Forty recruits were enlisted in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Malta today after a preliminary selection process which included physical, academic and medical exams and an interview.

The intake includes six women.

The recruits will undergo a basic military training course, expected to last 18 weeks. It will incorporate military discipline, physical training, drill and skill-at-arms with a variety of weapons.

Other subjects will include military knowledge, basic first aid, basic swimming training, military law, aspects of the International Humanitarian Law, and land navigation.

The recruits will also be lectured on personal hygiene, kit, uniform and equipment.

The instructors serve in the AFM’s various units, as well as the recently established Training School of 4 Regiment AFM. After their Passing Out Parade, the recruits will be allocated to the AFM’s various units, where they will start their career.

Another 12 women will be enlisted at the end of February, after a call for applications earlier this month saw 25 applications received. These female recruits will also follow the same Basic Military Training Course and will afterwards serve at 1st Regiment's "Alpha" (Airport Security) Company.