[1] It serves as the highest decision making body in the armed forces outside of the government controlled defense ministry and provides the armed forces with integrated military management as well as participates in the development of defense policy and the planning and organizing of the military.

In March 1921, the Mongolian People's Party Military Administration Department was established with five members and was renamed the "Headquarters".

A Military Council also existed, functioning with a General Staff that was exclusively led by Soviet specialists.

After the Mongolian Revolution of 1990, the General Staff became disassociated with the MPA in July 1991, and has since June 2002 been operating under its current name.

[9] The Military Intelligence Directorate is directly subordinated to the Office of the Prime Minister of Mongolia.