ESTABLISHMENT AND ORGANISATION
The Malawi Defence Force falls within the hierarchy of Ministry of Defence (MoD) with the Commander-In-Chief, who is the President, at the top, followed by the Minister of Defence. Next in line is the Ministry of Defence Headquarters led by the Secretary for Defence (PS) who oversees policy, finance, and administration. Additionally, there is the Defence Force Headquarters headed by the Defence Force Commander, who manages operational and daily military activities. Below the Commander is his Deputy. In the Office of the Commander, there is the Chief of Staff in whose office is the Military Advisor, Provost Marshal, Public Information Officer, Aide-de-camp, and the Defence Force Sergeant Major. Below the Deputy Defence Force Commander are Service Commanders, Chiefs of Directorates and the Inspector General (IG).
His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera
President of the Republic of Malawi and commander-in-Chief of Malawi Defence Force
Section 78 of the Republican Constitution stipulates that there shallbe a President of the Republic who shall be Head of State and Government and the Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces of Malawi. Section 161 of the Republican Constitution further states that the ultimate responsibility for the Defence Forces of Malawi shall vest in the President as Commander-in-Chief.
The Defence Force Commander is responsible for all operational matters as well as the day to day running of the military.
The deputy commander comes below the Commander, according to the constitution of the republic this is a deligated appointment as such it has no defined duties.
Malawi Defence Force has four services which include land forces, Navy Forces, air force and Malawi National Service.