[5] The AOS was formally started in August 1964 trained by the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) with the philosophy of "cordon, contain and appeal".

Sergeant Stewart Guthrie, an NCO in the AOS,[8] was killed in the massacre, although he arrived alone with only a revolver, ahead of the fully equipped team from Dunedin.

On 15 October 2007, members of the AOS and the Special Tactics Group conducted several raids across New Zealand in response to the uncovering of alleged paramilitary training camps deep in the Urewera mountain ranges.

[19] An incident may fall within the call out criteria of the Special Tactics Group with the AOS providing a cordon and containment response.

In 2010–2011, this increased to 992 as the AOS was involved in more planned operations such as assisting in drug raids on clandestine labs and executing search warrants.

[1][4] The AOS is supported by Negotiation Teams and canine units specifically trained for use in situations involving firearms.

[23] As of March 2020[update] the average full-time equivalent salary of AOS and Special Tactics Group members is $97,469.

[25] Members receive localised training given on a district level one day each month and have a three-day intensive refresher course each year.

In 2013, three AOS units Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were issued with non-lethal 40mm XM1006 sponge rounds that are fired from the HK69 grenade launcher.

[30] When responding to incidents, or executing planned operations, AOS members use both standard marked and unmarked cars, and large four-wheel drive vehicles, such as the Nissan Patrol.