This morning the AFM Barracks in Luqa opened its gates to eighty seven young men and women, including six female and thirteen male soldiers from Gozo, who aspire to become regular AFM soldiers following a 4 month recruitment programme.
Following a call for enlistment, as published in the Government Gazette 27th September 2013, over 900 applications were originally received.
One hundred and twenty recruits successfully passed out on the 4th of February and were posted in different units of the Force. Today, another eighty seven applicants commenced their first day at Luqa barracks.
In the past months, the 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 7.00am where some were visibly excited to embark on this life changing journey. 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.
After completing the eighteen week basic military training, all recruits will 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.
All recruits will also be required to adhere to strict rules of hygiene and order-of-dress. They will be 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.
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. 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 which will certainly be put to good use in the service. 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.”
Photo by: Bdr Justin Gatt-AFM PI CELL