Army uniforms and weapons are unlikely to conjure up the image of a woman. In fact, of some 2,000 soldiers in the Armed Forces of Malta, there are about 40 women across the ranks as the job still fails to attract members of "the fairer sex".

Claudia Calleja meets three new gunners who could not wait to swap their heels for combat boots.

Dressed in camouflage, three young women scrutinise their reflection in one of the full-length mirrors found around the army barracks.

Their eyes carefully scan their uniforms to make sure every thread is in place in a routine self-inspection that is clearly not about vanity but discipline.

Once they make sure their hair is neatly tucked into their berets and their heavy boots are clean all-round, they are ready to appear before their regiment's commanding officer.

The new AFM gunners, Grazielle Zammit, Roberta Defelice and Celaine Ellul have learnt the hard way that a less than perfect uniform could mean extra hours after work digging a trench or jogging while wearing heavy gear.

Then there are the "bastards" - a tiring cycle of push-ups followed by jumps. The other day Gnr Zammit got 30 of them for entering her regiment's building from the wrong door.

Many may wonder why they do it. Why subject themselves to such extreme discipline?

The three gunners, who have just completed their basic military training, clearly have a passion for the army and the discipline is merely part of the package.

"It's an active job rather than an office one with a strong element of adventure," says Gnr Ellul who also takes her enthusiasm home with her.

She and her four-year-old son do push-ups together when she trains in her living room to build her stamina for her daily army workouts.

"He likes to copy me. It's really sweet to see him lie on the ground like me and try a push-up," the 19-year-old mother says as she smiles at the recent memory.

Her friend Gnr Defelice, also a 19-year-old single mother, beams as she adds that her two-year-old also likes trying out army moves to be like his mummy.

"He likes repeating the phrase 'stand at ease' while he clumsily mimics the military moves to go with it," she laughs.

The two young mothers admit it's not easy to juggle their tiring army days with being parents. Gnr Defelice explains she is usually up by about 5 a.m. and gets home, exhausted, at about 4.30 p.m. when her son is full of energy.

"There was a part of our survival training when we had to camp for 15 days. I really missed my son," she says. Gnr Ellul adds: "Sometimes I miss that I can't take him to school in the morning and I'm so tired when he gets home."

The three young soldiers joined the army a couple of months ago after they became infatuated by the adventurous aspect of the job.

Throughout their training they learn various skills that range from map-reading to unarmed combat and army drills, and do lots of physical training.

The hardest part was building physical stamina. Except for Gnr Ellul, who always liked sport as she is on the national handball team, the other two never really did much exercise.

Now they find themselves having to walk while carrying rifles, jog for hours and do set after set of push-ups.

"Although at times it became physically exhausting, there were times when we did not think we would make it. But the team spirit always helps us out in the end," Gnr Zammit says.

"The instructors are usually harsh with us in terms of discipline but, if we need help or support, our teammates are there to help us. And with time it becomes clear that this harsh attitude is all about building our character and strength," Gnr Defelice agrees.

Adjusting to the army's expectations of perfection was not easy and Gnr Zammit confesses it used to take her hours to iron her uniform as requested. Now she manages it in about half an hour.

"Discipline has become part of our lives. I never bothered too much about cleaning my shoes before but now I simply don't manage to leave the house without polished shoes," she smiles.

She adds that, contrary to what some may think, army life has led her to appreciate her femininity more.

"Before joining the AFM, I never really bothered much about my looks when I went out with friends. But now I really enjoy feeling feminine when out," Gnr Zammit says.

Gnr Ellul adds that she feels her time in the army helped her become more independent. The girls agree that they have learnt to believe in themselves more.

"There are certain things I never thought I'd be able to do. But now I know that, when I put my mind to something, I can do it," Gnr Zammit says as her two colleagues nod.