The NATO Military Committee underscores importance of the Transatlantic Bond with visit to Washington

The NATO Military Committee arrived at the Pentagon for a day of briefings and meetings. After being greeted by General Dunford, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the NATO Military Committee were briefed on the on US Military Strategy, updated on the US’ ongoing operations and informed about the Dynamic Force Employment concept which calls on the US military to be more agile and less predictable.

The 29 Military Representatives were then invited to participate in a panel discussion on Russia, Ukraine and the current security environment in Europe. The Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Sir Stuart Peach commented on the ripple effect that has been felt across the Alliance, “since 2014 and the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the constant Russian military overture we have seen since then, Nations as well as NATO have felt the need to improve their defences to ensure their security”.

The NATO Military Committee then headed to the heart of Washington to visit Capitol Hill. This was also an opportunity for them to meet with the Senate NATO Observer Group which was re-established last year as a show of continued support to NATO.

The group led by Air Chief Marshal Peach were then hosted by the Atlantic Council for a roundtable discussion on NATO’s priorities after the 2018 Brussels Summit, its ongoing adaptation and the dual approach to Russia.

Before departing Washington, the NATO Military Committee stopped at Arlington Cemetery to pay their respects. In a wreath laying ceremony, the NATO Military Representatives saluted the sacrifice made by US troops around the world in the name of freedom, peace and security.