The South African Police Service Special Task Force (SAPS STF) is the special operations element of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The STF has a formidable reputation in counterterrorism and insurgency and hostage rescue. Unlike most civilian/police counterterrorist units around the world, the special task force is also trained to conduct military special operations and has done so on many occasions, operating with their military counterparts, especially during the long 30-year border war.