Special Task Unit

This article is about the Taiwanese Coast Guard Unit. For the Latvian unit, see Latvian Special Tasks Unit. For other special forces units, see List of military special forces units.

The Special Task Unit (STU) is a 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, providing security at coast guard bases that are at risk of attack or terrorism, and VBSS operations.^[1] In 2010, the unit had 52 members distributed across five bases, all of whom were career security forces professionals.^[2]

Taiwanese Coast Guard Special Task Unit (CGA) Insignia

History

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.^[3]

During the 36th annual Han Kuang exercises in 2020, the STU participated alongside special forces and special operations forces units from other branches in anti-decapitation drills.^[4]

Training

CGA STU 4 demonstrating martial arts

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]

See also

• Thunder Squad
• List of military special forces units