It is believed that Gunbu Daijin Geneki Bukan sei was originated from the Hyobusho's Shikinryo (law which stipulates duties of the Ministry of Military) in July, 1871: 'one minister with a rank higher than Shosho,' defined the eligibility of Hyobukyo as having to be higher than the Shosho rank.
軍部大臣現役武官制は、1871年（明治4年）7月、兵部省職員令に「卿一人　本官少将以上」として、兵部卿には少将以上の者をあてると定めたことが起源とされる。