Remit of armed forces volunteers to be expanded

Volunteers in the Malta Armed Forces will be allowed to support the regular forces in national missions, rather than only in emergencies.

As the law stands, the President can call reservists for duty in the case of emergencies, such as rescue missions. Reservists who refuse the call face sanctions.

However, a Bill being discussed in Parliament will allow the AFM Commander to call volunteers for duty in the case of other missions. Unlike in the case of emergencies, volunteers will be able to turn down the Commander’s request for service.

Volunteers will also benefit from specialized on-the-job training, and a separate legal notice will also see an increase in the maximum age limit for people wishing to volunteer in the force– from 35 to 44. 

“These people volunteer to form part of the reserve force, and come from all walks of life – some are even professionals or have a tertiary level of education,” home affairs minister Carmelo Abela said during a debate on the Bill in Parliament. “However, the current age limit is hindering a lot of people, professionals included, who are interested in volunteering with the AFM.”

The Bill was backed by the Opposition, with PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami suggesting that an upcoming call for volunteers be publicized extensively.