Updates with PN statement

As anticipated by this portal yesterday, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Manuel Mallia today appointed Colonel Jeffrey Curmi as Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta and promoted to the rank of Brigadier.

Colonel Mark Mallia has been appointed Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta.

 

Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi’s

 

Jeffrey Curmi joined the Armed forces of Malta (AFM) in 1994. Following a local cadetship course, he attended the Allievi Ufficiali di Complemento course at the "Scuola di Fanteria" in Cesano di Roma, Italy. Jeffrey Curmi attended the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1996. On completion of the course, and against considerable international competition, he awarded the best overseas student prize - The Cane of Honour - which was presented by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester. He was also awarded the “Nigeria Prize” for the Best Journal, the “Brunei Medal” for extra-curricular activities and the “Whitbread Cup” at the Academy’s Skill at Arms Meeting for being the best marksman.

As a Lieutenant, in 1997 he was employed as a Platoon Commander at the 1st Regiment (Infantry) Airport Security Company. In 1998 he was posted to and appointed as Officer in-Charge of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Troop of the Ammunition and Explosives Company, 3rd Regiment. Upon successful completion of the Advanced EOD Course at the Defence EOD School in the United Kingdom, he specialized in conventional munition disposal. Curmi then specialized in Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) at the Army School of Ammunition, in the United Kingdom.

As a Captain, in 2003 he successfully completed the Diving Officer Course at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Centre (U.S. Navy), Florida, United States of America. Upon successful completion, he was awarded the prestigious “Honor Man” award for qualifying once again as the top student in the course, amongst US and international candidates. He extended his training at the same Training Centre to qualify as ‘Salvage Diving Officer’. In 2006 Curmi successfully completed a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) Defence Diploma at the Scuola Interforze in Rieti, Italy. During the same year, he also completed the United Nations Staff Officers Course in Hamburg, Germany. A year later, Jeffrey Curmi furthered his studies and qualified as an Advanced Operational CBRN Instructor at the Italian Scuola Interforze.

As a Major, in 2007, he was appointed as Officer Commanding of the Ammunition and Explosives Company, where, apart from the operational EOD Troop he was also in-charge of the AFM’s Ammunition Depot. During his tour of duty he advanced his EOD, IEDD, Advanced Explosives Disposal Techniques and Post-Blast Investigation specializations in the United States of America, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland and Denmark, together with military and police forces.

Jeffrey Curmi delivered a number of specialized EOD, IEDD and Diving Courses for AFM personnel and also delivered lectures in security related courses to governmental/private entities and local fireworks manufacture licence courses.  He represented Malta at European Union level on numerous occasions, including the Explosives Security Task Force, the Standing Committee of Explosives Precursors and the European Explosive Ordnance Disposal Network.

In 2011, Curmi was posted to the AFM Headquarters and was appointed as Staff Officer in the Training Branch. In 2012, he attended the Combined Strategic Intelligence Training Programme with the Defence Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C.

Curmi led an EOD clearance operation of the Maltese Embassy and Consulate in Libya during the Libyan crisis in 2011. The following year he was deployed for a six-month anti-piracy mission as Chief Intelligence Analyst at EUNAVFOR (European Union Naval Forces) Operational Headquarters, Northwood Headquarters, United Kingdom (2012 – 2013).

Throughout his career, Curmi led the majority of EOD, IEDD, diving and fireworks related operations in Malta and Gozo. He planned and led all EOD sweep operations in major security events, such as the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM - 2005) and other VIP visits. Curmi is the Court Technical Expert in explosives/explosions incidents as well as in diving incidents. He was also appointed as Court Technical Expert by the International Criminal Courts during the Libyan Crisis.

This vast operational experience provided Jeffrey Curmi with the opportunity to work closely with the Malta Police Force in post-blast investigations and security operations, as well as with the Civil Protection Department in explosions and diving accidents.

 

Deputy Commander Mark Mallia Curriculum Vitae

 

Mark Mallia was enlisted in the Armed Forces of Malta as an Officer Cadet on 7th July 1997 and commissioned as an Officer in July 1998. During his first years in the AFM, Colonel Mallia attended the the Allievi Ufficiali di Complemento (AUC) course at the "Scuola di Fanteria" in Cesano, Italy and later successfully completed the Commissioning Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, where he was awarded the "Brunei Medal".

Upon his return from the UK, Mallia assumed command of the AFM’s Training School and coordinated three Cadetships. He was later appointed as a Unit Adjutant in addition to his appointment as an Officer Commanding of the Armed Forces of Malta Band. He was then moved to the Force’s Headquarters and performed duties as a Staff Officer in charge of Discipline, Ceremonial and Personnel.

During these last five years Mallia was the Senior Aide-de-Camp to The President of Malta. At the Office of The President he has also coordinated a number of State Visits, both incoming as well as outgoing.

Mark Mallia holds an Executive Masters in Business Administration, and a Diploma in Management Studies, both from the University of Malta.

PN statement

The news that Jeffrey Curmi has been appointed Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta, and Mark Mallia deputy commander “is the last act with which the Labour government has taken full control of the army” PN interior spokesman Jason Azzopardi said.

He recalled that since last September, Major Curmi has been made lieutenant colonel, then colonel, then deputy commander and now commander.

The government was generous also with deputy commander Mallia who since September was made lieutenant colonel from major, then colonel and now deputy commander.

Dr Azzopardi said it was the first time since EU membership that the two highest positions in the army were given to officers who did not follow a junior and or an advanced staff training course in reputable colleges abroad.

He said the promotions are not only “illegal” they also diminish the respect the army should enjoy and reduce to nothing the professional basis on which the armed forces were built.

Dr Azzopardi added that Commander Curmi’s appointment is a result of the personal friendship he has with the family of the Prime Minister and that like deputy commander Mallia he is a staunch Labour Party supporter.