The Special Task Unit (STU) is the only tier one police tactical unit of the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (CGA) that specialized in air-sea rescue, apprehension of armed and dangerous criminals, law enforcement for maritime security, maritime counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, tactical special operations, and VBSS operations.
The STU is the only tier one police tactical unit responsible for air-sea rescue, maritime counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, providing security at coast guard bases that are at risk of attack or terrorism, serving high-risk arrest and search warrants, special tactical operations respond to emergency situations under the jurisdiction, tactical law enforcement for maritime security, and VBSS operations of the CGA. [1] In 2010 the unit had 52 members distributed across five bases all of whom where career security forces professionals. [2]
Development of the STU began in 2000 [2] and the unit was officially stood up in 2005 to address concerns about a rise in international terrorism and maritime crimes are likely to intensify. [3]
During the 36th annual Han Kuang exercises in 2020 they participated alongside special forces and special operations forces units from other branches in anti-decapitation drills. [4]
Certifications in amphibious operation tactics, close-quarters battle in tight spaces on various types of boats and ships, coastal patrolling, combat and patrolling in urban areas, counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, defusing and disposal of bombs, fast tactical shooting, hand-to-hand combat, lifeguarding, marksmanship, naval boarding, NBCR on operations in contaminated environments, reconnaissance to intelligence gathering, required knowledge of maritime law, swim instructing, SERE, tactical SCUBA diving, tactical emergency medical, and other related SWAT team tactics are required before even qualifying as a candidate. Candidates must undergo three months training with the Republic of China Marine Corps (ROCMC) Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit (ARP) followed by two months training with the Republic of China Military Police Special Services Company (MPSSC). [2]
Training and physical fitness standards are extreme with a member's daily regimen including 100 pushups in under one minute. All members are proficient in at least two martial arts. [2]
The Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) is the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) elite tactical unit. The HRT was formed to provide a full-time federal law enforcement tactical capability to respond to major terrorist incidents throughout the United States. Today, the HRT performs a number of tactical law enforcement and national security functions in high-risk environments and conditions and has deployed overseas, including with military Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) units. In an article to mark its 40th anniversary, it was reported that since its formation in 1983 the HRT had deployed more than 900 times.
The Special Tactics and Rescue (STAR) is an elite tactical unit of the Singapore Police Force responsible for conducting counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations in Singapore. It is under operational control of the SPF's Special Operations Command.
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The United States Coast Guard is the coastal defense, search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement branch of the United States Armed Forces and is one of the country's eight uniformed services. It carries out three basic roles, which are further subdivided into eleven statutory missions. The three roles are:
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Visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) is the term used by United States military and law enforcement agencies for maritime boarding actions and tactics. VBSS teams are designed to capture enemy vessels, combat terrorism, piracy, and smuggling, and to conduct customs, safety and other inspections.
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Marine expeditionary unit (special operations capable) (MEU(SOC)) is a program created by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and the United States Navy (USN) in 1985 for Marine expeditionary units (MEU). The program enhances MEUs providing them with additional training and equipment to become certified as special operations capable with a Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). The designation special operations capable is unique to the Marine Corps and means in relation to special operations. The role of a MEU(SOC) however is not equivalent to the special operations role of special operations forces. Although considered special operations capable a MEU(SOC) does not form part of the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) established in 1987 or the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) later established in 2006.
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Republic of China Military Police Special Services Company is a special forces unit of the military police of the Republic of China (Taiwan). This unit is stationed at Wugu, Taipei. Little is known about this unit, since informations regarding it are classified by the Ministry of National Defense. It was formed in 1978. According to the Taipei Times the MPSSC has a standing collaboration with United States Army Special Forces which includes regular joint exercises. They also have a standing invitation to the Pacific Area Special Operations Conference hosted annually by Special Operations Command Pacific.
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The 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, known as the Sea Dragon Frogmen; not to be confused with other frogman unit within the ROC Armed Forces which is the Amphibious Reconnaissance and Patrol Unit of the Republic of China Marine Corps, is a SCUBA trained combat swimming & diving as well as underwater demolitions focused special operations forces of the Republic of China Army.
Almaz Special Anti-Terrorism Unit is the tier one police tactical unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Belarus (MUS) that specialized in counterterrorism and hostage rescue crisis management, quick raid to capture or kill high-value targets, riot control in detention facilities, and VIP protection.
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