Call-up process for AFM reserves made easier

Army reservists may now be called up into active duty at the discretion of the Commander of the Armed Forces, according to an act passed by Parliament in the run up to Christmas.

According to the AFM website, Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force (EVRF) soldiers are expected to perform civil emergency duties, provide key point security, perform tactical infantry patrolling and surveillance and provide fire support during times of national emergencies, 

Prior to the introduction of the Malta Armed Forces (Amendment) Act, Act No. XLIII of 2015, approved on the 18th of December, the reserves could only be called up by a Presidential call during  times of national emergency. 

This type of call up is being retained, with the addition of national missions agreed between the Commanding Officer and soldier. 
However the law, as amended, now sets out that the Commander of the AFM may, "for the purpose of national missions or any other task,[author's emphasis] authorise Commanding Officers or any other officer under their instruction to call out any reservist from the Volunteer Reserve Force in order to participate and assist the regular force in any said national mission or other task." 

The wording of other articles in the Act  implies that the call-up can be made by "any means," as long as the soldier is personally informed.

Once authorised, the Officer commanding a reservist's unit may instruct other officers to agree the date, time, duration and place at which the reservist is to be present.