New soldiers assigned to special duties company

The Armed Forces of Malta is addressing needs, which were not easy, particularly in the case of illegal immigration, the Prime Minister said yesterday.

Dr Gonzi was at Luqa Barracks speaking before the passing-out parade of 22 recruits who successfully completed their military training.

The AFM will shortly be marking the 35th anniversary since the responsibility for the army was shifted from the British to the Maltese government on October 1, 1970.

Dr Gonzi said that the AFM's work had accompanied the country's constitutional, political, economic and social development. Whoever chose a military career had to show a sense of commitment and loyalty, recognising the high military standards the army demanded, the Prime Minister said.

AFM commander Carmel Vassallo said choosing recruits for the army was indeed hard. Not everyone who applied to join was guaranteed to start a military career, he said.

In all, 232 youths had applied but only 22 finished the course out of the 32 who were shortlisted. Maurizio Scicluna was singled out as the best recruit.

The 22 soldiers in the rank of gunner will be transferred to the C Special Duties Company in the First Regiment at Lister Barracks. The need was felt to strengthen this company by having soldiers to provide humanitarian aid when the need arises.