Ontario, Canada. Since 2016, the RER has sent 11 officers and 2 other rank to attend this course. This course is funded by the Canadian government. The objective of this course is to train course participants in both aspect of individual and also as a CBRND Teams. 82
CBRN UNIT DEFENCE COURSE After Action Review After Action Review Vehicle decontamination training Briefing before training begin Practical training to carry out patient from red zone Practical training to detect CBRN agents Practical training to detect CBRN agents Practical training to set up decontamination layout 83
Humanitarian Assistance for Hazardous Chemical Pollution (Kim Kim River) in Pasir Gudang Malaysia Army has mobilised 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) to assist public agencies in providing assistance from 13 until 20 March 2019. This is the result of the toxic industrial chemical (TIC) pollution incident that was detected in Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, Johore. The purpose of the involvement is to provide expert assistance to the Johor State Disaster Management Committee (JPOB), Public Authorities (PBA) and public agencies in the affected areas. The 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe), together with other Malaysian enforcement agencies such as the Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA), Royal Military Police (RMP), Malaysian Chemical Department, Malaysian Ministry of Health, and others, have been tasked with providing CBRN expert assistance. This humanitarian assistance under the management of Malaysia National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). Visit form Deputy Minister of Defence at PKTK Visit form Chief of Army at PKTK Visit form Johore’s Chief Minister at PKTK HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE / DISASTER RELIEF AT SUNGAI KIM KIM, PASIR GUDANG 84
HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE / DISASTER RELIEF AT SUNGAI KIM KIM, PASIR GUDANG Some of the Team members involved Daily meeting with all agencies involved in HADR 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) reconnaissance team Meeting with all agencies involved in HADR conduct reconnaissance 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) decontamination team conduct screening procedures for the public 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) decontamination team conduct screening procedures for the public 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) reconnaissance team conduct reconnaissance in Military Post 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) reconnaissance team conduct reconnaissance in school area 85
PRESS RELEASE BY MALAYSIA ARMY 86
DEVELOPMENT OF CBRNe OPERATION MANUAL IN TERRORIST SITUATION First Writing Workshop in IKEM Second Writing Workshop in 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) Final Presentation in Army Tactical Doctrine Committee Meeting Developing of CBRNE Environmental Procedure in Counter Terrorism Operation Manual. The development of this manual is as a reference (Tactics, Techniques and Procedures) for the 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) team in carrying out the operation. The team writing for this manual led by Mej Mohd Adli bin Sani has started in 2022. This manual was totally completed in 2023 and evaluated during the Ex-MANTIS serial 9/2023. 87
ARTICLE
ARTICLE 1 KOLONEL Ts. NORHELMI BIN ISMAIL I was appointed as Commanding Officer (CO) of PNBK 3 Division starting 3 January 2018, After the holistic restructuring of RER, PNBK 3 Division was renamed to 12 Squadron Royal Engineer Regiment CBRNe (12 Sqn RER (CBRNe)) and I remain in command of this unit as Officer Commanding (OC). During my two-year journey as Commander in this unit, I have been involved in two Mantis’s Exercises (Ex-MANTIS) in the years 2018 and 2019. Starting in 2018, this exercise involved a team from the Special Forces unit because the concept of the exercise in 2018 was CBRNe Operation in Terrorist Situations. Also in the year 2018, this exercise began at night and outside the Terendak Camp. The night exercise was held at the Engineering and Technology Centre of Excellence (CREaTE) Public Works Department, Simpang Empat, Melaka. Entering the ExMANTIS in the year 2019, the exercise was further developed by involving other RER Field Sqn, namely 10 Sqn RER Para in addition to 12 Sqn RER CBRNe. From my observation, this exercise has greatly improved the skills and competence of my subordinate in handling CBRNe equipments and operating in a CBRNe environment. Each of them knew their duty when a task was given. Their skills and competency were further strengthened with a sense of confidence when my subordinate carried out training at Suffield, Canada, in 2018 and 2019. 89
As a result of this exercise, my subordinate has performed an excellent job when assisting the government with humanitarian aid for hazardous chemical pollution in Sg. Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, in March 2019 under NADMA. This operation also involves various other enforcement agencies, such as the Fire Department, Chemical Department, Nuclear Agency, Royal Malaysian Police, and others, as well as private agencies such as PETRONAS. Among the tasks given to us in this operation were detection, data analysis, and decontamination together with other agencies. The Ex-MANTIS with the CJIRU unit from the Canadian Army has provided many benefits to the Malaysian Army and the 12 Sqn RER (CBRNE) unit in particular. This exercise should be continued to ensure that their skills and competency can be maintained. In terms of defence diplomacy, this exercise will undoubtedly strengthen the defence cooperation between the Malaysian Army and the Canadian Army. Next, the development of the training and skills of the subordinate can be improved and strengthened because the exercises and training received are realistic and focused. Currently, a new development of the CBRNE Environmental Procedures Manual in Counter Terrorism Operations (2024) or MP 3.8-4-1.1A TD has been developed. Therefore, Ex-MANTIS will use this manual as a reference and guide starting in 2024. The 12 Sqn RER (CBRNe) is always ready to carry out tasks when needed later. Kol. Ts. Norhelmi bin Ismail is the OC of the 12 Sqn RER from January 3, 2018 until September 2, 2019. He is currently the Director of the Logistics and Technical Branch in the RER Directorate. 90
ARTICLE 2 LT KOL SHAIFFUL NIZAM BIN ABDUL KHOLID Throughout 2014 until 2021, I was given the opportunity to participate in EX-MANTIS in various roles in accordance with my appointment as Instructor in Army Institute of Field Engineering, Head of Military Geographic Information System (MGIS) at Engineer Directorate and Commander of 12th Sqn RER (CBRNe). Among the roles were training advisor, desk officer and planner for the exercise. In 2014, a visit by Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) representing Canadian Special Operation Command (CANSOFCOM) was arranged by Operation and Training Branch of Malaysian Army Headquarters. This visit took place from 15 till 19 September 2014. As the Head of Specialist Cell representing Army Institute of Field Engineering, I was responsible to provide crucial information regarding Training Programme of CBRN Defence Courses conducted in the Institute, references in form of manual, Tactic, Technic and Procedure (TTP) together with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) used by Malaysian Army in combating CBRN threat. These finding was summarised during final plenary meeting headed by Defence Operation and Training Division at Malaysia United Nation Training Centre in Port Dickson. On October 2020, I was actively involved with Allied Working Group (AWG). This task group was responsible to conduct initial site survey and planning for 2021 EX-MANTIS. The year 2021 had witnessed the evolution of EX-MANTIS where this exercise was previously conducted as unit level exercise and starting from 2021 it was upgraded to formation level exercise under Engineer Field Command West Commander Mejar Jeneral Ir Abdul Hamid bin Mohd Isa who was appointed as Exercise Director. I as CBRNe Unit Commander was responsible as the Chief Operator throughout EX MANTIS 2021. EX-MANTIS 2021 paves the way towards joint environment in CBRN Counter Terrorism, CBRN and EOD specialists from respective services; Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force, who was also involved as observers. 91
Scenario based exercise was also conducted outside the military compound in civilian populated area such as Hang Jebat Stadium, Batu Berendam International Airport and Kuala Linggi Barter Trade Port. Closing Ceremony of 2021 had involved the invitation of both dignitary and various agencies related to terrorism such as National Security Council, Royal Malaysian Police, Ministry of Health, Science and Technology Research Institute of Defense, National Defense University and many others. The year 2022 was the last EX-MANTIS for me. The exercise was conducted in the same manner as previous year but at greatest scale of exposure and promotion. The purpose of such act is to promote the conduct of EX-MANTIS towards Whole of Government and Whole of Society. A large scale of scenario-based exercise was conducted at civilian facility such as Cochrane MRT Station which involved a lot of Civilians as participants and top leadership from various counter terrorism agencies related to witness the conduct of exercise. EX-MANTIS 2022 was also the year where I personally be able to join the LAT at DRDC Suffield, where I witnessed and experienced the important values of LAT to instill confidence among Malaysian exercise participants. From 2015 until 2024 I have seen the evolution of EX-MANTIS. 2015, as the initial year for EX-MANTIS focusing on individual training of basic CBRN knowledge for 3rd Div NBCD. 2016, was on collective capability that involved other supporting arms of the army. 2017, looking at the development of Malaysian Army to response decisively towards CBRN Terrorism threats by all element of assault team, supporting team and logistic team. 2020 onwards, witnessed the effort to evolve this exercise towards joint environment not only focusing on land domain but also maritime and air domain as well. Hopefully this exercise will continue to move towards Whole of Government and Whole of Society efforts in countering CBRN terrorism. 92
Lt Kol Shaifful Nizam Bin Abdul Kholid is the OC of the 12 Sqn RER from October 21, 2019 until June 22, 2022. EX-MANTIS continuation and evolution was made possible through high commitment of both top leadership in Malaysia and Canada. Government representatives from Malaysia Ministry of Defense Policy and Strategic Relation Division, Global Canada Affair together with its military entity of Malaysia Armed Forces Headquarters Defense Operation and Training Division, Army Headquarters Operation and Training Branch, Engineer Directorate, AFCW HQ, RER HQ AFCW, CANSOFCOM and CJIRU are the organisations responsible for the success of EX-MANTIS. I personally hope that top leadership will continue to see the relevancy of this bilateral exercise which benefits both nations and will continue to support the exercise in the future. 93