Today's Armed Forces of Malta traces its origins to August 1970, when the Parliament of Malta enacted Act No.XXVII which provided for the "raising and maintenance of Armed Forces in Malta and to provide for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto". This act was the beginning of a great historic event in the history of Malta because after 170 years of being part of the British Army, and serving with distinction in peace and war, Malta was establishing her own Armed Forces, the Malta Land Force (MLF).
The Malta Land Force was officially established on October 1, 1970 when around 600 officers and men from the disbanding 1 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery (RMA), the Royal Engineers Malta and Royal Signals of the British Army took their oath of allegiance and were enlisted in the Malta Land Force.
Initially, the Malta Land Force consisted of a regular (Headquarters, 1 Regiment RMA and Logistic Unit) and a territorial (3/11 Light Air-Defence Regiment RMA and 1 Battalion King's Own Malta Regiment) element, but not for long. On March 31, 1972 the territorial component was officially disbanded.
On May 22, 1972, the first enlistments had been made into the Emergency Labour Corps (ELC), the period of enlistment being for one year. As the volunteers terminated their one year engagement, they had the option to join the Malta Pioneer Corps (MPC). Three battalions were eventually set-up in June/July 1973, designated as 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalion MPC.
On April 19, 1973 the title Malta Land Force was legally changed to Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). This was not merely a change of designation, it was meant to reflect the increased responsibilities - now including also a Helicopter Flight and a Maritime Battery - and an expansion of its manpower strength to some 4,000 men.
In light of the formation of a new corp, known as the Dirghajn il-Maltin, in March 1975, 2 Battalion MPC was disbanded and its members were distributed between 1st & 3rd Battalion MPC. HQ 2 MPC became HQ Dirghajn il-Maltin. On January 16, 1976, 1st & 3rd Battalion MPC were amalgamated into one unit.
In the mid-1970s, the main emphasis of the Armed Forces of Malta was to contribute towards national development. The AFM contributed to support community activities, to provide general surveillance and security duties, as well as to assist the local government in the event of an emergency or disaster.
To meet these tasks, the setup of the Armed Forces of Malta was revised in March 1976 to consists of a Headquarters element, a regular regiment (1 Regiment), an engineer unit [later renamed as 2(Engineer) Regiment on March 17, 1977], the Pioneer Corps and the Dirghajn il-Maltin.
An additional responsibility to come the way of the AFM on October 2, 1978 was the formation of the Revenue Security Corps - still in existence today as part of the 4 Regiment AFM. By late that year, the AFM also assumed responsibility for providing search and rescue service, aided by the Libyan's Super Frelon helicopter detachment in Malta, in lieu of the departing British forces that were stationed in Malta.
In the meantime, the necessary planning continued to absorb all the essential airport services (such as the Air Traffic Control, Meteorological and Airport Fire Services) into the AFM. With departure of the British Forces form Malta on March 31, 1979 more emphasis was also placed on military training in recognition of the heavy responsibilty that now fell squarely on the Force of an independent and neutral state to provide for the defence of the islands.
On April 1, 1980 certain units of the AFM were placed under a seperate command, designated as the Task Force commanded by a colonel. At the time of formation, the Task Force was composed of a Headquarters, an Infantry Company, the Maritime Squadron and the Helicopter Flight. Total strength at time of formation was under 500 men. These were augmented at a later stage with the Ammunition and Explosive Company, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Troop and the Airport Company.
In July 1981, the Government opened up yet another engagement in a new corps - Id-Dejma, a corps that was to remain part of the Force until December 31, 1989.
The Armed Forces of Malta made history on September 3, 1982, when 70 young women marched in the first ever parade by female soldiers in the Island. In their first parade, the smartly-dressed girls showed they had already reached a fine level of drill, uniformity and discipline.
On May 11, 1988 the Armed Forces of Malta and the Malta Task Force were re-amalgamated into the Armed Forces of Malta, under the command of a Brigadier. Following this process, more emphasis was placed by the AFM on their core military tasks. Major recruitment programmes were commenced and maintained for both regular soldiers and for officer cadets. A reduction in the security duties performed by the AFM also allowed it the opportunity to devote more time and rescources to training.
On July 22, 1992 there was a major re-organisation of the Armed Forces of Malta, which led to the formation of a Headquarters (including the Camp Commandant and Italian Military Mission) and three Regiments [1st (Infantry), 2nd (Composite - made-up of the Air Squadron, the Maritime Squadron and the Air Defence Battery) and 3rd (Logistic)]. In order to back up the regular forces, especially in times of crises, in June 1998, the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force (EVRF) - the Reservists - was set-up. The first intakes of EVRF recruits took place in August 1998.
A third review of the structure of AFM took place on October 30, 2006. This review brought about the disbandment of the 2(Composite) Regiment and the Camp Commandant (the highest HQ company); the establishment of the 4 Regiment AFM (with ceded sub-units or sections from Camp Commandent, 2 & 3 Regiments), and the establishment/elevation to full regimental status, of the Air Wing (renamed from Air Squadron) and the Maritime Squadron, with their own HQs, chain of command and logistic structure. The third sub-units of the 2(Composite) Regiment, the Air Defence Battery, was incorporated in the 1 Regiment and renamed as the Air Defence and Support Company.

Objectives
The objectives of the AFM are to maintain a military organisation with the primary aim of defending the Islands' integrity according to the defence roles as set by Government in an efficient and cost effective manner. This it does by emphasizing on the maintenance of Malta's territorial waters and airspace integrity.
The AFM is also devoted to combating terrorism, fighting against illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal immigrant and anti-illegal fishing operations, operating search and rescue (SAR) services, and physical/electronic security/surveillance of sensitive locations.
As a military organisation, the AFM also provides backup support to the Malta Police Force and other Government Departments/Agencies in situations as required in an organised, disciplined manner in the event of national emergencies or internal security and bomb disposal.
On another level, the AFM establishes and/or consolidates bilateral co-operation with other countries to reach higher operational effectiveness related to AFM roles.
The AFM performs two Defence Roles:-
Organisation
Today, the Armed Forces of Malta is a brigade sized organisation, consisting of a Headquarters, three Regiments (1, 3 & 4), two independent units - the Air Wing and the Maritime Squadron - and the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force.

'A' Company is an airport security rifle company, located at Malta International Airport, with the mission of combining measures, both human and material, to safeguard civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference.
'C' (Special Duties) Company, based at Lyster Barrack (Hal Far), is the AFM's Quick Reaction Force, for high-risk operations both internally and as part of the European Union. It is also the main infantry training unit for the AFM, and it also responsible for the administration and training of the EVRF.

The Engineer Squadron is a highly versatile and flexible squadron, having a high proportion of skilled tradesmen and heavy plant machinery. Engineers withing the squadron are capable of performing major tasks related to maintenance and construction, including field engineering task. The Engineers Squadron consists of Squadron HQ and four Troops (Electrical & Mechanical, Construction, Plant and Field).
The Ammo and Explosives Company is responsibile for the storage and handling of all military ammunition and commercial explosives. It includes a Company HQ; an Ammunition Depot, situated at Fort Mosta, responsible for the storage and control of all type ammunition held by the AFM as well as for the storage and control of blasting material used by civilian contractors; and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) section, situated at Manoel Island, responsible for safely deactivating unexploded ordnance, Improvised Explosive Devices and investigating suspicious items at the request of the Police.

AFM Band establised over a century ago as the Royal Malta Artillery Band. Apart from its musical commitments the band has its military role too. Daily guard duties are performed by band personnel in different rosters. The and helps in internal security during various security measures called by the regiment. The band also takes part in fitness tests and physical test. The AFM Band includes also the Corps of Drums (perfoms various drum calls during the band displays - precision timings and drill are given utmost attention) and the Trumpeters (performs during wreath laying ceremonies, states visits, quarters and funeral ceremonies).
Revenue Security Corps

Air Wing, AFM has responsibility for the maintenance and integrity of the Malta's territorial waters and air space through surveillance from the air against narcotics and illegal trafficking, and the prevention of illegal fishing; the provision of military search & rescue services; and the provision of military assistance to other Governmental departments. Air Wing, AFM, located at the Malta International Airport (Apron-7), is currently equipped with both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, consisting of two BN-2B Islanders, four (ex-RAF) Bulldog T.1s and three SA.316B Alouette helicopters. [Read more]
Maritime Squadron, AFM has responsibility for safeguarding Malta's territorial integrity from the sea. It carries out a wide range of duties, including coast guard, customs, marine police, fisheries protection and search & rescue. The Maritime Squadron, based at Hay Wharf, Floriana, is currently equipped with one offshore-patrol vessel (P61), two coastal-patrol boats (P51 & P52), five inshore-patrol boats (P21, P22, P23, P24 & P32), two search & rescue launches (Melita I & II) and a fast-interceptor craft (P 01). [Read more]
The Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force (EVRF) consists of volunteers, both males and females, who are willing to train as part-time soldiers and deploy when called for duty. These volunteers are put through all the basic training regular AFM soldiers go through, including skill at arms, radio communications, first aid, physical fitness, land navigation and map reading, fire control orders, field craft and foot and arms drill. The EVRF is intended to provide a back-up for regular AFM soldiers when the need arises. The EVRF soldiers are expected to perform the following duties:- civil emergency duties, key point security duties, tactical patrolling and surveillance, and manning of light anti-aircraft gun. The EVRF is administered and trained by 'C(SD)' Company, 1 Regiment, at Lyster Barracks, Hal Far. They are divided into infantry platoons, led by regular Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers.





Ranks in the AFM
|
NATO Code |
Rank |
Abbreviation |
|
OF-6 |
Brigadier (AFM Commander) |
Brig |
|
OF-5 |
Colonel |
Col |
|
OF-4 |
Lieutenant Colonel |
Lt Col |
|
OF-3 |
Major |
Maj |
|
OF-2 |
Captain |
Capt |
|
OF-1 |
Lieutenant |
Lt |
|
OF-1 |
Second Lieutenant |
2Lt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brig |
Col |
Lt Col |
Maj* |
|
|
|
|
|
Capt |
Lt |
2Lt* |
* as wear by Maritime Squadron personnel.
|
NATO Code |
Rank |
Abbreviation |
|
OR-9 |
Warrant Officer I - AFM Garrison Sgt-Maj |
WO1 |
|
OR-9 |
Warrant Officer I |
WO1 |
|
OR-8 |
Warrant Officer II (Sgt-Mjr) |
WO2 |
|
OR-7 |
Staff Sergeant |
S/Sgt |
|
OR-6 |
Sergeant |
Sgt |
|
OR-4 |
Bombadier |
Bdr |
|
OR-3 |
Lance-Bombardier |
L/Bdr |
|
OR-2/1 |
Gunner |
Gnr |
|
|
|
|
|
WO1 |
WO1 |
WO2 |
|
|
|
|
S/Sgt |
Sgt |
|
|
|
|
|
Bde |
L/Bdr |
Gnr |
Colours of the Armed Forces of Malta
The "present" Colours of the Armed Forces of Malta were presented to AFM by the then Acting President of Malta Paul Xuereb on June 23, 1988, shortly after the amalgamation of the AFM and Malta Task Force. These Colours consists of:
Battle Honours
Commander, AFM
The current Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta is Brigadier Martin G. Xuereb. Brig Xuereb was born in Malta, on January 2, 1968. He was commissioned into the Regural Force of the AFM in the rank of Second Lieutenant in October 1988, having attended the 'Allievi Ufficiali di Complemento' course at the Scoula di Fanteria a Cavalleria in Cesano, Italy.
As a Second Lieutenant, he qualified as an Physical Education Instructor at the Military School of Physical Education in Orvieto, Italy. In 1990, he attended the Standard Military Course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, U.K., where he was awarded the 'Oman Prize' for academic achievement. Between 1991 and 1992, as a Lieutenant he commanded an infantry platoon, and in 1993 he was appointed as Staff Officer III Personnel at HQ AFM.
As a Captain, in 1996, he was posted to Brussels as Malta's Defence Attache' and Representative to the Partnership Coordination Cell of the Partnership for Peace. On his return to Malta in 1997, Capt Xuereb was appointed as Adjutant at 1 Regiment AFM. During this period, he has organised and commanded the first of series of humanitarian trips to Kosovo on behalf the Maltese Government and a local NGO.
Subsequently, when a Major in 2000, he was attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and again posted to Brussels as the Attache' for Common Foreign and Security Policy. Upon Malta's accession to the E.U., in May 2004 he was appointed as Malta's Deputy Military Representative to the E.U. In January 2006, after being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he was appointed as Malta's Military Representative to the E.U.
Lt Col Xuereb was promoted to the rank of Colonel on November 2, 2007 and was then appointed as Deputy Commander AFM on January 9, 2008. Between January and December 2009, Col Xuereb attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in the U.K. On January 18, 2010, Col Xuereb was appointed as Commander AFM and to the rank of Brigadier.
| Commander | From | To |
| Brig George V. Micallef * | Oct-1970 | Sep-1972 |
| Brig Alfred Sammut Tagliaferro ** | Oct-1972 | Aug-1975 |
| Brig Arthur J.A. Gera *** | Aug-1975 | Feb-1982 |
| Brig John Spiteri *** | Mar-1982 | Sep-1991 |
| Brig Maurice E. Calleja *** | Sep-1991 | Dec-1993 |
| Brig Claude M. Gaffiero *** | Dec-1993 | Dec-1996 |
| Brig Rupert C. Montenanro *** | Dec-1996 | Feb-2004 |
| Brig Carmel Vassallo *** | Mar-2004 | Jan-2010 |
| Brig Martin G. Xuereb *** | Jan-2010 | current |
| * MLF Commander |
| ** MLF Commander (up to April 19, 1973), then AFM Commender (from same date) |
| *** AFM Commander |

Defence Matters Directorate
The Armed Forces of Malta find their civilian counterpart in the Defence Matters Directorate, set up in May 2003 as part of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
The main roles of the directorate are to assist in the definition of Malta's defence policy and to ensure that Malta's interest are safeguarded in the European Union and other international fora where security and defence issues are discussed.
Responsibility for defence has been under the direct aegis of the Prim Minister since Independence. The AFM is the operational branch of the defence function of the government but as in any other democratic country, in Malta the military operates under civilian direction and control, a function that is exercise by OPM through the directorate.
The main responsibilties of the directorate are:
The Italian Military Mission in Malta
Acting in response to Malta's request for assistance in the training of military personnel and engineering support on special infrastructure projects, Italy established the Missione Italiana di Cooperazione Tecnica e Militare in Malta on August 1, 1973. Between 1981 and 1988 the Italian Mission was composed of two structures, namely the Missione Italiana di Cooperazione Tecnino-Militare and the Delegazione Italiana di Assistenza Tecnico-Militare.
By 1988, in view of consolidated cooperation between the two neighbouring islands, a memorandum was signed between the two Governments regulating the setting up in Malta of the Missione Italiana di Assistenza Tecnico Militare. This agreement is still in force today.
The Mission's aim has been primarily that of assisting the AFM in training of personnel in various military fields. The mission has also provided heavy plant equipment, know-how and expert advice to other Malta Government Departments in major construction works on the island.
In addition to providing instructors to conduct local military training, AFM personnel now benefit also from scholarships at various military establishments in Italy. Thanks to these scholarships a number of AFM Officers and men now occupy important posts in the Armed Forces of Malta.
To fulfil its functions and carry out its task the Mission has a variety of equipment on its inventory ranging from search and rescue helicopters (AB.212s), that have provided assistance since 1982, heavy plant and utility transport vehicles, radio communication and electronic equipment as well as infantry weapons. All logistic support for this equipment is provided by the Mission. The running costs of the Mission in Malta are provided by the Italian Ministry of Defence.



