Armed Forces of Malta
| Armed Forces of Malta Forzi Armati ta' Malta | |
|---|---|
|
The coat of arms of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of a De Redin tower with a red background. | |
| Founded | 19 April 1973 |
| Service branches |
Headquarters 1st Regiment 3rd Regiment 4th Regiment Maritime Squadron Air Wing |
| Headquarters | Luqa |
| Leadership | |
| Commander-in-Chief | Marie Louise Coleiro Preca |
| Minister for Home Affairs and National Security | Carmelo Abela MP |
| Chief of staff | Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi |
| Manpower | |
| Military age | 18 years of age |
| Conscription | Voluntary |
| Available for military service | males age 15-49: 99,107 (2002 est.), age 15–49 |
| Fit for military service | males age 15-49: 78,909 (2002 est.), age 15–49 |
| Active personnel | 2,130 (2012) |
| Expenditures | |
| Budget | €42.7 million (2012) |
| Percent of GDP | 0.6% (2012) |
| Industry | |
| Foreign suppliers |
 Italy United Kingdom United States |
| Related articles | |
| History | Military history of Malta |
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, with minimal air and naval forces. Since Malta is guardian of the European Union's most southerly border, the AFM has an active role in border control.[1]
Organisation
Headquarters, AFM
HQ AFM is the main command centre for the Armed Forces of Malta, and is divided into four main areas.
- Armed Personnel
- Training Branch
- Administration & Personnel Branch
- Logistics Branch
- European Union Security Defence Policy Branch
- Public Information Cell
- Intelligence Cell
- Legal Office
- Audit & inspectorate Branch
1st Battalion, AFM
1st Battalion is Malta's infantry unit, and has primary responsibility for the territorial defence of the country. It is divided into three rifle companies, a support company and a headquarters company.
- Headquarters Company - provides combat service support to the other manoeuvre subunits of the unit. The orbat consists of a Company Headquarters (CHQ), Motor Transport section, Pioneer section, Regimental Police section, Signals section, Armoury section and Quartermaster Section.
- A Company - is responsible for airport security in the controlled access role by providing security guards at terminal access points/airfield perimeter gates leading to restricted areas and by conducting patrol in these said areas. They also enforce access passes and visitor movement control assisted with CCTV surveillance and is based at Malta International Airport.
- B Company - is responsible for security duties in various locations. It carries out land patrols and conducts vehicle checkpoints for traffic contraventions, illegal immigrants' identification and apprehension, and anti-narcotics' searches. It liaises very closely with the Police in relation to many of their activities.In addition, it is an internal security company, tasked with guarding high-profile/sensitive government establishments, and is based at Hal-Far.
- C (Special Duties) Company - is the AFM's Quick Reaction Force, for high-risk operations both internally and as part of the European Union. It also serves as an infantry training unit for the AFM and is based at Hal-Far.
- Air Defence & Support Company - provides Malta's primary air defence capability, armed with the Bofors 40mm L70 (currently being phased out)and ZPU-4 14.5mm AAMG as well as 81mm mortars, Type 69 RPG's and Browning .50 HMGs for ground support. Its primary role is the light anti-aircraft defence of Luqa Airport and other vulnerable points on the Maltese islands. Gunnery training and battery shooting practices are regularly held at Pembroke Ranges, St. Andrews. This sub-unit runs a training school conducting Junior Non-commissioned Officers Leadership development courses, Infantry trade courses, Ceremonial Saluting guns courses and AAMG courses. All the AFM ceremonial activities that involve the firing of the saluting guns are performed by this sub-unit. This sub-unit is also responsible for the administration and training of the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force.
- Battle Honour
- Egypt 1882
- Operation Atalanta
- EUTM Somalia
3rd Battalion, AFM
3 Battalion is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of three operational sections.
- Engineer Squadron - this provides the engineering support.
- Ammunition and Explosives Company - is responsible for the storage and control of all types of ammunition held by the AFM as well as for the storage and control of blasting material used by civilian contractors for quarry blasting, etc. It includes the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) section which is responsible for the detection and disposal of bombs and other explosive devices. It is also responsible for the inspection of mail at major post offices, inspection of baggage and aircraft at the airport and security checks at the house of Representative
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Squadron - is responsible for the repair and maintenance of all AFM vehicles, generators, plant and other service equipment.
4th Battalion, AFM
Established with the AFM review of Oct 30th, 2006, it includes:
- The AFM Band - takes part in official engagements, performing at ceremonial parades, band displays and other band programmes in Malta and Gozo. Besides their duties as bandsmen, the personnel also perform all military duties.
- Revenue Security Corps - assists Government in the prevention of smuggling, the protection of revenue and, when necessary, the investigation of contraventions relating to fiscal and monetary laws. The RSC is also responsible for the security and cash escort duties of commercial banks.
- HQ Company
- C3I Company
Air Wing
The Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta is the aerial component of the current Maltese military. The Air Wing has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, conducts maritime patrol and Search and Rescue duties, and provides military assistance to other government departments of Malta.
Maritime Squadron
The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta is the naval component of the current Maltese military. The Maritime Squadron has responsibility for the security of Maltese territorial waters, maritime surveillance and law enforcement, as well as search and rescue. It is based at Xatt it-Tiben (Hay Wharf Base), Floriana. It currently operates 9 patrol boats and 6 boats.
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 at Air Defence & Support Company (ADSC), 1 Regiment AFM.
Italian Military Mission Malta
The presence of the Italian Military Mission (IMM) in Malta has taken form in the shape of technical assistance spread over three periods of time. Firstly, between 1973 and 1979, then between 1981 and July 1988, and lastly between July 1988 to date.
IMM personnel resources in Malta total to 12 Officers and 35 NCOs from the three Service branches of the Italian Armed Forces. It is also equipped with two AB 212 helicopters, 15 heavy plant vehicles, 60 light all-purpose utility vehicles, radio telecommunications, and weapons.
Ranks of the AFM
| Rank | Average Length of service |
|---|---|
| Gunner (rank) | First Rank |
| Lance Bombardier | 3 Years |
| Bombardier | 6-8 Years |
| Sergeant | 12 Years |
| Staff Sergeant | 14 Years |
| Warrant Officer Class 2 | 16 Years |
| Warrant Officer Class 1 | 18 Years |
| Second Lieutenant | Officer Cadet for 1 Year |
| Lieutenant | Officer for 2 Years |
| Captain | Officer for 3 Years |
| Major | Officer for 8-10 Years |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Officer for 16-18 Years |
| Colonel | officer for 22-24 years |
| Brigadier | officer for 25-27 years |
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, based on 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.
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" by Sir Adrian Dingli 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 1940–1942
Equipment
Aircraft
See: AFM aircraft
Maritime Patrol Vessels
See: AFM maritime patrol vessels
Vehicles
| Name | Origin | Type | Photo | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | ||||||
| Land Rover Defender 110 | United Kingdom |
4x4 | ||||
| Iveco VM 90 | Italy |
Tactical SUV |  |
|||
| Bedford TK | United Kingdom |
Truck | ||||
| Bedford TM | United Kingdom |
Truck | ||||
| Fiat Ducato | Italy |
Van | ||||
Small Arms and Light Equipment
| Name | Origin | Type | Caliber | Photo | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assault Rifle | ||||||
| AK-47 |  Soviet Union |
Assault Rifle | 7.62×39 mm |  |
The majority of these rifles are based on the Type 56 assault rifle donated by the Chinese government, which were modified to a high standard throughout the years. | |
| Beretta AR70/90 | Italy |
Assault Rifle | 5.56×45 mm | |||
| Pistol | ||||||
| Beretta 92FS | Italy |
Pistol | 9×19 mm | |||
| Submachine Gun | ||||||
| Heckler & Koch MP5 K |  Germany |
Submachine Gun | 9×19 mm | |||
| Heckler & Koch MP5 A4 | Germany |
Submachine Gun | 9×19 mm | |||
| Heckler & Koch MP5 A5 | Germany |
Submachine Gun | 9×19 mm | |||
| Beretta M12 | Italy |
Submachine Gun | 9×19 mm | |||
| Battle Rifle | ||||||
| FN FAL | .svg.png){kind=small} Belgium |
Battle Rifle | 7.62×51 mm | Used for ceremonial purposes. | ||
| Sniper rifle | ||||||
| Accuracy International AWM - | United Kingdom |
Sniper Rifle | 7.62×67 mm (.300 Win Mag) | |||
| Machine gun | ||||||
| FN Minimi | Belgium |
Light machine gun | ||||
| FN MAG | Belgium |
General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51 mm | |||
| PK | Soviet Union |
Medium machine gun | 7.62×54mmR | |||
| Browning M2 | United States |
Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99 mm (.50) |  |
||
| Shotgun | ||||||
| Benelli M4 | Italy |
Semi-automatic Shotgun | 12 gauge | |||
| Anti-tank Weapon | ||||||
| RPG-7V | Soviet Union |
Rocket Propelled Grenade Launcher | 40 mm | |||
| Mortar | ||||||
| L9A1 51 mm Light Mortar | United Kingdom |
Mortar | 51 mm | |||
| L16 81mm Mortar | United Kingdom |
Mortar | 81 mm | |||
| Grenade | ||||||
| M67 grenade | United States |
Hand grenade | ||||
| SRCM 35 | Italy |
Hand grenade | ||||
| MK3A2 Grenade | United States |
Hand grenade | ||||
| AN M18 | United States |
Hand grenade | ||||
| M84 stun grenade | United States |
Hand grenade | ||||
| Air-defence | ||||||
| ZPU-4 | Soviet Union |
Anti-Aircraft Gun | 14.5×114 mm | |||
| Bofors 40 mm gun |  Sweden |
Anti-Aircraft | 40 mm | |||
Uniform and Personal Equipment
| Make | Origin | Type |
|---|---|---|
| US Woodland | United States | Battledress |
| Desert Camouflage Uniform | United States | Battledress |
| Multi-Terrain Pattern | United Kingdom | Battledress |
| No.7: Warm weather barrack dress | United Kingdom | Barrack Dress |
| 58 pattern webbing | United Kingdom | Webbing |
| Personal Load Carrying Equipment | United Kingdom | Webbing used by C(SD)Company |
| Arktis webbing | United States | Webbing used by C(SD)Company |
| SPECTRA helmet |  France | Helmet |
| Sistema Compositi SEPT-2 PLUS | Italy | Helmet |
| No.2: Service dress (temperate parade uniform) | United Kingdom | Parade Uniform |
| No.3: Warm weather ceremonial uniform | United Kingdom | Parade Uniform |
| Navy blue beret | United Kingdom | Beret |
| S10 NBC Respirator | United Kingdom | Gas Mask |
References
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Military of Malta. |
- Armed Forces of Malta
- For Gallantry Special forces and counterterrorism units of the AFM
| ||||||
| ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||