The AFM will be parading its Colours on Friday in a ceremony to bid farewell to its commander, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, and welcome Col Martin Xuereb, who will succeed him.
The parade will be held at Luqa Barracks, which hosts AFM headquarters.
Brig Vassallo will be inspecting a Guard of Honour and the parade will then march before him and Col Xuereb.
In what should be a moving moment, an Ensign will hand the AFM Colours to Brigadier Vassallo, who will hand them to Colonel Xuereb.
Colonel Xuereb then returns the AFM Colours to the Colour Ensign.
Colonel Xuereb will then mount the dais and will receive a General Salute. He will inspect the parade.
Addresses will be made by Brig. Vassallo and Col Xuereb.
Major Ivan Consiglio, the AFM's press officer, said the change-of-command ceremony in the military is a time-honoured tradition which symbolizes the continuity of authority as the command is passed from one individual to another.
"The ceremony, as traditionally practiced within the military is a transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to another," he said.
"Few occasions stir the emotions of people more than a formal military ceremony. Most of these ceremonies instil a great amount of pride in our small Armed Forces for all who attend. There are many formal ceremonies, but no matter what role one fills during such events, it is always a worthwhile moment to look around and reflect on the military traditions and customs that have been carried on for many years. These traditions and customs make the AFM servicemen proud to be a part of the country's military establishment."
Throughout military history, unit Colours have marked the position of the commander on the battlefield and served as a rallying point. While attacking or rallying on the battlefield, soldiers would follow the standard or guidons of their leader, most often found at the forward edge of the battle.
In more recent time, the Colours have represented not only the heritage and history of the unit, but also the unity and loyalty of its soldiers. The Colours are the Commander's symbol of authority, representing his responsibilities to the organisation.
The passing of the AFM Colousr from Brigadier Vassallo to Colonel Xuereb will thus represent the transfer of authority from one Commander to another.