Many join the army for a day

Luqa Barracks yesterday turned into the ideal location for a family outing as the public took up the Armed Forces of Malta's invitation to get a better insight into military operations.

A constant stream of people - primarily families with young children - toured the barracks on an outing with a difference that fitted the back-to-school season, even though the hot weather could have lured them to the beach.

The AFM's five units set up stands and animated displays, offering visitors a hands-on experience of army life - although it was probably the children who benefited the most as the army barracks became a playground throughout the open day.

They had the opportunity to taste adventure, scaling a mobile climbing wall, teetering across a rope bridge, jumping through tyres, crawling under camouflaged netting, manoeuvring anti-aircraft artillery, sitting in helicopters and, basically, having a field day - all under the protective eye of army officers.

One of the many families said they were constantly on the lookout for such fun activities, where their two daughters could run around freely and exhaust their energy. But the open day also served to raise awareness about the AFM among adults, they said.

Certain activities, such as getting up close and personal with an array of C Company's guns and handling a rocket-propelled grenade, were reserved for over-16-year-olds, who got the lowdown on the weapons from burly soldiers.

Only over-16-year-olds could try their hands at the air rifle range, but that did not exclude the ladies.

In fact, they were hitting the mark more than the males, the soldier monitoring the activity admitted.

The event could also have served as an effective recruitment drive for young lads - although these were outnumbered by the families.

One group of 16-year-olds, who had just been flat out on the ground, getting familiar with the FN FAL gun, and aiming at the cardboard figure ahead, said they attended the open day to observe what goes on, adding that they were interested in a future in the army.

They acknowledged that without an education they were not going to go too far, and the open day inspired them to attempt a couple of O levels.

Throughout the day, the barracks parade ground was the stage for band displays, wartime gun-drill re-enactments, bomb disposal demonstrations and defilés by military vehicles.

But the open day also showed the soldiers' softer skills, with an exhibition of their art works, of officers' mess silverware and the AFM's ceremonial colours.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi also attended, participating in yesterday's commemoration of the AFM's 38th anniversary and the 35th anniversary of the presence of the Italian Military Mission in Malta, whose assistance has been instrumental in increasing the professionalism and capabilities of the Maltese army, he said.

Its role in capacity building was enhancing the AFM's preparation to participate in EU-led peace support and crises management operations overseas, Dr Gonzi said.

The government intended to continue developing the AFM's professional dimension to contribute towards national and international defence policy, which needed to be developed in view of Malta's participation in European and international fora.

It was exploring ways of improving the army's promotion system to better recognise years of dedicated service, Dr Gonzi said, adding that the AFM would soon be investing in a new communications system, inshore patrol boats and a maritime patrol aircraft through the External Borders Fund.