Following The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962), with the help of then Chief of Staff Houari Boumédiène and the National Liberation Army (ALN), Ahmed Ben Bella was elected as Prime Minister in September 1962, ousting former Prime Minister Benyoucef Benkhedda. Owing to his support of Ben Bella, Boumédiène was appointed Defense Minister by Ben Bella and remained in this position until 1976.