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Chapter 7: Policy and Decision-Making The Principal Policy and Decision-Making Institutions of the Alliance   The Nuclear Planning Group NATO's Civil and Military Structure The Defence Ministers of member countries which take part in NATO's Defence Planning Committee meet at regular intervals in the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG), where they discuss specific policy issues associated with nuclear forces. These discussions cover a broad range of nuclear policy matters, including the safety, security and survivability of nuclear weapons, communications and information systems, deployment issues and wider questions of common concern such as nuclear arms control and nuclear proliferation. The Alliance's nuclear policy is kept under review and decisions are taken jointly to modify or adapt it in the light of new developments and to update and adjust planning and consultation procedures. The work of the Nuclear Planning Group is prepared by an NPG Staff Group composed of members of the national delegations of countries participating in the NPG. The Staff Group carries out detailed work on behalf of the NPG Permanent Representatives. It meets regularly once a week and at other times as necessary. The NPG High Level Group (HLG) was established as a senior advisory body to the NPG on nuclear policy and planning issues. In 1998/1999, in addition to its original portfolio, the HLG took over the functions and responsibilities of the then Senior Level Weapons Protection Group (SLWPG) which was charged with overseeing nuclear weapons safety, security, and survivability matters. The HLG is chaired by the United States and is composed of national policy makers and experts from capitals. It meets several times a year to discuss aspects of NATO's nuclear policy, planning and force posture, and matters concerning the safety, security, and survivability of nuclear weapons.