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. In military science a brigade is a military unit that is part of a division and includes regiments (where that level exists), or (in modern armies) is composed of several battalions (typically two to four) and directly attached supporting units. ... Symbol of the Austrian 14th Armoured Battalion in NATO military graphic symbols A battalion is a military unit usually consisting of between two and six companies and typically commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. ...

Organisation

Structure of the Armed Forces of Malta

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Headquarters, AFM

HQ AFM is the main command centre for the Armed Forces of Malta, and is divided into four main areas.

• Operations & Training Branch
• Administration & Personnel Branch
• Logistics Branch
• European Union Security Defence Policy Branch
• Public Information Cell
• Intelligence Cell
• Legal Office
• Audit & inspectorate Branch

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, a support company and a headquarters company. Infantry of the Royal Irish Rifles during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. Infantry are soldiers who fight primarily on foot with small arms in organized military units, though they may be transported to the battlefield by horses, ships, automobiles, skis, bicycles, or other means. ... Standard NATO code for a friendly infantry company. ...

• A Company - is an airport security rifle company, and is based at Malta International Airport.
• B Company - is an internal security rifle 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 and ZPU-4 14.5mm AAMG as well as 81mm mortars, Type 69 RPG's and Browning .50 HMGs for ground support.
• HQ Company - exercises command and control over the other sub-units.
• Battle Honour
  • Egypt 1882

Air Wing, AFM

has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, maritime patrol, Search and Rescue, and provision of military assistance to other Government departments. The current air assets include:

• 2 BN-2B-26 Islander fixed-wing aircraft
• 4 former RAF Bulldog T1 series 120 fixed-wing aircraft
• 3 SA.316B Alouette III helicopters.

It has one UH-72A (EC-145) on order for delivery in 2008. The Britten-Norman Islander (also known as the BN-2) is a light utility aircraft manufactured by Britten-Norman of the United Kingdom. ... The Bulldog is a 2-seat side-by-side training aircraft designed by Beagle Aircraft and after the demise of the company was built by Scottish Aviation. ... It has been suggested that IAR 316 be merged into this article or section. ...

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)

3rd Regiment, AFM

3 Regiment is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of three 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.

4th Regiment, AFM

Established with the AFM review of Oct 30th, 2006, it includes:

• The AFM Band
• Revenue Security Corps
• HQ Company
• C3I Company

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 C (SD) Company, 1 Regiment AFM.

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. in particular, for the archaizing senses of republic, as a translation of politeia or res publica Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A republic is a form of government maintained by a state or country whose sovereignty is based on consent of the governed... A blonde haired, very skilled worker with a 70s look. ... Year 1980 (MCMLXXX) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar). ... Year 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar). ...

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. A cap badge, also known as head badge or hat badge, is a badge worn on uniform headgear and distinguishes the wearers organisation. ... Tactical Recognition Flash of the Royal Artillery The Royal Regiment of Artillery, generally known as the Royal Artillery (RA), is, despite its name, a corps of the British Army. ... Maltese cross The insignia of a Serving Brother of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem The Maltese Cross is featured on the badge of the Bermuda Regiment, heir to the BVRC. Typical St. ...

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. The British Army is the land armed forces branch of the British Armed Forces. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1889 (MDCCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... 1900 (MCMIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Friday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar. ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1951 (MCMLI) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

• 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

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)

External links

• Armed Forces of Malta