3rd Regiment of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is a combat support regiment tasked with providing direct support to AFM Units through the deployment of well-trained soldier. The Regimental Headquarters is based at Safi Barracks in Hal Safi and is under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Matthew John Camilleri, AFM.
This support encompasses a wide range of logistical and service support functions, including electrical and mechanical engineering maintenance, combat engineering, and heavy plant deployment. Additionally, the Regiment is responsible for the secure storage and accountability of ammunition, drawing on its specialized expertise in this area. The Regiment also houses the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) platoon, which is equipped to handle both land-based and underwater EOD tasks, supported by a military diving capability. This comprehensive set of responsibilities makes the 3rd Regiment a crucial component in ensuring the operational readiness and safety of the AFM.
An integral part of this Unit is the field engineering capability which, apart from its normal peace time support back-up also performs engineer battlefield functions for the infantry units focusing on mobility, counter mobility, survivability and sustainability.
Headquartered at Safi Barracks and under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Matthew John Camilleri AFM, this Unit is made up of the following Squadrons:
• Headquarters Squadron (HQ Sqn)
• Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Squadron (EME Sqn)
• Combat Engineer Squadron (CES)
• Ammunition & Explosives Squadron (A&E Sqn)
Owing to their specialization, the mission of these sub-units varies greatly from one another, yet they all have in common basic soldiering skills mastered by each soldier at an individual level.
Headquarters Squadron
The HQ Squadron is responsible for maintenance and safe keeping of all Unit weapons as well as periodical inspections and repairs on all AFM weapons requiring specialized modification. Through the Motor Transport Section, it ensures that all Unit motor transport requirements are met. It provides the appropriate transport for sub-units to carry out daily duties. The section enforces vehicle maintenance schedules of the Unit’s motorised assets and co-ordinates servicing plans with EME Sqn. It also supports the Unit’s sustainability through the provision of daily messing facilities through the Canteen Section, and the Unit’s Logistical requirements through the Quartermaster Section.
Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Squadron
The EME Squadron provides vehicular electrical and mechanical support to achieve and sustain the required level of operational availability of all land-based equipment in service within the Force. It does so by employing skilled tradesmen focusing on their field of expertise to perform varied jobs ranging from minor repairs to major mechanical overhauls. It assists HQ AFM’s Logistics Branch by monitoring vehicles’ condition and makes appropriate recommendations suggesting disposal as well as procurement of new vehicles.
Combat Engineer Squadron
The CES provides military engineer support. Combat engineers are able to enhance mobility, deny mobility to opposing forces, improve the survivability of soldiers by conducting battlefield works (such as reinforced trenches and bunkers) and augment sustainability during operations. It also supports infrastructure as well as engineer intelligence and information. The CES also performs works involving heavy plant utilizing wheeled or chained shovels, bulldozers, and tipper trucks to carry out AFM Engineer tasks. Personnel also assist other sub-units such as the A&E Sqn in the aftermath of incidents such as fireworks factories explosions and relative clearance of the site there after. This troop is also called to assist the Civil Protection Department (CPD) in rescue operations during flash floods and incidents when heavy plant operators and equipment are required.
This Squadron however also plays a role as direct support to all AFM Units when it comes to other expertise, ensuring Force wide self-sufficiency and sustainment. The construction troop is made up of skilled tradesmen such as masons and carpenters, who are utilized in assisting other Units in carrying out maintenance and refurbishment of the AFM’s defence estate. The Electrical and Mechanical Troop supplies all other AFM units with specialised refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians. Welders, electricians and plumbers also form part of this troop and conduct works on AFM property and assets.
Ammunition & Explosives Squadron
The A&E Sqn plays a critical role within the Armed Forces, ensuring the safe storage, accountability, and distribution of military and commercial ammunition and explosives. The Squadron’s responsibilities extend beyond storage, including the security of the ammunition depot, managing armed entry points, and controlling access to sensitive areas. A key component of the Squadron is its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) capabilities, which involve rendering safe or disposing of unexploded ordnance and Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs). The Squadron also supports civil authorities and commercial entities, offering expertise in security searches, post-blast investigations, and underwater recovery operations. Additionally, the Squadron’s diving operations encompass the search and recovery of underwater casualties, maintenance of maritime vessels, and underwater IED security searches. Overall, the A&E Squadron is integral to both military operations and national security, providing a wide range of specialized services that ensure the safety and readiness of the Armed Forces and the broader community.
