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 seperate battalions.
Organisation
- Headquarters, AFM: HQ AFM is the main command centre for the Armed Forces of Malta, and is divided into four main areas.
- Operations Branch
- Personnel Branch
- Logistics Branch
- Camp Commandant
- 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 and a support company. 1 Regiment is the direct descendent of the old Royal Malta Artillery.
- A Company - this has responsibility for the security and defence of the civil aviation links, and is based at Malta International Airport.
- B Company - this has responsibility for the security of sensitive government establishments, and is based at Hal-Far.
- C (Special Duties) Company - this has two main roles:
- It is the main infantry training unit for the AFM.
- It provides the AFM's Quick Reaction Force, for high-risk operations both internally and as part of the European Union.
- D (Support) Company - this is 1 Regiment's fire support unit, equipped with mortars, heavy machine guns and anti-tank weapons.
- 2nd Regiment, AFM: 2 Regiment provides Malta's air and sea defence, and is divided into three sub-units.
- Air Defence Battery - this provides Malta's primary air defence capability, armed with the Bofors L40/70 40mm AA gun.
- Air Squadron - the air squadron has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, Search and Rescue, and provision of military assistance to other Government departments.
- Maritime Squadron - the maritime squadron has a wide range of duties, including coast guard, customs, marine police, fisheries protection and search and rescue.
- 3rd Regiment, AFM: 3 Regiment is the AFM's main support unit, and consists of four 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 enginnering support for vehicles and equipment.
- Revenue Security Corps
In addition to the regular forces, there is also the Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force, which is made up of part-time volunteers to support the regulars. This is made up of two units:
- 1st Regiment, EVRF, which is administered by C (SD) Company, 1 Regiment AFM.
- 2nd Regiment, EVRF, which is administered by Air Defence Battery, 2 Regiment AFM.
Brief History
The AFM was formed upon Malta becoming a republic in 1976, 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.
The AFM wears a single cap badge, 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.