Of Mines and Men...

Day with the Engineers of the AFM's 3rd Regiment

Our post begins way back in October when Abela, Cremona and Corrieri bumped into Ex-Sliema VSL Capt. Stroud of the AFM's 3rd Regiment at the AFM's Open Day.

Needless to say one thing lead to another, and by the end of the conversation the Unit (along with Corrieri haha) were invited to join the Engineers of the 3rd Regiment for a day at their barracks.

Gunner Hili, Cremona, Corrieri, and a variety of dummy mines and mine-wear...

The day finally came, and the Unit showed up in full force (not to mention full SVS fashion wear).

The first part of the day consisted of a presentation, which mostly involved mine technology, mine laying, mine breaching, the equipment they use, and lots of other bits and bobs.

SVS Picnic...

After a typical Maltese picnic with galletti, gbejniet, salami and twistees, the Engineers lead us to a "mine field" which they laid out for us to put the theory we learnt into practice. While Abela and Corrieri went first to try their hand at mine breaching, the rest of the Unit went on to try out the rest of the gear which they prepared for us.

Corrieri and Abela geared up...

As the day moved on, and everyone put their de-mining skills to test, we moved onto building a quick aerial rope-way, which they would use to transport equipment and if necessary personnel over an obstacle.

Zack donning the anti-shrapnel suit...

Terrance giving Zack a hand with some pretty big shoes..

As dusk started to set in we decided to start packing it in. After a group photo in front of the AFM's emblem, we discussed with the Engineers the prospect of having some joint activities. I won't give anything away, but we already have some plans in the pipeline for 2010.

Group Photo

Mo$es & Chalie