Functions Source: Primary functions To resolve high risk situations which cannot be dealt with efficiently by ordinary members of the South African Police Service. To resolve hostage situations on land (buses, trains and buildings such as national key points and embassies), sea (oil platforms, ships in harbors and own territorial waters) and air (civilian local and international aircraft). To combat urban and rural terror. To provide assistance to other divisions of the SAPS, which require the specialized skills, techniques and equipment of the unit, such as Murder and Robbery, Motor Vehicle Theft, etc. To provide assistance to units responsible for the protection of high-profile VIPs, as well as the periodic unassisted protection of high-profile VIPs where the skills required, fall beyond the capabilities of available VIP units, such as the provision of snipers for counter-sniper measures. To provide a specialized rescue service, and assistance during natural disasters that require high proficiency in mountaineering, emergency diving and other rescue operations. To provide a specialized operational, tactical and continuation training to all members of the Special Task Force to enable the unit to perform the primary and secondary functions of the unit. To provide a specialized policing service to neighbouring countries' police, in accordance with agreements reached between the South African government and the countries involved. Secondary functions The consultation on and the provision of specialized training to other South African Police Service divisions and other approved organizations. The evaluation of specialized equipment. The execution of any other duties that fall within the scope of high risk operations, assigned by the Minister for Safety and Security and the National Commissioner of the SAPS or the Divisional Commissioner, Crime Prevention and Response Services. The special task force work in an unofficial capacity within the South African Police Service Crime Intelligence Division and the State Security Agency. Equipment The Special Task Force uses a wide variety of arms and assorted equipment: Pistols H&K USP (and Compact) Glock 17 Sub-Machine Guns H&K MP5N Assault rifles R5 Assault Rifle R3 Assault Rifle Sniper rifles McMillan TAC-50 AICS .308 & .338 Steyr SSG 69 Shotguns Beretta RS202M1 (and RS200) Machine guns 7.62mm FN MAG 7.62mm Browning Machine Gun (and 12.7mm) Grenade launcher Y2 MK1 Multi Grenade Launcher (40mm) Grenades M26 grenade Stun and smoke grenades Other equipment Night vision and infrared vision Short-range radar imaging equipment Unmanned aerial vehicle Breaching and bomb disposal equipment Vehicles RG-12 armoured