AFM Captain Darren Barbara graduates with Master’s in Explosive Ordnance Engineering
The Armed Forces of Malta has congratulated Captain Darren Barbara after he successfully completed a Master of Science in Explosive Ordnance Engineering at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom.
The qualification marks the completion of a two-year academic and professional development programme.
According to the AFM, Captain Barbara undertook the programme after successfully completing the Ammunition Technical Officer course, a specialist qualification delivered in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence.
Specialist knowledge supporting the AFM
The programme provided advanced knowledge and skills connected to ammunition management, explosives safety and explosive ordnance engineering.
The AFM said this expertise will further strengthen its ability to manage ammunition and explosives safely, while also improving the specialist technical support available for national-defence duties.
Such work forms an important part of the Armed Forces’ responsibilities. The AFM provides explosive ordnance disposal and improvised explosive-device disposal cover as part of its defence role.
Its Ammunition and Explosives Squadron is also responsible for the secure storage, accountability and distribution of military and commercial ammunition and explosives.
The squadron’s duties extend to unexploded ordnance, improvised explosive devices, security searches, post-blast investigations and specialist support to other authorities.
Investment in professional development
Captain Barbara’s graduation reflects the AFM’s continued investment in specialised training and professional development.
Qualifications in highly technical fields can help strengthen operational readiness while ensuring personnel are prepared to manage sensitive and potentially dangerous material according to professional safety standards.
The Armed Forces congratulated Captain Barbara on the achievement and highlighted the value his newly acquired expertise will bring to the organisation.
