Abstract: Based on archival materials, normative documents, memoirs and relevant literature, the paper analyzes organization and the scope of work of the military cabinet of Marshal Josip Broz Tito. This institution was first known as the Cabinet of the Supreme Commander and Minister of National Defence, then as the Cabinet of the Supreme Commander of the Yugoslavia Armed Forces from 1953, and finally as the Cabinet of the Supreme Commander and Federal Secretary for National Defence from 1971 to 1982. The article highlights the immense volume of work carried out by Cabinet personnel.
Keywords: Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, Military Cabinet, Military Cabinet Chiefs, adjutants, presidential decrees, individual requests
Summary
The structure and activity of the Cabinet, which was in charge of managing Marshal Josip Broz Tito’s military affairs, were changed in accordance with the specific way of state organization as well as the changes that took place during the process of forming and developing socialist Yugoslavia. At the same time, the official name of the Military Cabinet changed as well. When considering Broz retained the position of Commander-in-Chief throughout this period (1945–1980), the only element that was common in both the name and the organization of the Cabinet, was that this institution served the needs of Josip Broz Tito as Commander-in-Chief. The Military Cabinet grew over time into an institution that had a wide range of different jobs and great political power. From its inception until Broz’s death in 1980, the function of the Cabinet was strictly personalized and organized in accordance with his public and private duties. The majority of the work completed by Military Cabinet staff were military-related. In addition to administering military issues, the Cabinet also served as a specific office where every Yugoslav citizen could apply for a solution to some of their problems, including financial and material assistance. The Military Cabinet became more organized over time and focused on specific tasks. The demands made by Broz were successfully implemented. Only selected and capable individuals served in the Cabinet, and they worked extremely hard. The Military Cabinet Chief was the most important member in the military cabinet. All heads of the military cabinet were experienced officers with the rank of general and a successful military career performing the most responsible duties. Over time, the adjutant, or deputy chief, also gained an important role, but all the time it was the chief who was a person of special trust to Josip Broz Tito and who accompanied him on almost all activities in the country and abroad. Following Broz’s death, the Military Cabinet changed its name again, its structure, and scope of work. The new aims were to adapt to the requirements of the new state system led by a Yugoslav Collective Presidency.