It was tasked with the protection of the constitutional order, the maintenance of public order, anti-terrorist operations, the protection of Croatia's borders, territory, coast and territorial waters, valuable structures and high-profile individuals. Although the ZNG was formally subordinate to the Ministry of the Interior, its founding legislation stipulated that it would be commanded by the Ministry of Defence.
The ZNG was tasked with safeguarding the constitutional order, upholding public order, countering terrorism, securing Croatia's borders, territory, coast, territorial waters, significant structures, and high-profile individuals. Although officially under the Ministry of Interior, its founding laws indicated it would be led by the Ministry of Defence.