The compilation of evidence against an army officer and an NCO who stand charged with the involuntary homicide of 19-year-old Matthew Psaila during a training exercise continued today, with a Lieutenant Colonel testifying how such exercises were meant to prepare soldiers for challenging eventualities.

"The aim of training exercises such as the one we had here is to train soldiers, preparing them for challenging eventualities, in which we teach them stamina, endurance, leadership, teamwork, team spirit. This training comes in useful when soldiers are called to assist in difficult situations in Malta such as saving people from the Msida and Birkirkara valleys during floods," Lt Col Ian Ruggier testified.

He was giving evidence for the defence in the case instituted against Lt Christian Vella, 27, of Żabbar and Lance Corporal Marvic Peregin, 31, of Pembroke, who stand charged with the involuntary homicide of Gnr Psaila. Mr Psaila died three days after finding himself in difficulties at Chadwick Lakes on February 13, 2009 while wading through cold water in a tunnel.

Lt Vella was in charge of the training exercise and Bdr Peregin was assisting the recruits.

Lt Col Ruggier said the army often also organised training exercises abroad, such as in the Alps, to expose the soldiers to tough conditions. In Italy, for example, training was conducted in cold and wet conditions, with temperatures down to -20 degrees.

He said he had participated in difficult training exercises such as the one in which Gnr Psaila . In 1992 he participated in a difficult training exercise in Wales with the British army in "poor and very challenging conditions".

Lawyer Michael Tanti Dougall, appearing for Gnr Psaila's family, asked the witness whether the soldiers had safety equipment during the Wales exercise. He replied that they had no flotation devices or life jackets.

"With regard to safety of soldiers, they have basic first aid knowledge and if they are in difficulty they ask for help..."

"Part of the training is recognising the symptoms of hypothermia. If you tremble, it is one of the first signs of hypothermia. Spare clothes, a towel and a sleeping bag are enough to address the first signs of hypothermia," he said.

The case continues.