“Honor, Sacrifice, Loyalty.” That’s the motto of the Lebanese Armed Forces. It is a motto deeply connected to the Ministry of Defence.
The Ministry of Defence stands in Yarzeh. Yarzeh is in the Baabda District of Mount Lebanon. This location is not just a building. It’s the heart of Lebanon’s defense.
Designed by French architect André Wogenscky in 1968 the Ministry of Defence is Lebanon’s largest ministry building. Wogenscky partnered with Maurice Hindie. Hindie was his Lebanese counterpart. Both architects drew inspiration from Le Corbusier.
Initially the government wanted traditional Lebanese architecture. Wogenscky and Hindie offered a modern interpretation. They created a composition of straight blocks. These blocks are held aloft by stilts. Shaded paths connect the blocks. Mushroom slabs cover these paths creating open views.
The facades have T-shaped shades. From a distance these resemble traditional arcades. The Minister’s office is on the far left. The conference area is an ovoid structure on the far right. Water surrounds and mirrors the ovoid structure.
Within the Ministry of Defence is the Lebanese Military Museum. The museum houses the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Lebanese Armed Forces consist of ground forces the air force and the navy.
The Ministry oversees the Lebanese Armed Forces. The army’s primary missions are defending Lebanon. They also protect its citizens from external aggression. Maintaining internal stability is key. They confront threats against Lebanon’s vital interests. The army engages in social development. It undertakes relief operations. These operations are coordinated with public and humanitarian institutions.
The Lebanese Armed Forces emblem is a cedar tree. It is surrounded by two laurel leaves. Below are symbols of the three branches. Two bayonets represent ground forces. An anchor symbolizes the navy. Two wings stand for the air force.
The Lebanese Army has a long history. The army’s beginnings trace back to 1916. The French government established the Legion of the Orient. It included Lebanese soldiers.
After Lebanon gained independence in 1943 the Lebanese government formed an official delegation in 1944 to negotiate with the French the terms related to handing over the LAF. On August 1 1945 the LAF was placed under full authority of the Lebanese National Government.
Today the Ministry of Defence remains vital. It oversees an army of 84200 active personnel. The Ministry is essential to Lebanon’s stability. The Ministry of Defence continues to evolve. It adapts to modern challenges while honoring its history.