For a country that has not just one of the largest armed forces in the world but also has produced some of the greatest composers and musicians, the MBS-AFR is one of the oldest institutions of military music in Europe and the world, founded by Peter the Great as per Ukaz № 2319 enacted on Feb. 19, 1711,[8][10] which mandated the formation of military bands and field music formations within both the Imperial Russian Army and the nascent Imperial Russian Navy following the Western practices.

As of 1947, Inspectorate of Military Bands reported directly to the head of the 3rd Division of the Combat Training Department of the Soviet Army Headquarters, where it was transferred to on 1 December 1931.

[12][13] Its modern functions and duties were established in an order signed by the Chief of the General Staff Viktor Samsonov on 22 November 1996.

[18][19] Annual concert activity of the military band service began inside the hall of the Philharmonic Society of St. Petersburg in November 1813.

[23] The service is an active sponsor of the annual Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and Tattoo in Moscow.