Yon-IPAM

Batalyon Intai Para Amfibi (Yon IPAM) Korps Marinir
Para Amphibi Reconnaissance Batallion

Yon IPAM is an elite unit in the Marine Corps; this unit is used to be named Kipam (Komando Intai Para Amfibi – Para Amphibious Reconnaissance Command). Yon IPAM has a main duty to establish and serve strength and ability to amphibious element and also land and beach reconnaissance. Beside that Yon IPAM have special operation duty in amphibious landing, beach clearance by navy unit and many other operations duty.

This unit always operates in small strength 5 to 7 personnel and has many combat experiences across the nations. To obtain a certification of amphibious reconnaissance, a regular Marine has to first pass a tough selection and then pass the nine-month rigorous training program that contains the most difficult curriculum. Thus, this amphibious recon certificate is very similar to commando certificate in Kopassus.

To become a Yontaifib personnel, a candidate is volunteer and selected from the Marine Corps every elements (infantry, cavalry, artillery, and marine base defense battalion). They must already fulfilled the thorough mental and physical requirements, and at least has actively served the corps for two years. The certification of amphibious reconnaissance is so difficult that the passing rate of these candidates in each class is only ten percent.

One of the most challenging exercises in this certification program is to swim underwater for three kilometers with the hands and feet are all tied. Because they are tied, the swimmer has to mimic the way dolphins swim. This swimming style is training for anticipation of being caught by the enemies and trying to escape by swimming in the river or sea. The escape experience by U.S. Navy Seal members in the Vietnam War is the basis for this training

After graduate from the training, each personnel will get Trimedia Brevet. Before getting the brevet, all the IPAM students must follow traditional long-range swimming across Madura channel. Nowadays Yon IPAM has two battalion; each of them is under 1st and 2nd Marine Division command. Taifib soldier aproximately around 1.400 personnel with 85% composition is combatan. Taifib qualification is not only as combat soldier but also have a role as reliable combat intelligence unit. Every Taifib personnel have four aspects qualification on sea, air, land and underwater plus anti-terror ability.