ABOUT USIM ROTU
The Reserve Officer Training Unit (PALAPES) is a collaborative program between the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Higher Education for students in Public Universities (UA).
Apart from producing reserve officers to meet the needs of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the PALAPES program also supports the government and universities’ efforts to develop the qualities and identity of a well-rounded citizen who is disciplined and possesses the characteristics to defend national interests. A cadet officer will undergo part-time training for three years, with regular training sessions covering military-related subjects held every weekend. Continuous training and an annual training camp will be conducted full-time for up to three weeks.
The PALAPES program now covers all service branches within the ATM, including the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Each PALAPES unit has its own Training Headquarters. Currently, PALAPES has been established in 17 public universities.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO JOIN ROTU?
To qualify for ROTU, applicants must meet the following requirements:
• Must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at USIM with a study duration of no less than three years.
• Must be a Malaysian citizen.
• Aged between 18 and 25 years.
• Must be in good health.
• Minimum height: 162 cm for males and 157 cm for females.
• Minimum weight: 50 kg for males and 45 kg for females.
• No color blindness. Individuals who wear glasses may also be considered.
• Good hearing ability.
• Good character and a strong interest in military training.
• Pass the Basic Fitness Test.
• Pass a security screening.
• Pass an interview.
DOCUMENT
Required Documents:
- 4 copies of the applicant’s Identity Card
- 4 copies of the Birth Certificate
- 4 copies of Academic Certificates
- 4 copies of the School Leaving Certificate
- 4 copies of the Next-of-Kin’s Identity Card
- 4 passport-sized photographs
- A complete medical examination report, including an X-ray
ROTU ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING
PALAPES Training Duration
The PALAPES training is conducted over three years:
• First year: Level 1 (Junior)
• Second year: Level 2 (Intermediate)
• Third year: Level 3 (Senior)
The training conducted in PALAPES is similar to that of Regular Force Cadets, as implemented at the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM) and the Army Academy (ATD) – Graduate Cadet Branch.
PALAPES is required to conduct authorized training based on the Territorial Army Guidelines Manual MM 15.1.1A TD 2006.
Types of Training Conducted in PALAPES:
1. Local Training (LT)
All subjects taught are based on the respective training levels. Training days are scheduled according to the availability of cadet officers or university co-curricular days to ensure maximum attendance. Training sessions must be at least 10 hours long to qualify cadet officers for free meal rations.
2. Continuous Training (LB)
The PALAPES headquarters is responsible for planning Continuous Training to review subjects that require further emphasis. Each training session must be no less than 72 hours. Some of the training syllabus that may be conducted during Continuous Training includes:
a. Map Reading
b. Shooting Training
c. Drill Training
d. Public Order Training
e. Signaling Training
3. Annual Training Camp (LKT)
The Annual Training Camp is the pinnacle of all training conducted each year. During this training, all cadet officers will be tested and evaluated on theoretical and practical aspects of their learning. A standardized assessment will be conducted for all cadet officers across all PALAPES units in public universities. Each cadet officer is required to participate in training according to their respective levels.
The evaluation and activities for the Annual Training Camp are standardized by the LKT Evaluation Team and coordinated by the Army Training and Doctrine Command (MK PLDTD).
ROTU COMMISSIONING
