NATO Logistics Handbook October 1997

Chapter 7: NATO Principles and Policies for Logistics Logistic Principles 703. The following principles are to be observed. Responsibility: Nations and NATO authorities have a collective responsibility for logistic support of NATO's multinational operations. Provision: Nations must ensure, individually or by cooperative arrangements, the provision of logistic resources to support their forces allocated to NATO during peace, crisis and conflict. Authority: The NATO Commander at the appropriate level must be given sufficient authority over the logistic resources necessary to enable him to employ and sustain his forces in the most effective manner. The same should apply for non-NATO Commanders of multinational forces within a NATO led operation. Cooperation: Cooperation among the nations' and NATO authorities is essential. For non-Article 5 operations, this cooperation must be extended to non-NATO nations, the UN, the WEU, the OSCE, and NGOs as appropriate. Coordination: Coordination of logistic support between NATO and national authorities is essential and must be carried out at all appropriate levels and also with non-NATO nations, the UN, the WEU , the OSCE and other organizations as required. Sufficiency: Levels and distribution of logistic resources must be sufficient to achieve designated levels of readiness, sustainability and mobility to provide the required military capability during peace, crisis and conflict. Economy: Logistic resources must be used effectively, efficiently and economically. Flexibility: Logistic support dedicated or organic to operational formations must be as dynamic, flexible, mobile and responsive as the operational formations themselves. Visibility: The exchange of information between nations and NATO concerning logistic assets and capabilities is essential for the efficient management and coordination of support to NATO forces.