Following a call for enlistment of Regular Soldiers, Soldier Athletes and Soldier Musicians with the Armed Forces of Malta, as published in the Government Gazette last year, the AFM today welcomed one hundred and thirty (130) new recruits. Out of over five hundred eighty six (586) applications that were processed by the AFM, one hundred and thirty (130) recruits started their military training today. These included eleven (11) female soldiers and fourteen (14) Gozitan soldiers.
Having surpassed the stipulated selection and filtering process consisting of a physical fitness assessment, a motivational interview and a complete medical examination, these young men and women presented themselves at the gates of Luqa Barracks at 07.00hrs sharp on Monday 22nd September 2014. Soon after a brief presentation by AFM Officers, they took their oath of allegiance to the People and the Republic 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 team within the 4 Regiment will, over the coming weeks, test the recruits’ strength of character, team qualities, 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, 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 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.