NATO Logistics Handbook October 1997

Chapter 12: Host Nation Support Introduction 1201. Alliance Reinforcement Planning calls for the early deployment of the maximum combat power. This strategy is workable only if the Host Nations make the support available to accomplish the elements of reinforcement plans. This support has been extended, in recent years, to include the provision of manpower, equipment, supplies and services, as well as facilities for storage. Nations and NATO authorities have a collective responsibility to support NATO operations, and must cooperatively arrange adequate HNS of Alliance forces in peace, crisis and conflict. 1202. Major NATO Commands (MNCs) have the responsibility to ensure that HNS agreements fulfil NATO operational requirements and enhance the combat readiness of committed forces, without reducing the combat potential of the Host Nation itself. The correct balance depends on complex and delicate negotiations, but adequate and timely arrangements add immeasurably to the effectiveness of logistic support. 1203. In 1992, the Senior NATO Logisticians' Conference (SNLC) recognized that HNS planning could no longer be considered a purely national concern. The Alliance's Strategic Concept places great importance on multinational operations which require that the NATO Commander be involved in support planning and be given the authority to co-ordinate planning where necessary. The SNLC produced MC 319, NATO Principles and Policies for Logistics, recently updated and republished as MC 319/1. This policy document conferred upon the NATO Commander key authorities in the area of logistics, to include HNS. The SNLC further defined the NATO Commander's HNS authorities, producing MC 334, NATO Principles and Policies for HNS Planning, aproved by the Military Committee (MC) in April1994. MC 334 is undergoing an update and is expected to be issued as soon as MC334/1.