NATO hosts Winter Plenary Meetings of Allied and Partner Reserves

  • 27 Jan. 2025 - 31 Jan. 2025
  • |
  • Last updated: 03 Feb. 2025 13:34

From 27 to 31 January 2025, NATO hosted the 2025 edition of the Winter Plenary Meetings for Reserves. In addition, the NATO Science and Technology Organisation (STO) conducted a research workshop on Reserve Forces.

Marc Rutte, NATO Secretary General, adressing the Winter meeting of the reserve forces Marc Rutte, NATO Secretary General, adressing the Winter meeting of the reserve forces

The five-day event included meetings, briefings, workshops and panels discussing how NATO can further utilise Reserves in support of NATO’s core tasks, operations, missions and activities. It brought together the NATO Committee on Reserves (NCR), Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR), Interallied Confederation of Medical Reserve Officers (CIOMR) and Interallied Confederation of Reserve Non-Commissioned Officers (CISOR).

During the event, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, spoke to an audience of over 300 people and praised reservists for the valuable role they play in collective defence. Secretary General Rutte addressed the unique position that reservists occupy between civilians and the military. “Reserves are no longer considered the forces of the last resort; rather, they are now recognized as indispensable,” Admiral Cavo Dragone stated.

The first day featured the STO discussion on unique advantages and challenges individual reservists face as civilians that can be activated and placed under military command. Presentations placed particular emphasis on integrating reservists with regular troops. A discussion on the new 2024 NATO Policy on Reserves with a NATO International Military Staff representative concluded the day.

Following Monday, the NCR convened and began with discussions on how Allies and Partner Nations can share best practises and provide advice on the utilisation of Reserves. At the same time, the STO continued the scientific based program with a presentation by the Adjutant General Maryland National Guard, Major General Janeen Birckhead that explained the role that the United States National Guard plays in bolstering the regular armed forces. This was followed by briefings and discussions on the social and infrastructure aspects of reservists in order to draw lessons to address common challenges faced by reservists across the Alliance.

On Wednesday, the Chair of the NCR and the President of the CIOR opened a joint session with all participants, emphasizing the critical part they play. Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Serhii Melnyk also shared the experiences of Ukrainian reservists and underscored their contribution to Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s invasion. A panel discussion on the future of Reserves for NATO and its Allies wrapped up Wednesday’s events.

The fourth day featured a NCR workshop concerning the future of reserve mobilisation and military mobility. As many reservists have additional responsibilities during their civilian life, mobilisation must adapt and evolve while still remaining rapid and flexible. During the afternoon, the potential for reservists to respond to climate security and natural disasters was the focal point of discussion. Reserves can effectively respond to natural disasters because of their role as a link between civilians and regular military forces.

Finally, CIOR and CISOR concluded with ongoing discussions on the future of utilising Reserves within Allies and NATO. CISOR participated in a military demonstration provided by the Belgian Special Operations Regiment.

In November 2024, NATO adopted a new Reserves policy aimed at cementing the promotion of Reserves in contribution to NATO’s core tasks, operations, missions and activities. NATO is advised by the NCR and collaborates with the CIOR, CIOMR and CISOR. The organisations also provide education and training, all in contribution to NATO’s mission of collective defence. Notably, the 2025 Winter Plenary was broadcasted on a live webinar for the first time, allowing engagement from across the Alliance.