Military Security
The Military Security Department's (MSD) core business is in counter intelligence and internal security for MINDEF/SAF. We are an independent body that reports directly to the Permanent Secretary of Defence, PS(D).
Last updated 15 July 2026
MSD was formed in 1975 to counter the threats of espionage, subversion and sabotage against MINDEF/SAF. It began with two main entities, namely the Counter Intelligence Branch (CIB) and Field Security Branch (FSB).
Over the years, MSD has continued to evolve and our roles have expanded in tandem with the changing security environment. Today, our roles also include counter terrorism and cyber security.
Job functions
Operations
Our Operations Officers detect and neutralise security threats to ensure a secure environment for MINDEF and the SAF. We conduct investigations and use psychometric tools and polygraph for credibility assessment and field liaison.
Research
Our Research Officers analyse and produce intelligence products to provide early warning and support for our operations and policy making. We work with agencies across the whole-of-government to pre-empt threats and shape security policies.
Protective Security
Our Protective Security Officers play a vital role in keeping MINDEF and the SAF's secrets away from adversaries – by applying our expertise in managing physical, technological, and information risks. We drive security policymaking and formulate security measures for sensitive acquisitions and operations alongside our stakeholders.
Specific roles include policy-formulation, international (security) relations, project security management, information security, physical security, technology security.
Industrial Security
Our Industrial Security Officers develop policies, establish frameworks and maintain security oversight over key defence agencies and companies. Specific roles include industrial security policy formulation and relations, audits, risk assessments, and provision of early warning and support to operations and policy making.
Cyber and Infocomm Technology Security
Our Cyber and Infocomm Technology Security officers deter, detect, and neutralise security threats in the digital domain in order to provide a secure environment for MINDEF and the SAF to achieve mission success.
Specific roles include cybersecurity monitoring, incident response & digital forensics, threat hunting & analysis, malware analysis & reverse engineering, penetration testing, cybersecurity plans and consultancy, and digital systems management.
Corporate Plans & Services
Our Corporate Plans & Services Officers contribute to the strategic planning of manpower and organisational resources to provide seamless operational support to support the mission of MSD.
Specific roles include human resource plans & policies, human resource management, finance, procurement and logistics management.