Strengthening military volunteer reserve: A strategic imperative for national defence

New Straits Times

12-06-2025

THE military volunteer force has long been a vital element in a nation's defence strategy. In Malaysia, it serves as an important component of the national military structure, contributing significantly to defence capabilities.
Over the decades, volunteer forces worldwide have adapted to suit the evolving geopolitical climate and shifting security landscapes.
They are now recognised as critical force multipliers that support and augment regular armed forces both in peacetime and during conflict.
As a component of the broader military instrument within the national power elements—namely Diplomacy, Information, Military, and Economy (DIME)—the volunteer force plays a strategic role in bolstering national resilience.
Through the Malaysian Defence White Paper (DWP), the government has underscored its commitment to transforming Malaysia into a secure, sovereign, and prosperous nation.
This transformation hinges on strengthening the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in various domains, including the volunteer sector.
Revitalising the volunteer force, especially the Royal Malaysian Navy Volunteer Reserve (RMNVR), has become essential in addressing emerging security threats, both traditional and non-traditional.
This paper centres on the RMNVR, evaluating its current state and proposing strategies for its development into an operationally ready force.
By identifying appropriate roles and aligning the RMNVR with national strategic objectives, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) can better leverage its potential.
This would enable the RMNVR to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the regular force in fulfilling critical maritime defence duties.
In line with the DWP, the MAF's primary mission is to safeguard Malaysia's sovereignty and territorial integrity while protecting national interests from both internal and external threats.
The MAF's secondary roles involve Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO), and participation in international peacekeeping under the United Nations.
Defending the nation, however, is not solely the responsibility of the MAF. It requires the combined efforts of government agencies, the private sector, and society at large.
This is the basis of the Comprehensive Defence framework, a central pillar of the DWP. Within this context, volunteer forces must be ready for mobilisation and capable of replacing or supporting regular forces when necessary, as outlined in the Armed Forces Act 1972.
The RMNVR, established on 27 April 1934—the same day the RMN was founded—plays a vital role in this vision. Its mission is to create a spirited and skilled reserve force, trained to perform duties on par with regular naval personnel.
During emergencies or wartime, the RMNVR supports the RMN in defending Malaysia's maritime interests.
Currently, RMNVR headquarters is located at the RMN Base in Johor Bahru, overseeing 11 smaller units across the country. These units coordinate training and manage logistics.
Though supported by RMN infrastructure, there is a need for further development to align RMNVR capabilities with operational requirements.
A capable and operationally ready volunteer force demands mission-suited equipment and structural realignment. As part of the RMN's modernisation, the 15-to-5 Transformation Programme, initiated in 2017, aims to create a balanced, credible, and versatile naval force by 2050.
This initiative includes acquiring new assets such as ships, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can be utilised to train and equip RMNVR personnel.
To become operationally ready, the RMNVR must undergo structural changes. Assignments should be divided between sea-based operations (such as deployment on frontline ships) and shore-based support roles.
Volunteers must be trained in core naval functions—seamanship, engineering, logistics—and develop proficiency with onboard systems such as radar, navigation, communication, and weapons.
A clear doctrine must guide these transformations, ensuring alignment with broader military strategies and joint operations with the regular forces.
Moreover, the RMN should invest in enhancing technical competencies among RMNVR personnel. This includes skills in shipbuilding, maintenance, logistics, port management, and maritime operations.
Volunteers with civilian maritime experience can be an asset in coordinating operations, managing port security, and analysing shipping data to support military logistics and humanitarian efforts.
Volunteers can also contribute to environmental protection, marine research, and damage assessments during conflicts or disasters.
The DWP outlines key future force capabilities that the RMNVR could help fulfil. These include bolstering cyber-electromagnetic activities (CEMA), defence intelligence, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), and Network-Centric Operations (NCO).
Volunteer specialists in IT, cybersecurity, and satellite communication can be recruited from relevant industries to support these niche roles. Collaborations with companies such as PETRONAS or MISC could bring on board personnel with critical maritime and technical skills.
In learning from international best practices, the RMNVR can model its development after the Royal Australian Navy Reserve (RANR), Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) of the UK, and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
These reserve forces integrate seamlessly with their regular counterparts. Reservists are deployed on ships, participate in national exercises, and are held to professional standards equivalent to active-duty personnel.
Their success lies in clear policies, structured training, and continuous professional development elements that the RMNVR must adopt.
Determining the ideal future size of the RMNVR requires strategic foresight. The UK Ministry of Defence, for instance, considers factors such as emerging threats, technological shifts, operational commitments, and efficiency requirements in its force-sizing strategy.
Malaysia could apply similar criteria, ensuring the RMNVR remains flexible and resilient, ready to address both peacetime and wartime demands. This would also enable the RMNVR to support routine operations without overstretching the regular force.
Strategically, the RMNVR could evolve beyond its current form. A restructured organisation divided into warfare, engineering, and logistics command components would better align with the RMN's operational needs.
Investment in dedicated training facilities and modern simulators would prepare volunteers for shipboard operations and technical assignments.
Specialised training should focus on critical naval operations such as anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, electronic warfare, and command and control (C4ISR).
Volunteers could serve as gunnery assistants, sonar operators, bridge navigators, and technical engineers. This would create a competent auxiliary force capable of maintaining essential naval functions during high-tempo operations or crises.
Additionally, the RMNVR can support intelligence collection through Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).
Collaborations with the telecoms and energy sectors can enable targeted recruitment and training. For example, telecommunications firms can help train SIGINT operators, while offshore rig workers can contribute to maritime HUMINT.
The RMNVR has the foundational structure, historical legacy, and potential to be revitalised into an operationally ready force. A comprehensive strategy that includes doctrinal clarity, structured training, capability alignment, and strategic partnerships is necessary.
With the right roadmap, the RMNVR can mirror successful international models and fully integrate with the RMN.
This revitalisation effort directly supports the three pillars of the DWP—Concentric Deterrence, Comprehensive Defence, and Credible Partnerships.
Ultimately, by transforming the RMNVR into an operationally ready and versatile force, Malaysia can significantly enhance its military power and resilience, ensuring it is well-prepared to defend its maritime interests and national sovereignty in the face of current and future challenges.