Armed Forces of Malta
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The Armed Forces of Malta is the name given to the combined armed services of Malta. The AFM is a brigade sized organisation consisting of a headquarters and three separate battalions.
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[edit] Organisation
[edit] Headquarters, AFM
HQ AFM is the main command centre for the Armed Forces of Malta, and is divided into four main areas.
- Operations Branch
- Personnel Branch
- Logistics Branch
- Camp Commandant
[edit] 1st Regiment, AFM
1 Regiment is Malta's infantry unit, and has primary responsibility for the territorial defence of the country. It is divided into three rifle companies and a support company. 1 Regiment is the direct descendant of the old Royal Malta Artillery.
- A Company - this has responsibility for the security and defence of the civil aviation links, and is based at Malta International Airport.
- B Company - this has responsibility for the security of sensitive government establishments, and is based at Hal-Far.
- C (Special Duties) Company - this has two main roles:
- It is the main infantry training unit for the AFM.
- It provides the AFM's Quick Reaction Force, for high-risk operations both internally and as part of the European Union.
- D (Support) Company - this is 1 Regiment's fire support unit, equipped with mortars, heavy machine guns and anti-tank weapons.
- Battle Honour
- Egypt 1882
[edit] 2nd Regiment, AFM
2 Regiment provides Malta's air and sea defence, and is divided into three sub-units.
- Air Defence Battery - this provides Malta's primary air defence capability, armed with the Bofors L40/70 40mm AA gun.
- Air Squadron - the air squadron has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, Search and Rescue, and provision of military assistance to other Government departments. The current air assets consists of both fixed-wing (BN-2B-26 Islanders / ex RAF's Bulldog T.1s) and rotary-wing (SA.316B Alouette IIIs) assets.
- Maritime Squadron - the maritime squadron has a wide range of duties, including coast guard, customs, marine police, fisheries protection and search and rescue. Current maritime assets:
- 1 "Modified" Diciotti Class Offshore-Patrol Vessel (P 61)
- 2 Protector Class Coastal Patrol Boats (P 51 + P 52)
- 2 Bremse Class Inshore Patrol Boats (P 32 + P 33)
- 2 Swift Class Inshore Patrol Boats (P 23 + P 24)
- 2 Melita (Vittoria) Class Search & Rescue Launches (Melita I + Melita II)
- 1 Fast-Interceptor Craft (P 01)
[edit] 3rd Regiment, AFM
3 Regiment is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of four operational sections.
- Engineer Squadron - this provides the engineering support.
- Ammunition and Explosives Company - this has responsibility for all of the AFM's ammunition needs, and also includes an Explosive Ordnance Disposal section.
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Squadron - this provides engineering support for vehicles and equipment.
- Revenue Security Corps
[edit] Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force
In addition to the regular forces, there is also the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force, which consists of part-time volunteers to support the regulars. This consists of two units:
- 1st Regiment, EVRF, which is administered by C (SD) Company, 1 Regiment AFM.
- 2nd Regiment, EVRF, which is administered by Air Defence Battery, 2 Regiment AFM.
[edit] Brief history
The AFM was formed upon Malta becoming a republic in 1974, when 1 Regiment Royal Malta Artillery was renamed as 1 Regiment, AFM. This initially continued the artillery role, with 2 Regiment formed as an engineers unit. In 1980, 1 Regiment became a mixed unit, with infantry, aircraft and maritime responsibilities, the artillery element being transferred to 2 Regiment. In 1992, there was a major re-organisation, which led to the formation of 3 Regiment and the current structure.
The AFM wears a single cap badge, that of the Royal Malta Artillery, which consists of a gun, similar to that worn by the Royal Artillery but without the crown, on top of a Maltese Cross, with the motto "Tutela Bellicæ Virtutis" underneath.
[edit] King's Own Malta Regiment
The King's Own Malta Regiment was a territorial infantry regiment on the British Army colonial list prior to Malta's independence. It was formed in 1801 as the Regiment of Maltese Militia, existing only until the following year. It was reformed as the Maltese Militia in 1852 before disbanding again in 1857. It was raised again, this time as the Royal Malta Regiment of Militia in 1889; this regiment was considered to be the successor to the Maltese Chasseurs of the early 19th century. The regiment was renamed the King's Own Royal Malta Regiment of Militia in 1903, and was disbanded in 1921. The regiment was raised for a fourth time in 1931 as the King's Own Malta Regiment. Initially on the British Establishment, in 1951 it was transferred to the Malta Territorial Force before becoming part of the Malta Land Force on Malta's independence in 1970. The regiment was disbanded in 1972.
- 1st Battalion, KOMR [1897-1921, 1931-1946, 1952-1972]
- 2nd Battalion, KOMR [1897-1921, 1940-1946, 1952-1972]
- 3rd Battalion, KOMR [1940-1945]
- 10th Battalion, KOMR [Territorial] [1942-1943]
- Battle Honours
- 1800 [awarded for services of the Maltese Chasseurs]
- Second World War: Malta 1940-42
[edit] Statistics
Military manpower - availability:
males age 15-49: 99,107 (2002 est.)
Military manpower - fit for military service:
males age 15-49: 78,909 (2002 est.)
Military expenditures - dollar figure: $60 million (2000 est.)
Military expenditures - percent of GDP: 1.7% (2000)
