177th Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence Session – NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
Media Advisory
- English
- French
The Military Committee, NATO’s highest Military Authority, will meet in Chiefs of Defence (CHODs) Session on 17 May 2017, at the NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium. General Petr Pavel, Chairman of the Military Committee, will preside over the meeting. The Chiefs of Defence will discuss the challenging security environment on NATO’s Southern Flank and the Alliance’s contribution to countering (or fighting) terrorism. The CHODs with their Resolute Support counterparts will review the way forward for the RESOLUTE SUPPORT Mission in Afghanistan for 2018 and beyond. The Allied Chiefs of Defence will exchange views on Projecting Stability Initiative activities and the Alliance’s Deterrence and Defence posture in conjunction with taking into account Russia’s ongoing activities in the near abroad. Finally, the day’s meeting will conclude with an update on the NATO Command Structure Functional Assessment and a discussion on the efficient and effective use of existing capabilities and resources.
The first session of the day will include a situational awareness briefing on the Middle East and North Africa region and pave the way for further discussions on Projecting Stability Initiatives, countering/fighting terrorism and the ongoing NATO Training and Capacity Building in Iraq.
In RESOLUTE SUPPORT Format, the Chiefs of Defence will receive political and military situation briefs from the NATO Senior Civilian Representative Ambassador Zimmermann and Commander of RESOLUTE SUPPORT, General Nicholson, respectively and provide further recommendations for 2018 and beyond.
In their final sessions, the Allied Chiefs of Defence will examine how to ensure that NATO continues to have the necessary capabilities and resources taking into consideration all NATO’s ongoing tasks. They will also discuss progress of the NATO Command Structure functional assessment and discuss ahead of the June Defence Ministerial.
The Chiefs of Defence’s advice and guidance will assist and further frame discussions ahead of the Head of State and Government meeting on 25 May 2017.
General Petr Pavel will be supported in each session by General Curtis Scaparrotti (Supreme Allied Commander Europe, SACEUR) and General Denis Mercier (Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, SACT).
The Military Committee meets twice a year at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, at the level of Chiefs of Defence to discuss NATO operations and missions and provide the North Atlantic Council with consensus-based military advice on how the Alliance can best meet global security challenges. Once a year, they meet in an Allied member country. On a day-to-day basis, their work is carried out by Permanent Military Representatives at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.
Media Opportunities
Wednesday 17 May 2017
Imagery
Photos and video of all opening sessions will be available online at www.nato.int/ims shortly after each meeting. The Opening Remarks and Joint Press Conference will be made available on the NATO website after the event. Broadcasters can also request the broadcast quality footage by contacting content@natochannel.tv.
The Joint Press Conference will be livestreamed via the NATO website.
Accreditation
Media representatives holding a valid 2017 NATO Media pass will have access as usual to the NATO HQ. Media representatives not in possession of a NATO Media pass and wishing to attend the media opportunities available are invited to contact the NATO IMS Public Affairs Office via email or fax ( ronaynecasimiro.lara@hq.nato.int, fax number + 32 2 707 5713) with a completed accreditation form no later than 1700 on 11 May 2017
Media passes will not be mailed to applicants; they must be collected in person upon presentation of an ID card or passport and a valid national press pass (or accreditation letter from a recognized media organization). Media representatives will be given their accreditation at the Main Entrance of NATO Headquarters. Passes must be worn visibly at all times, and security personnel may ask to see another form of ID at any time. Media representatives are informed that security personnel will examine and may test equipment and personal effects carried onto the site and are advised to arrive with sufficient lead time to clear security checks.
Enquiries
Points of contact for the Chairman of the Military Committee:
Dr Eva Svobodova, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Advisor to the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee and NATO International Military Staff
Tel: + 32 2 707 59 83
E-Mail: svobodova.eva@hq.nato.int
General press arrangements:
Ms. Lara Ronayne Casimiro, Senior Assistant
Tel: +32 2 707 5423
Email: ronaynecasimiro.lara@hq.nato.int