Training

Members of the KOPASSUS are selected from other units for their mental and physical toughness and ideological soundness. Those who pass an initial screening take part in a 9-month "selection," with heavy emphasis on physical endurance. At the end of this phase, a 380-km march is conducted through mountainous terrain with minimal rations. Then a week-long evasion and escape phase is conducted; if caught, one is removed from the program. As manpower is increased to meet a three- and four-part rotational cycle, additional training would be expected. Also, as units have been used fairly extensively throughout the years, many of the KOPASSUS members have actual mission experience.

This training is the qualification for new members to joint Kopassus. After joining Kopassus there are still advance training for personal whose are qualified for advance training. Advance training will divided into 2 categories:

• Intelligence Gathering Abilities
• Counter Terrorism Unit

Intelligence Abilities

Intelligence is vital in order to win a war. In Kopassus intelligence is taught after members have qualified to join advanced level training. The syllabus in Intelligence can be sub divided in to 2 categories: first is Sandi Yudha, and gathering intelligence behind enemy lines. But the most unique is Sandy Yudha. Sandy Yudha is the ability to persuade people to do something, and the ability to create situations. During 1980 Kopassus improved their skill in intelligence by cross training with world famous intelligence communities, such as: Mossad, even though Indonesia does not have diplomatic relationship with Israel, with a helped a third parties this training become possible to conduct in Indonesia, the nick name for the trainer is "Arizona". After Arizona finished his or her lesson in Kopassus his or her position changed by other mentor, who now came from the famous British Intelligence, in this case MI6. This training was specialized in using intelligence gathering device for effective and efficient intelligence gathering abilities.

Counter Terrorism Unit or SAT 81 Penanggulangan Terror (SAT 81 Gultor)

This unit is most famous for its counter-terrorism skills. Their first international mission was to release hostages held by Jihad Command in Don Muang International Airport in 1981. Training is the same as above, but improved skills are required in SAT 81. In SAT 81 all members should able to use or handle various types of weapon, and also be skilled in shooting abilities such as: Marksman or sharpshooting, reactive shooting, Close Quarter Combat (CQOB or CQC), martial arts, fighting with various type of weapon, such as a knife, axe, etc or without weapons, the ability to use explosive or demolition charges for breaching purpose and also the ability to dispose of explosive devices that endanger communities. In order to improve their skill during 1990 Kopassus conducted a lot of training with other special force communities, such as the SAS (Special Air Service) in jungle warfare, Delta Force in Counter Terrorism skills, Green Beret in jungle warfare and ability to train local community to conduct intelligence and also support.

Weaponry and Equipment

Kopassus is equipped with the most advanced and complete technology of all the units in the Indonesian armed forces. Kopassus's equipment is not repaired when damaged, but instead updated to the new model.

• Side arm: SIG-Sauer P226/P228, Berreta 92SB/92F, FN high Power, H&K Mk23, M1911, Walther PPK, Pindad P1/2,Glock 17, Glock 19, FN Five-Seven
• Submachine gun: MP5 variants, CZ-Scorpion, Uzi, Daewoo K-7, FN P90.
• Assault rifle: Pindad SS-1 variants, AK47, Steyr Aug A1/A2, M16A2, M4A1, H&K HK53, SIG 552, H&K G36C, Galil, Pindad SS-2, FAMAS.
• Shotgun: Franchi SPAS-12, Benelli M3T.
• Sniper Rifle: Pindad SPR, Sig-Sauer SG550, H&K MSG 90, H&K G3 Sniper, Galil Sniper, Remington 700, AI AW.
• Machine gun: FN Minimi, Ultimax 100, Daewoo K-3 LMG, and FN MAG
• Recoilless rifle : Armrust, Carl Gustav 84mm
• Water devices : Drager, Spero, Oxydive, Farallon, Rubber (Zodiac type) boats

Since Asia Economy Crisis, Kopassus' performance has been affected greatly especially in term of their weaponry which has became obsolete as compare to other Special Forces in the world. Although there is a strong willingness to renew or upgrade their weaponaries, no one can be sure when this could be done. Nevertheless, none is doubtful about the dedication of every Kopassus members.

• The Hijacking of Flight GA 206 on 28 March 1981. This was the first serious Indonesian airline hijacking, since the first case was a desperate Marine hijacker who was killed by the pilot himself. The hijackers, a group called Commando Jihad, hijacked the DC 9 "Woyla", onroute from Palembang to Medan, and ordered the pilot to fly the plane to Colombo, Sri Lanka. But since the plane didn't have enough fuel, it refueled in Penang, Malaysia and then to Don Muang, Thailand. The hijackers demanded the release of Commando Jihad members imprisoned in Indonesia, and US $ 1.5 million, as well as a plane to take those prisoners to an unspecified destination. The Kopassus commandos who took part in this mission trained for only three days with totally unfamiliar weapons, brilliantly executed this fast-paced operation. One of the Kopassus commandos was shot by the hijacker leader, who then shot himself. All the other hijackers were killed. All the hostages were saved.