General Min Aung Hlaing said unelected military representatives sitting in parliament were acting "in the national interest" and "just performing a national political duty."
"I would like to say that the Tatmadaw (military) is just participating in the leading role of national politics of the country with its true national spirit as well as the union spirit," he said.
The general was speaking to about 13,000 troops at a relatively low-key parade for armed forces day, which marks the day Burmese troops rose up against the Japanese in 1945 towards the end of World War II.
It was the first armed forces day celebration since a nominally civilian government took power on March 30 last year, ending nearly five decades of outright military rule.
The armed forces retain much of their power, however, with 25 percent of seats in parliament reserved for the military under the 2008 constitution enacted by the then ruling junta.
"Our Tatmadaw has to respect and obey as well as preserve the state constitution, which is the same as our country's life, together with all nationals," Min Aung Hlaing said.
"I would like to say that our Tatmadaw will protect and maintain the constitution as its main duty while building a new modern and developed democratic nation," he said.
President Thein Sein, a former general, was not present at what was a purely military affair, with just 400 guests, including officials, veterans and media.
Also absent was former junta chief Than Shwe, who ruled with an iron fist for almost two decades and retired as head of the military days after handing power to the new government last year.
Unlike Than Shwe, who used to inspect troops from an open topped car, General Min Aung Hlaing reviewed the soldiers on foot.
The 2010 elections which swept the army's political allies to power were marred by widespread complaints of cheating and by the absence of Aung San Suu Kyi, who was again in detention and released a few days afterwards.
But the new regime has since surprised even critics by implementing sweeping changes, including welcoming Suu Kyi's party back into mainstream politics and releasing hundreds of political prisoners.
Suu Kyi is standing in April 1 by-elections which could see her win a seat in a parliament dominated by the military and its allies.
- AFP/de
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