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The Maltese Herald

Armed Forces of Malta to undergo extensive reform

—

by

Mark Camilleri
in

The Armed Forces of Malta is planning an extensive reform in its organisation and structure to bring the AFM more up to date with current European and NATO standards. The reform will include regrouping of soldiers into different units and a reform in the rank-structure with new ranks added.

The Armed Forces of Malta is composed of up to 2000 members and is organised in three regiments, an air wing, and a maritime squadron. The Labour government has been silently augmenting the budget of the Armed Forces with the recurrent expenditure budget for the AFM rising by up to €9 million next year totaling around €86 million. A further €10 million in capital expenditure has also been allocated to the AFM. The government has plans to further augment and strengthen the AFM, with the AFM planning further modernisation of its equipment and more recruitment campaigns to increase its numbers.

It is unusual  for the Labour government to fail to mention its initiatives in its propaganda, but the Labour government has been keeping its plans of support for the the AFM to avoid unnecessary controversy from its members about Malta’s neutrality status.

The current Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister, Colonel Mark Mallia is also involved in this ongoing government support.

 

 

 

Comments

6 responses to “Armed Forces of Malta to undergo extensive reform”

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  2. Andy avatar
    Andy

    Let’s stop looking at everything from a political perspective. I couldn’t care less about anyone’s political views as long as they are competent. The problem is that none of the senior leadership is competent and it’s beginning to show very clearly. More money than ever channeled to the AFM but less boats at sea, less aircraft and helos in the air, less hours of training. Personnel levels are critical, the only reason that some units can continue to operate is the fact that there are enough part-timers, that is retirees who are engaged on a 3-year contract and receive their full pension as well as pay (hardly efficient).
    The whole problem is that we are discussing the defence forces of the state in a political context. That is fundamentally wrong, they are there to serve all administrations and citizens loyally, which includes not serving narrow political interests. That is the real damage that Jeffrey Curmi, Mark Mallia, O’Neill, Zahra and a bunch of other sycophants have done.

    Reply
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    […] with the Nationalist Party’s stunt last week with the photos of the dilapidated weaponry. The Armed Forces of Malta have been increasing their expenditure year on year, and they have also been acquiring new weapons systems. However, the Armed Forces of […]

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