Army infantry course not under review

The infantry training course for soldiers, which claimed the life of 19-year-old Matthew Psaila earlier this year is not being reviewed by the army, The Sunday Times has learnt.

An army spokesman confirmed that the course had not been suspended and that 34 soldiers were still undergoing training to become infantrymen.

The trade course, known as B3, is a prerequisite for those wanting to enlist in the army's elite Special Duties C Company. However, it is open to all soldiers.

Gunner Psaila died on February 16 after spending 10 minutes submerged underwater during a military exercise at Chadwick Lakes. He was one of a team of nine soldiers undergoing infantry training.

The soldiers, wearing face paint were in full gear, each carrying a backpack weighing about 20kg and a rifle. The team had to wade against the current in dirty water and pass under a bridge beneath a two-way road.

Gunner Psaila was unable swim and during the same exercise another two soldiers got into difficulty. Even though the army is not reviewing the course, sources said the independent inquiry launched by the Office of the Prime Minister following the soldier's death was expected to examine the army's training procedures.

The inquiry is led by Judge Victor Caruana Colombo.

Meanwhile, the magisterial inquiry, which is distinct from that of the OPM, was concluded by Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera and sent to the Attorney General's office where it still rests. The conclusions have not yet been made public.

A third investigation into Gunner Psaila's death was also launched by the army.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com