33 Officers, Warrant Officers and other ranks of the Armed Forces of Malta were today bestowed with the Long and Efficient Service Medal, in recognition of their long years of service to the country.

The medal awarding ceremony was held this morning at Luqa barracks. Those with a longer service record and who had already been awarded the medal were awarded the relevant clasps.

Speaking during the ceremony, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said these soldiers had been an example to their colleagues and to youths who aspire to join the AFM’s ranks.

Mr Abela said the AFM personnel’s loyalty and professionalism were shown during the migration summit and CHOGM. This made the government more committed to invest in the force.

The Minister said the government has already invested heavily in the AFM’s modernization process. The government, he said, was committed to strengthen both the capabilities and the working conditions of Malta’s soldiers.

€900,000 will be invested in training and overseas deployments next year. Soldiers’ allowance will be doubled in the coming weeks. Soldiers from the rank of Major down will benefit from an extra €345 a year.

The Commander of the AFM, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, thanked the soldiers for their exceptional service. He said it was an honour for him to lead such exemplary soldiers.

The Long and Efficient Service Medal, introduced in 1992, is awarded to personnel who have served more than 18 years with a clean record.

In today’s ceremony, 10 soldiers were awarded the medal for the first time, 18 received a clasp for 25 years’ service and five others were awarded a clasp on serving for 30 years.