The 'almost like a defense ministry' is much less than that!

"... But only a few hours later, Free Syrian Army (FSA) chief Colonel Riad al-Asaad said that he has not been involved in the formation of a military council. "I don't know about the objectives of this body," said Asaad, a figurehead for the collection of army deserters and civilians who have taken up arms. "We want actions and not just talk," ..."