Secretariat of National Defense

The Secretariat of National Defense (Spanish: Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, SEDENA) is the Mexican government department responsible for managing Mexico's Army and Air Forces. Its head is the Secretary of National Defense who, like the co-equal Secretary of the Navy, is directly answerable to the president. Before 1937, the position was called the Secretary of War and Navy (Secretaría de Guerra y Marina). The agency has its headquarters in Lomas de Sotelo, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City. Some key figures who answer directly to the Secretary are the Assistant Secretary, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, and all military tribunals. Alongside his role as a cabinet member the Secretary shares, since 2020, the official ex officio title of "Commanding General of the Mexican Army, Air Force, and National Guard" (Alto Mando del Ejercito, Fuerza Aerea, y Guardia Nacional). Role Under the Federal Public Administration Act (Ley Orgánica de la Administración Pública Federal), the Secretary has the following duties, among others provided by the Constitution and relevant laws of Congress: Organize and administer affairs of the Army, Air Force and the National Guard and assist in their functions. Organize and assist in development and enforcement of National Military Service for the Army and Air Force. Management of the Army, Air Force, National Guard and armed contingents which do not belong to the state level national guard or law enforcement agencies. Plan, direct and handle mobilization of the country in the event of war; formulating and executing plans and orders necessary for national defense purposes, as well as directing and advising civil defense in both peacetime and wartime scenarios in coordination with the Army, Air Force and National Guard. Construct and prepare every kind of military buildings for Army and Air Force use, including forts and barracks, as well as administration of barracks, hospitals and other military buildings. Administer military justice, education and medical services as well as handle necessary benefits for personnel of the Army, Air Force and National Guard. Acquire and build armaments, ammunition, and all kinds of materials and elements for the use of Army and Air Force, as well as for the National Guard. Grant permission for an expedition force to enter another country or to allow another country to send their forces to Mexico, as well as for scientific activities conducted in Mexican territory by other nations or international organizations. Manage the issuing of licenses to bear firearms with the aim of preventing the use of arms expressly banned in law and also those types of arms restricted by the state for the exclusive use of the Army, Air Force, Navy and National Guard, with the exception of what is established by the 13th section of Article 30 of the Constitution, as well as the supervision and issuing of permits for the sale, transport and storage of firearms, chemical weapons, explosives and strategic weapons, as well as in the importation and exportation of the same. Contribute in construction of land and air-based communications lines together with other agencies of the Federal Government. Organize air-based SAR operations in times of emergency. (Article 80, Civil Aviation Law) List of secretaries See also Museo del Enervante – a Sedena museum dedicated to those who have fought drug trafficking in Mexico. Zuyaqui – a famous dog who worked for the agency. Sources External links Official site of the Secretariat of National Defense (in Spanish) Official site of the Secretariat of National Defense, English version Citizens' Portal, Official Site of the Mexican Government (in Spanish) Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration (in Spanish)