The Minister of Defence is the Government of Vietnam member in charge of the Ministry of Defence. The Minister directs the management functions of state for defense, and is responsible for and is the second highest commander of the Vietnam People's Army and Militia. The Minister is also Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, a Member of the Politburo and a Member of the Council for National Defense and Security. The current Minister of Defence is Army General Phan Văn Giang, since 8 April 2021.