The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus is the central executive government body responsible for implementing state military policy and administering the country's armed forces. Operating under the leadership of the President as Commander-in-Chief, its mandate encompasses safeguarding national sovereignty, maintaining combat readiness, and organizing territorial defense. Established on March 20, 1992, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the ministry was organized directly upon the infrastructure and headquarters of the former Soviet Belorussian Military District.