AFM welcomes 87 new recruits

This morning the AFM Barracks in Luqa opened its gates to 87 young men and women who aspire to become regular AFM soldiers following a  four month recruitment program.  

Following a call for enlistment, published in the Government Gazette on the 27th of September 2013, over 900 applications were received originally.  

AFM said that 120 recruits successfully passed on the 4th of February and were subsequently posted in different units of the force.

“Today, another 87 applicants, including six female and thirteen male soldiers from Gozo, commenced their first day at the Luqa barracks.

It is reported that in the past months, candidates underwent an extensive filtering process consisting of a physical fitness assessment, an interview and a complete medical examination. 

“The adventure for these candidates kicked off this morning at 7 a.m. where some were visibly excited to embark on this life changing journey,” AFM said.

“After a brief presentation by AFM Officers, each recruit took an oath of allegiance to the People and the State of Malta and its Constitution and marched together with one common aspiration; to serve under military discipline and to be of service.”

According to AFM, after completing the eighteen-week basic military training, all recruits would be expected to attain the same standard.

“The recruits will be subjected to a rigorous physical training regime to prepare them for the demands of military life. They will also be required to exceed minimum standards, set out at four or five week intervals, in the three main pillars of basic soldiering; namely physical training, skill-at-arms and drill.”

“The Training School staff under the guidance of the Training Branch and the fourth Regiment will, over the coming weeks, test the recruits’ strength of character, team spirit, motivation and determination.”

AFM said that all recruits will also be required to adhere to strict rules of hygiene and order-of-dress, aside from being extensively trained in weapon handling skills, marksmanship and ceremonial drill, first aid and map reading and various other subjects. Military Law, International Humanitarian Law, Military Ethos, Radio Voice Procedure and various other life skills will also be taught in the program.

“Once the recruits achieve the required standards, they will be called on to perform the formal Passing-Out Parade which will crown their transition from civilian to soldier, and they will later be posted to the various units of the AFM according to the exigencies of the Service whether on land, at sea or in the air.” 

“Recruits come from all walks of life and professional backgrounds with a knowledge base that will certainly be put to good use in  the service,” AFM said.

A young female recruit with previous experience in the private medical sector, said “I am very satisfied to be part of this experience and thanks to support from my family, I will work hard in order to wear the cap-badge with pride at the end of the recruitment.”