Based on an analysis of archival sources and literature, the author considers the formation of the Slovene independent and democratic country, especially from the point of view of the formation of the Slovene armed forces, which had to be reshaped by the emerging new country, while at the same time dealing with aggravated relations with the Yugoslav federal authorities, especially the Yugoslav Army, which was seizing power in the federal state. The opposition was also against the formation of the country’s own, Slovene army. Thus, the defence system and its leaders, especially Ministers Janša and Bavčar as well as Prime Minister Peterle, were faced with difficult decisions. In spite of the real war threat, scarce resources were available to the defence department, and these had to be devoted almost entirely to arms procurement. The awareness of the importance of armed forces for the defence of Slovenia’s sovereignty helped to form the armed forces, the Territorial Defence of the Republic of Slovenia, through a project named Manoeuvre Structure of National Protection. Together with militia, civil defence and support of the civilian population, the Slovenian War of Independency was won.