公権力
The position has existed since 5 November 1937. From its creation until 6 February 1969, the position's name was "Minister for the Armed Force" ("Ministre de la Force Armée"). From 1969 until 7 August 1999, the official title of the office was "Minister for the Public Force" ("Ministre de la Force publique"). In 1999, the briefs of international cooperation and humanitarian relief were added to that of defence, creating the office of "Minister for Cooperation, Humanitarian Action, and Defence" (). In 2004, the positions were separated again, creating the current title.