The reserve force is composed of a number of part-time volunteers who provide back-up and support for the AFM soldiers in emergency situations such as natural disasters and other major civil emergencies. The group also carries out patrolling and surveillance work.
Parliamentary secretary Tony Abela visited the camp yesterday to watch an exercise being carried out by the volunteer soldiers. The culmination of the camp will be reached this weekend, with the last series of exercises.
Major Ian Ruggier explained that the group of volunteers attend a total of 10 eight-hour sessions during which they are given in-depth training in various military and basic soldiering skills. These include the use of rifles, sub-machine guns as well as hand grenades and other skills such as personal camouflage, patrolling, first aid, conduct surveillance and a deliberate blank fire attack.
The volunteers are also trained in how to use the radio, route marches, abseiling and life saving at sea. They train in full uniform that may involve carrying weapons and other items weighing a maximum of 17 kilogrammes.
The volunteers are also taught physical training, leadership skills, order processes and military law.
Since it was set up in 1998, the reserve force has attracted a total of 106 volunteers. The first recruitment took place in August 1998 when 60 volunteers – 53 males and seven females – began their training. The present team joined the Emergency Volunteer Rescue Force on 27 June.
The volunteers join the team for a period of three years and can stay on for another three years after completing their first term. People between 18 and 35 can participate but the maximum age limit is 41.
In January next year, the volunteers who are part of the Air Defence Battery, are expected to start training on weapons used for air defence. They will also be trained in weapon classification as well as how to strip and assemble weapons.
Unfortunately, the number of participants is falling because the workload is substantial and also because the volunteers are not given the necessary support from their employers.
Speaking to the participants, Dr Abela praised them for taking part in this mission and for their commitment to reach such high standards. He said it was good to see such cooperation between full-time soldiers and the volunteers.
Dr Abela said he was holding talks with the AFM heads to try and change the maximum age for participants, increasing it from 41 to 45, because at this age, people can still be fit enough to carry out military duties.