The AFM is a brigade sized organisation consisting of a headquarters and three separate battalions, with minimal air and naval forces.

In 1815, Lieutenant Colonel Count Francis Rivarola was entrusted with the task of raising the Royal Malta Fencible Regiment following the disbandment of the Provincials, Veterans and Coast Artillery.

HQ AFM is composed of the following branches: 1st Regiment is Malta's infantry unit, and has primary responsibility for the territorial defence of the country.

Established with the AFM review of 30 October 2006, it includes: The Air Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta is the aerial component of the current Maltese military.

The Air Wing has responsibility for the security of Maltese airspace, conducts maritime patrol and search and rescue duties, and provides military assistance to other government departments of Malta.

The Maritime Squadron of the Armed Forces of Malta is the naval component of the current Maltese military.

IMM personnel resources in Malta totalled 12 officers and 35 NCOs from the three service branches of the Italian Armed Forces.

On land, 1 Regiment is the designated home of the Maltese Infantry with C (Special Duties) Company being at the cutting edge of this unit.

C (Special Duties) Company is also being geared for a quick reaction role, ready for action at a moment's notice should an emergency, such as terrorism, arise.

The fiat for change was given to C Company prior to its successful participation in the multi-national Partnership for Peace exercise in 1996.

With funding being a perennial problem, over the years the Force had to rely on varied equipment transferred or financed by several countries.

The army has also bought Heckler and Koch sub-machine guns and, thanks to Chinese assistance, all infantrymen now have their own individual AKM rifle.

The Maltese Infantry soldier is equipped with the latest British Army issue Personal Load Bearing Equipment including both the webbing and bergen as well as the woodland pattern battle dress uniform, Avon S10 respirator and Kevlar ballistic helmet.

Several variants of the AKM rifle have been modernized by FAB Defense,[9] along with the use of renewable personnel combat equipment from the UK.