Re-enactments and military displays at AFM Open Day

The Armed Forces of Malta will be holding its now annual Open Day at Luqa Barracks today between 10 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.

The event aims to provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the AFM's role, responsibilities, assets in use and the personnel who operate them. It also enables AFM personnel to interact with the general public, to demonstrate their skills and explain common procedures.

At Luqa Barracks, visitors can appreciate displays of first aid skills, explosive ordnance disposal, skill-at-arms on a mock firing-range, unarmed combat, and basic infantry tactics and drills by both regular soldiers and reservists.

The highlights from last year's programme also feature this year: AFM Band displays and Air Squadron helicopter displays which will include casualty evacuation and tactical team insertion scenarios.

After their popularity in previous Open Days, re-enactors sporting period uniforms will have ample space. Three groups will this year cover local military history from the Napoleonic period and World War II. "The Garrison" re-enactor group from Tilbury Fort in Essex will role-play to recreate wartime artillery units using real ordnance, which will be also on display.

Visitors to Luqa Barracks can also try their hand at some military disciplines like abseiling. Miniature firing ranges will be set up for parents and children. Visitors may also take part in a marching drill demonstration on the parade ground: people will 'join' AFM recruits undergoing their basic military training and officer-cadets, and will have to withstand the rigorous commands from AFM instructors.

Air Squadron fixed-wing aircraft will perform a fly-past over Luqa Barracks, before the AFM Band closes the Open Day by leading a flag-down ceremony.