A Tactical Assault Group (TAG) is an Australian Defence Force special forces unit tasked with responding as a counter-terrorism force to respond to terrorism incidents in Australia on land and maritime environments and also with conducting overseas special recovery operations.[1]
At present there are two tactical assault groups based on opposite sides of the country. As such they are individually identified as being either TAG East, based in Sydney or TAG West, based in Perth. Both groups are structured to conduct offensive domestic counter-terrorist operations focusing on direct action and hostage recovery.[2]
Each assault group maintains a short notice capability to conduct military operations beyond the scope of State and Federal Police Tactical Groups. These aims are achieved through various highly specialised skill sets, niche capabilities and supporting Australian Defence Force (ADF) units such as those from the Special Operations Engineer Regiment and 171st Special Operations Aviation Squadron.[2]