NATO
Logistics
Handbook

October 1997

Chapter 5: Logistic Support for Peace Support Operations

NATO's Role in PSO


516. In 1992 and 1993, the Alliance took several key decisions in support of UN PSO initiatives in former Yugoslavia, leading to operations by NATO naval forces, in conjunction with the WEU, to monitor and subsequently enforce the UN embargo in the Adriatic; and to enforce the no-fly zone over Boznia-Herzegovina hitherto monitored by NATO aircraft. The Alliance also offered to provide close air support to the UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and authorized air strikes to relieve the strangulation of Sarajevo and other threatened areas.

Operation Joint Endeavour (January - December 1996)

517. The Dayton Agreements concluded in the United States followed by signature of the peace plan in Paris on 14th December 1995 were decisive steps towards resolving the crisis in former Yugoslavia. The implementation of the peace plan involved a multinational force under NATO command, the Implementation Force (IFOR), which took the place of the UNPROFOR. The IFOR operation brought together NATO nations with 17 non-NATO countries from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East area in a unified and effective coalition for peace. Thirteen North Atlantic Cooperation Council and Partnership for Peace (NACC/PfP) nations joined the IFOR coalition under NATO leadership. Experiences from IFOR have resulted in major revisions to PfP and NATO policies and procedures including significant changes to MC 319 Logistics Policies and Procedures and associated documents.

Operation Joint Guard (January 1997)

518. The efficient and effective manner in which IFOR carried out its mandate suggests that it will become a model of future European security systems based on co-operative relations among both NATO and non-NATO states. With the goal of fostering a self-sustaining peace, the NAC agreed that NATO would organize and lead a Stabilization Force (SFOR) to take the place of IFOR in January 1997.

Compendium of Lessons Learned During Logistic Support of Peacekeeping Operations

519. The Compendium was originally produced under the auspices of NACC logisticians and is basically a compendium of certain lessons learned. Its contents should not be considered as comprehensive, nor does it represent agreed or established NATO or other doctrine. Nevertheless, it can be a very useful planning guide. It is written in nonbureaucratic terms, and is principally designed to assist all logisticians, NATO members or not, to prepare themselves and their forces logistically for possible PSO. Most of the comments are equally applicable to both NATO and UN operations. The booklet was first produced in 1994, and was significantly revised in 1996 following the successful deployment and initiation of IFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Its contents reflect national, international, and non-governmental organizations reports on their logistic support to peacekeeping experiences.

REFERENCES

MC 319/1 - NATO Principles and Policies for Logistics
MC 327/1 - NATO Military Planning for Peace Support Operations

Compendium of Lessons Learned During Logistic Support of Peacekeeping Operations (published by Logistics Directorate, International Staff)


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