AFM gunner proposes to his girlfiend after passing-out parade

As the passing out parade came to a close at the end of the graduation ceremony of 72 new Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) soldiers on Wednesday, newly-appointed Gunner Daniel Zerafa, stepped towards his partner and dropped to one knee.

His fellow recruits and other officers gathered around and broke into cheers as he asked Ylenia to marry him.

Visibly excited, and with tears in her eyes, she was quick to say “Yes!”

The marriage proposal has made the rounds on social media, as friends and relatives of the couple wake up to the news.

The AFM welcomed the 72 new soldiers, including nine women and ten Gozitans, following a successful four-month recruitment programme.

81 recruits had commenced their military experience in April, following a call for enlistment.

In his speech, the Commander of the AFM, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi praised the work conducted by AFM training staff and noted that the AFM had invested significantly in training its personnel enabling further career advancements.

He also thanked the recruits for their dedication and perseverance and also thanked their families and friends for their support.

Recruits' passing-out parade

All candidate-applicants underwent an extensive filtering process consisting of a physical fitness assessment, an interview and a complete medical examination. Those chosen then underwent an intensive recruitment regime consisting of eighteen weeks of basic military training.

The Passing Out Parade signifies the attainment of the required standards necessary to prepare each soldier for the demands of military life.

Training School staff, under the guidance of the Training Branch and the fourth Regiment, put all recruits through numerous tests to evaluate the strength of character, team spirit, motivation and determination.

All recruits went through extensive training in weapon handling skills, marksmanship and ceremonial drill, first aid, map reading and various other subjects.

Military law, international humanitarian law, military ethos, radio voice procedure and various other life skills were also taught.

The 72 new recruits will now be posted to the various units of the AFM to serve on land, at sea or in the air.