In the midst of dissolution of Soviet Union and political turmoil in Georgia in late 1980s, the Georgian military played an important role in the struggle for and retaining power.

In November 1992, the Parliament of Georgia passed a law creating the Council for National Security and Defence.

The council reported all its activities to parliament but was directly subordinate to the head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces.

The council had the full right to issue binding resolutions on military and security matters of Georgia.

There was also lack of coordination between seven independent armed forces which existed in Georgia in 1999, among them the Armed Forces, National Guard of Georgia, Border Guards, Interior Troops, Independent Assault Brigade, Police Special Duties Unit and Special Service for the Protection of the State (SSPS).