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.

Taiwanese Coast Guard Special Task Unit (CCA) Insignia

Overview

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CGA STU 3

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]

History

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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]

Training

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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

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References

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  1. ^ Chen, Kelvin (10 July 2020). "Special forces teams to conduct joint drill during 36th Han Kuang exercise". www.taiwannews.com.tw. Taiwan News. Retrieved 9 August 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d Chuang, Jimmy (21 August 2010). "CGA's Special Task Unit marks 10th anniversary". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  3. ^ "Territorial Water Security". www.cga.gov.tw. Coast Guard Administration. Retrieved 10 November 2020.
  4. ^ Sung, Brian (6 August 2020). "Han Kuang showcases progress". www.taipeitimes.com. Taipei Times. Retrieved 9 August 2020.