The change of command ceremony in the military is a time-honoured tradition which formally symbolises the continuity of authority as the command is passed from one individual to another. It is a formal ceremony which is conducted before the assembled company of the Command. The ceremony, as traditionally practised within the military, is a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.

Few occasions stir the emotions of people more than a formal military ceremony. Most of these ceremonies instil a great amount of pride in our small Armed Forces for all who attend. There are many formal ceremonies, but no matter what role one fills during such events, it is always a worthwhile moment to look around and reflect on the military traditions and customs that have been carried on for many years. These traditions and customs make the AFM servicemen proud to be a part of the country’s military establishment.

Following military traditions, when a Commanding Officer (CO) is about to be relieved of his command, a special symbolic ceremony is held to mark the end of his time with the unit. Such a formal change of command ceremony is rich in military tradition. It also provides the outgoing CO the opportunity to say goodbye to the officers and other ranks. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for the new CO to greet his personnel.

With seated guests, an appropriate guard of honour is put on parade, and its commander prepares the troops for inspection of the guard. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that is rich with symbolism and heritage dating back to medieval times. The reviewing of the Command, or “Trooping of the Line” as it is often called abroad, dates back hundreds of years. It was used for the commander to review his troops’ condition and state of readiness prior to battle.

The AFM’s change of command parade’s ceremonial allows for its symbolic final review of those soldiers the outgoing Commander, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, has commanded for these last five years. This review is also significant for the incoming new AFM Commander, Colonel Martin Xuereb, in that it is his first opportunity to review the troops he is about to command.

Soldiers often carried staffs or standards into battle that identified them as a unit. Throughout military history, unit Colours have marked the position of the commander on the battlefield and served as a rallying point. While attacking or rallying on the battlefield, soldiers would follow the standard or guidons of their leader, most often found at the forward edge of the battle.

In more recent time, the Colours represent not only the heritage and history of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its soldiers. The Colours are the Commander’s symbol of authority, representing his responsibilities to the organisation. The passing of the AFM Colour from Brigadier Vassallo to Colonel Xuereb represents the transfer of authority for the AFM from one Commander to another.

Until modern times, it was not uncommon for warriors in the field to be unable to identify or to recognise their leaders. Such a formal change of command ceremony, such as the one being held at Luqa Barracks today, affords AFM soldiers the opportunity to witness the proceedings and, perhaps more important, to see at close range their new leader. The change of command ceremony is purposely being revived in Malta as it is an integral part of the AFM’s heritage, as it pays homage to the departing Commander, and publicly demonstrates the soldiers’ loyalty to the new.

It is inspiring to watch a change of command ceremony, which is a big event in any military organisation. The ritual is an opportunity for the unit to “shine” to all the visitors and to put out the welcome mat to the incoming “boss”. It is hard to not be inspired by the pomp and circumstance of such an event. It may disrupt the daily routine for some time, but it is something that Servicemen do well.

Major Ivan Consiglio is Headquarters AFM’s

Staff Officer 2 for Public Information