The AFM’s acting commander, Colonel Jeffrey Curmi, will be given the rank of Brigadier and appointed as commander of the Armed Forces tomorrow, The Malta Independent has learnt. Colonel Mark Mallia, who until now serves as President George Abela’s senior Aide de Camp will be appointed deputy commander.

Both Colonels were among the four who were recently promoted twice in the space of a few days. Jeffrey Curmi, Mark Mallia, Pierre Vassallo and Mark Said were promoted to Lieutenant Colonels on 13 September. Then on the 27 September the four officers were promoted to Colonels along with Claudio Spiteri, Brian Gatt and Alfred Attard. When the promotions were announced the PN cried foul and accused the government of taking over the army. The PN went as far as to file a judicial protest, and the government announced that it would file a counter protest.

On 4 October Colonel Jeffrey Curmi was appointed deputy head of the AFM and it is understood that he became acting commander when Brigadier Martin Xuereb retired in November, after serving for 26 years. Tomorrow Curmi is to become Brigadier and be officially appointed as the new army chief.

During the past few months the government denied on several occasions that Colonel Curmi was to head the AFM, saying that no decision had been taken. But all the media speculation turned out to be true.

Sources explained that appointments at this level are given by the Minister responsible for Defence, in this case Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia. Until recently, Colonel Curmi headed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

Colonel Mark Mallia has served as the President’s Senior Aide-de-camp for the past years. He will be taking up the post that was until recently occupied by Colonel David Attard. Colonel Attard resigned from the army when he was transferred to the Detention Services.