DEFENSE NEWS
05/19/08
Taiwan Updates Spec Ops Units
By Wendell Minnick
TAIPEI — Taiwan has upgraded and streamlined its special forces capabilities over the last two decades.
In the 1980s, Taiwan integrated the 61st and 71st Airborne Brigades into the 862 Special Warfare Brigade; in the 1990s, it placed the 862, along with the 601, 602 and 603 Aviation Brigades, under a single command: the Aviation and Special Forces Command (ASFC).
It also created a Delta Force-like unit called the Airborne Special Services Company, trained in counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.
Several other special operations units remain outside the ASFC, including the Army’s 101st Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion — the “Army Frogmen” — the Marine Corps’ Amphibious Reconnaissance Patrol and Special Services Company, the Military Police Special Services Company, the Coast Guard Special Services Company and the civilian Wei-an Police Special Services Commando Unit.
The Army also created new sniper units for each of its companies. Some of Taiwan’s special operations units have received training in the United States, including SEAL and Ranger training. There has been talk Taiwan may turn to Blackwater for some training.
