A defence minister (or defense minister, see spelling differences) is a cabinet portfolio (position) which regulates the armed forces in a sovereign nation. The minister or secretary of defence is usually a very important role in a cabinet. When cabinets first started appearing in the late 18th century, they were often called "Ministers of War" (U.S., "Secretary of War"), who were in charge of the land forces of a nation. Since the end of World War II, the change was made from war to defence, and also often involved putting the defence minister in charge of both land and sea warfare. Another common reform which occurred at the end of World War II was to place the defence minister in a National Security Council or inner cabinet which allows the head of government to coordinate both military and diplomatic activities.

The Defence Ministry in some countries is a very important ministry, sometimes considered more important than the foreign minister (U.S., secretary of state). It is often assumed by the Prime Minister if war is common for that nation (for example, no less than five Prime Ministers of Israel have held the Defence Ministry during their Premiership). In many nations, it is the very strong convention that the defence minister be a civilian to highlight civilian control over the military. In less democratic countries, the minister is often a uniformed army official.

In the United States, the defence minister has been called the Secretary of Defense since 1947, when the once separate War Department and the Department of the Navy were merged (though the Secretary of the Navy exists to this day, it is no longer a Cabinet level position, being subordinate to the Secretary of Defense). In the United States, military orders typically go from the President of the United States through the Secretary.

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question sa economics exam:"what does DND means?" my answer:"Do not disturb" real answer:"department of national defence" :))) hahahaha!!
Razer33x (michael RILLERA) Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:58:20 -0000
question sa economics exam:"what does DND means?" my answer:"Do not disturb" real answer:"department of national defence" :))) hahahaha!!
Appearing on AusTender today: the Department of Defence is looking for a supplier of a "Guy, Mounting Shackle" - hmmm
bluetrain (bluetrain) Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:28 -0000
Appearing on AusTender today: the Department of Defence is looking for a supplier of a "Guy, Mounting Shackle" - hmmm
Department of defence spending tax dollars on Ps3's just added
Flash2Hack (Nick Parr) Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:21:36 -0000
Department of defence spending tax dollars on Ps3's just added
@mikejulietbravo But considering when is happening with Gary, just how good are US Department of Defence Standards.?
DilbertDave (Dave Carson) Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:07:32 -0000
@mikejulietbravo But considering when is happening with Gary, just how good are US Department of Defence Standards.?
Military will testify at N.L. helicopter inquiry: The Department of National Defence says it will testify at the of... http://bit.ly/72bPCU
moukthikad (moukthika d) Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:10:41 -0000
Military will testify at N.L. helicopter inquiry: The Department of National Defence says it will testify at the of... http://bit.ly/72bPCU
My bodys department of defence has declared a state of emergency so army is on overdrive. Even joints like elbows are hurting.
DisneyUK (Judith Disney) Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:34:12 -0000
My bodys department of defence has declared a state of emergency so army is on overdrive. Even joints like elbows are hurting.

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