Today the AFM opened its doors to eighty one (81) new recruits [ten (10) of which are females], and eleven (11) officer cadets including (5) females. Eleven (11) recruits are from Gozo and two (2) of the female officer cadets are ex-serving members of the AFM.
The newly enlisted servicemen and women reported at Luqa Barracks gate at 0700hrs on Monday 18th April 2016 after having successfully completed the selection process consisting of a physical fitness and written assessment, an interview and a complete medical examination. As their first day in their army carriers the recruits and officer cadets took an oath of allegiance to the People and the Republic of Malta and its Constitution.
During the upcoming weeks, the recruits and officer cadets will be given the necessary tools to be successful in the military life ahead of them. During this period the young trainees will be expected to break away from their civilian lives through the basics of soldiering; namely physical training, skill-at-arms and drill, amongst others.
The Training School team within the 4 Regiment will, over the coming weeks, test the recruits’ moral of character, team qualities, motivation, leadership 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 mark 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. The officer cadets, on the other hand, will be travelling overseas to participate in initial officer formation courses with some of the world’s best foreign militaries, such as the British Army and the Irish Defence Forces.