NATO Chiefs of Defence bring transformation to the forefront
Brussels – Today, the Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence format set out a vision for NATO Command and Force structures which must be capable, interoperable and also able to operate together with partners to meet the full spectrum of future challenges. As the operational tempo in Afghanistan progressively changes, NATO Chiefs of Defence remain committed to ensure that NATO military structures and capabilities stay fit for purpose and match the Alliance’s core tasks.
Throughout very productive two days, NATO Chiefs of Defence addressed a wide range of issues and arrived at constructive military advice for the North Atlantic Council and some clear guidance for the NATO Military Authorities. Their work focused particularly on 3 key areas: operations, partners and transformation.
During the Afghanistan session, Allies reaffirmed their commitment to support the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force in achieving a successful transition of security to the Afghan forces over the next 2 years. They also discussed the potential scope and challenges for the new mission and agreed to stay committed to training, advising and assisting the Afghan forces also after 2014.
“The Military Committee is fully aware of the need to stay focused on our current operation, while at the same time planning for the new mission,” General Knud Bartels, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, commented. “Details on how we will conduct the post 2014 mission have not yet been finalised, but they will be discussed intensively over the coming weeks.”
NATO Chiefs of Defence also expressed their commitment to the operation in Kosovo and to ensure the required force structure in order to fulfil the mission.
Based upon their unique perspective, the Mediterranean Dialogue countries provided Allies with invaluable insights on the regional security challenges. In the Euro Atlantic Partners session, nations focused on specific working areas related to increasing transparency and developing mutually supporting capabilities.
The Military Committee in NATO-Russia Council format agreed on an ambitious programme of work for cooperation in 2013. They also recognised the tangible benefits achieved with the 2012 NATO-Russia work plan, particularly on counter-piracy, and agreed to continue to develop cooperation on initiatives that deliver mutual benefits.
Concluding their meetings with a dedicated session on transformation, Allies recognised that the Connected Forces Initiative should be a top priority given current operational and economic challenges, and agreed on bringing this initiative to the top of their agenda for future Military Committee meetings.
Delivering his final remarks, General Bartels concluded: “Revitalizing the NATO Response Force will be crucial to this endeavour... I believe the NATO Response Force is the perfect platform to develop and refine common doctrines and bring transformation forward.”
NATO Chiefs of Defence will reassess these deliverables at the next Military Committee in Chiefs of Defence session in May 2013.