the Special Task Force Training Course in 2005 453 applications were received. When pre-selection was done, only 108 of the 453 candidates measured up to pre-selection requirements. Of the 108 who made it through pre-selection, only 42 completed the Preparation and Condition (PREPCON) phase, and only 20 candidates managed to complete the Vasbyt phase. The recruits who didn't pass the PREPCON phase admitted that their failure to do so was due to insufficient preparation for the course because they had thought that STF's standards have been lowered. Members of the unit have visited foreign units of a similar role on several occasions, to ensure that the structure and procedures of the unit is in line with international training courses, and to keep up with changes in training and other specialized fields. According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the recipients of the "National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations" qualification (Qualification ID: 48879) will be able to: Apply special weapons and tactics. Apply air infiltration techniques. Perform building assaults. Sustain themselves away from base in the field. Although membership of the Special Task Force is open to both male and female SAPS members, female operatives undergo a separate selection course. Current In 2004 it was reported that the SAPS Special Task Force may have lost nearly 60 percent (130 operators) of its active members (230 operators) to private companies recruiting security personnel to work in Iraq and other conflict countries due to the demand for their skills. As of 2004, with the implementation of affirmative action policy and a special course for females, the Special Task Force welcomed their first female operators in its ranks. In 2010 top officers of the unit were sent to the United States to brush up on their crisis response skills. See also South African Police Service National Intervention Unit South African Police Service Tactical Response Team References External links Special Task Force (website is a private initiative established by former operators) Specialoperations.com report 1976 establishments in South Africa Government agencies established in 1976 Law enforcement in South Africa Non-military counterterrorist organizations Special forces of South Africa