The Maldives has a recorded history of human habitation spanning over 25 centuries. Throughout its substantial history, the country has maintained its status as a sovereign and independent nation; with the exception of 2 time periods — an occupation by the Portuguese Empire the 16th century and in 1887 to 1965 as a British protectorate. Despite the small size, humble population, and significant geographically strategic value, the Maldives has preserved its freedom though dexterous diplomacy and selfless sacrifice of many Maldivian heroes who fought to defend the nation.
Origins of the Maldivian military began with the campaign for the expulsion of the Portuguese forces let the by the national hero As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-A'uẓam who raised the first known organized military body referred to as the "Hagu beykalun". However while this did mark the birth of a structured defense force, the modern military institution was formally established by As-Sulṭaan Ibrahim Nooraddeen on 21 April 1892 by the name of "Sifain".
Over the following century the military underwent many institutional reforms. Till 1979 it was called the National Guard and under the Ministry of Public Safety. 1979 onward the forces was reformed as the National Security Service (NSS) and as part of the Ministry of Defense and National Security. For several decades the police force was an integral part of NSS until 1 September 2004 — when it was decreed to be renamed as Maldives Police Service and as a separate civil entity under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The final significant transition happened on 21 April 2006 — the 114th anniversary; when it was renamed as the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the force structure was reorganized and modernized with the introduction of the Marine Corps, the expansion of the Coast Guard fleet, and the move towards the modern joint operational philosophy.
The ranking system of the MNDF is based on the traditional British military system and U.S. military system. The highest flag rank ever awarded was that of lieutenant general, in a non-military capacity to the previous Defence Minister Abdul Sattar, although the president being the commander in chief also holds the rank of general in a non-military capacity.
2 Adam Zahir held the rank of major General from 29 April 2004 to 1 September 2004 prior to the appointment as Commissioner at Maldives Police Service.
4Colonel Ahmed Nilam held the rank of brigadier general before he was demoted and dismissed from the service. He was dismissed for failing to act according to the responsibilities, conduct and rules of MNDF.
6Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef held the CDF post for the shortest tenure (From 17 November 2023 - 17 April 2024) due to compulsory retirement upon reaching 60 years of age as per the MNDF Act. He previously served as the Vice Chief of Defence Force from 11 December 2018 to 17 November 2023.
↑Voluntary service for individuals aged 18–24; no conscription; requires a 10th grade education or equivalent; political party membership is prohibited (2024)
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