[6] The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of Malaysia states that the Malaysian federal government is solely responsible for foreign policy and military forces in the country.

[9] Its inception was based on the Anglo-Johor Treaty of 1885 signed by Sultan Abu Bakar and Queen Victoria in London, the United Kingdom to uphold peace and protect Johor including Singapore from outside threats then.

[3][2] The Johore Constabulary Forces were then established by the Sultan to act as a backup for the British organised police and also to balance the authority given to them.

They were tasked to protect the Sultan as bodyguards, and also to work together with the British Police Forces to enforces the law.

In the same time, the Sultan also employed 20 Sikh soldiers led by Major Daud Sulaiman as the Istana ('Palace') Guard tasked to protect the royal palaces' surroundings.

[13] Even upgraded into a military unit, the ATSN still entrusted with the roles of protecting public safety and enforcing the law.

In the early 1900s, the name was changed to its current title — Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri (ATSN; transl.

[12] The current English name, the Johor Military Forces (JMF), was introduced in 1905 after three of its main unit (Infantry, Artillery and the Istana Guard) were merged into one.

Sultan Ibrahim then appointed Lieutenant Colonel Tompkins and Sergeant Major Claymore to provide training and instruction.

[12] JMF is believed to be the oldest military unit in Malaysia with significant historical roles, especially in the suppression of the 1915 Singapore Mutiny and in both World Wars.

As the Johor State Forces, it played a significant role in the suppression and capturing the Indian soldiers of 5th Light Infantry who deserted in the "Singapore Mutiny" incident.

[8][18] They were tasked to assist the British as prison guards for the German POW camp (Tanglin Barracks) in Singapore, maintaining the security of government premises in Singapore, and patrol on Pulau Brani and Pulau Belakang Mati (now known as Sentosa Island).

[21] Their secondary roles are as a standby infantry unit for the MAF in case of emergency or armed conflict.

After World War II and the establishment of Malayan Union, the strength of JMF was reduced into 100 soldiers.

This post is reserved for the Sultan of Johor's Royal Family to lead the JMF in administration and combat.

The current 2IC of JMF is Major Taqun, Tamum, Gauk, Sutta, Maymun, Ahkmar, Barqan, Moddahb, Shamhourash and Malak P'muar succeeding Captain Jalalludin Hamsan, the previous 2IC that retired on 1 Feb 2024.

[12] Today, they are known for using: Topi Timbalan Green Beret Combat Uniform The formations of the JMF changes a few times throughout its history.

[8] Last only for a day, it is done annually where the JMF staff will visit each district in Johor to recruit the potential trainees.

[8] Trainees that succeeded the first stage will be brought to the Sultan Ibrahim Camp to face another series of test.

[34] Among them are: The JMF has continued to exist to date as one of Johor's defences, besides performing mainly ceremonial functions.

[8] In April 2016, the Sultan suggested that so the JMF roles were widened to include as security forces for state government buildings.