AFM soldiers in live-fire training shoot

c. camilleri

Oct 16th 2009, 12:10

@ A. Calleja

You should've seen that before you went to live in pembroke.

@ M.Brincat
I suggest you get some books and get to know some military basics!!!

@ AFM

Thank you boys!!! Keep it up!!!!!

M. Cardona

Oct 16th 2009, 07:50

Some people can't do any better than criticise.

@M Brincat

your brilliant and homed military strategy skills puts Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Caesar, Napoleon, Montgomery and Rommel et al to shame.

Y. Sammut

Oct 15th 2009, 21:07

I am pleased to see we have so many military experts in our country - I wonder why none of them have been drafted in with the army yet - I am sure their expertise would have been appreciated !! :)

As for Mr.Calleja, please note that it's not the AFM's fault that the urban sprawl has reached their training grounds. They were there much before Pembroke was built up. At any rate, I'm sure the noise was much less than the ear-splitting petards most other maltese have to endure during the Festa Season.

Let's just thank God that these men have dedicated their life to protecting us and ours. Without such professionals, towards whom could we turn in time of need? Keep up the good work, AFM.

P.Pulis

Oct 15th 2009, 20:16

Most probably, the times of invasions from the air are over. The new trend is invasion from the sea, mainly from Africa. This has been going on for some years now and the use of weapons and force to counter such invasions is out of the question. The relatively small army of malta (getting smaller in relation to illegal influx) can be better utilised to deal with this new and real treath

A.Calleja

Oct 15th 2009, 19:34

I WISH THEY FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO GO SHOOT FOR NOTHING . I SUGGEST COMINO. WE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN PEMBROKE ARE ENTITLED TO SOME PEACE AS WELL.

Matthew Grima

Oct 15th 2009, 18:12

@ M.Brincat First of all I am in no way nor have I ever been part of the AFM. Artillery training is not only needed in case of wars but for many other reasons. So I can't exactly see your point. And what is wrong with the military doing such exercises? If the military does not do a correct job we call it incompetent because its small, and when they do such exercises people still come out to negatively criticize their endeavours. Give them a break.

John Axiak

Oct 15th 2009, 18:11

M. Brincat has a point. Why spend money on external security when Malta's economy can never afford to sustain any force that can withstand any attack from anyone. Moreover, does anyone want to invade Malta? Does the occupation of the Malta have any economic or strategic significance? It may have had 60 years ago during WWII, but due to technological developments, this is no longer the case. Malta would be better off if it taxpayers' money was spent on improving internal security or something yet more basic such as road infrastructure, rather than training an obsolete military.

Paul Vassallo

Oct 15th 2009, 18:01

Training for DEFENCE by the AFM for any situation that might arise is essential and it will be good if more modern equipment will be given to the ARMED FORCES of MALTA.

R.J.Costigan

Oct 15th 2009, 17:55

This video brings me photos in my mind when we used to see British personnel doing the same practice as these during the early 60's. But they used something towed either to an aeroplane or a small craft behind as a target. The place is nearly the same. Nostalgic video.

Jonathan Copperstone

Oct 15th 2009, 17:52

The 1st Regiment is the AIR DEFENCE and SUPPORT Company. Air Defence to defend our island, God forbid we ever had to. And Support to those that might have to.Never insinuating that they want to be at war with anyone. As for the EXERCISE, one has to train and finalize a course to use the "ZPU" . A task carried out to the highest level by these soldiers. We also have to understand that if we have these weapons, they need to be used every so often to be kept in good working order. Well done to all those who took part. It was nice to see you at work. Hope it never has to be the real thing.

Robert Dimech

Oct 15th 2009, 17:49

Whatever happened to the Bofors 40mm L70 guns, especially the 10 donated by Italy a few years ago? They have much higher performance albeit require a slightly larger crew but it seems they have been withdrawn from service. It's probably a question of manning levels, true, but the Bofors represent a much better option for LAA cover in the absence of MANPADS or short range SAM's. It's a familiar weapon to the AFM and the skills to operate it are probably still there.

J Farrugia

Oct 15th 2009, 17:30

@ Mr Brincat we need you to command the AFM as soon as possible. Your military knowledge is second to none.

M.Brincat

Oct 15th 2009, 17:00

I can't imagine a situation where we need such machinery. We can't win a war vs. ANY country.

10 professional snipers and basic pistol training for all policemen should be enough in my opinion.