The Launch of the Armed Forces of Malta Emergency Volunteer Reserves: A vital force in a National Emergency

The call for applications to join Malta's Volunteer Reserves will be launched tomorrow Wednesday 11th March. Malta's Volunteer Reserves are a vital force in a national emergency, made up of part-time soldiers putting their skills to use to the high standards demanded by the Armed Forces.

In 1998, 60 people are needed for the AFM VR - underlining the AFM VR logo: ONLY THE BEST. Part time volunteers will join infantry companies in 1st Regiment, AFM at Hal Far. They will attend an annual eight day Camp, in Malta and Gozo, in October. They will also train at the weekends before and after the Camp for a further 10 days. The first training weekend will be in July.

Those keen enough to join will be Maltese between the ages of 18 and 35 years. They will be medically fit and go through a recruitment selection process. Only the best will be expected to succeed. They will be recruited on engagements lasting 3 years which may be renewed for a further 3 years.

Part-time Emergency Volunteers will be paid AFM rates of pay while on training and receive an annual lump sum Bounty payment of Lm50 (provided all training obligations have been met). This will rise to Lm100 after 3 years.

Part time volunteers will make up two formed platoons of 30 men each capable of providing back-up support to the regular AFM in two important military roles:

• Trained civil emergency back-up support in a national emergency,
• Infantry patrolling and surveillance and the guarding of key points.

Anybody who feels he or she is up to the challenge of joining the part-time Volunteer Reserves should obtain an application form from the Recruitment Office at Luqa Barracks.