Hunter Group

The Hunter Group was formed in 1968, as an experimental, non military group, with members of the group passing on some of their training (unofficially) onto other units of the South African Army.

Hunter Group
Active	May 1968
Disbanded	1976
Country	South Africa
Allegiance	Republic of South Africa
Branch	South African Army
Type	Non Military (unofficial) Training Group
Role	Counter-insurgency
Part of	South African Defence Force
Garrison/HQ	Doornkop, Transvaal
Commanders
Notable commanders	Commandant G. van Kerckhoven
Insignia
Identification symbol	Scorpion

History

Hunter Group was formed in May 1968^[1] by Commandant G. van Kerckhoven of the South African Irish Regiment who saw a need to expand the counter-insurgency skills of certain members in the regiment and which would be superior to the basic skills provided to the average national serviceman.^[2] He was aided by an ex-Rhodesian army civilian weapons and unarmed combat expert named Grant-Grierson.^[2] Initially it drew members from the SA Irish regiment but as it reputation grew volunteers from other army units also joined. Members received 240 hours of training over weekends and at night over twelve months.^[2]

Up to 700 men passed through the group's training with members forming or training the first special forces unit and 32 Battalion^[2] By 1976 the group had disbanded and its remaining members placed in Citizen Force (Reserve) unit 2 Reconnaissance Commando.^{[1][3]: Ch2}

Training

Training included activities such as close weapons use, first aid, vehicle driving, parachuting, guerrilla warfare, stress and shock training, bushcraft and survival, and many other skills.^[2] Member of the group wore privately purchased camouflaged and other uniforms with some in the style of airborne smocks, with a silver scorpion insignia on a green background on their right sleeve.^[2]