The Ministry of Defence and National Service (MoDNS) is a fully fledged Ministry that was established since 1995. Before that the function of this Ministry were performed by then the Ministry of state under the auspices of the Second Vice President’s Office and the President’s Office from 1972 to 1989 and 1989 to November 1995 respectively. Before the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar the ministry was known as the Ministry of Defence and External affairs.

The Ministry is responsible for the national defence; to defend the state sovereignty and safeguard the interests of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Major implementing agencies of this responsibility are:

i. Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF);

ii. National Services;

iii. Military Research and Development Institutions.

Apart from these implementing agencies, the Ministry is the facilitator, the overall administrator and policy overrseer of all responsibility.

MANDATES

The Ministry of Defence and National Service mandates includes:

i. Implementation of the National Defence Policy;

ii. Supervision of the National Service Training;

iii. Supervision of Performance Improvement in Development of Human Resources under this Ministry;

iv. Oversee implementation of the Extra-Ministerial Department, Institutions and Projects under the Ministry.

ROLES

Commensurate with this mandate, the roles of the MoDNS are:

a. Build the capacity of Defence Forces in order to pursue Tanzania Defence objectives including:

i. Protection of Tanzania’s sovereignty;

ii. Contribution towards mechanisms for conflict prevention, management and resolutions.

iii. Provision of Military support for Civil Authorities in responding to civil emergencies.

iv. Maintenance of sufficient and credible reserve capability.

b. Build the national Service to become a centre of excellence by:-

i. Promoting national social cohesion, intergrity and solidarity among Tanzania youth.

ii. Recruitment of youth for defence and security.

iii. Imparting Tanzania youth with basic artisan skills.

c. Promote defence industrial base and technological competence.

d. Provide support for Tanzania’s overall foreign and security policy.