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.[12]
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 17th November 2023 - 17th April 2024) due to compulsory retirement upon reaching 60 years of age as per MNDF Act. He previously served as the Vice Chief of Defence Force from 11 December 2018 to 17 November 2023
^"About Us". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 12, 2012.
^"Türkiye-ABD Savunma Ticareti Diyaloğu için anlaşma sağlandı" (in Turkish). 2024-03-09. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
^"Maldives receives renowned Turkish drones amid India tensions". Daily Sabah. 11 March 2021. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
^"World Air Forces 2023". Flightglobal Insight. 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
^Hadi, Ahmedulla Abdul (1 October 2020). "MNDF puts off disclosing info on Indian donated aircraft". Sun. Archived from the original on 28 November 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
^"India Hands Over Surveillance Aircraft to Maldives Amid Strategic Tussle with China". xairforces.com. 30 September 2020. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
^"HAL workers may replace military staff in Maldives". The Times of India. 2024-02-09. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-05-14.
^Anandan, S. (14 December 2013). "India donates second naval Advanced Light Helicopter to Maldives". The Hindu. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
^"Organization". Maldives National Defence Force. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
^"Ranks Used". MNDF. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012.
^"Chief of Defence Force". MNDF. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
^"Vice Chief of Defence Force". MNDF. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
Notes
^Voluntary service for individuals aged 18–28; no conscription; requires a 10th grade education or equivalent; political party membership is prohibited (2023)