To enhance NATO’s ability to deploy forces in distant crisis areas, member states are investigating improved arrangements for transporting troops and equipment. This includes the sharing of resources and arrangements enabling commercial planes and ships to be called upon if necessary. The use of commercial resources would require arrangements to be put in place well in advance and clear legal arrangements to be made for their use.

Logistics is a crucial element in any military operation. The DCI initiative aims to enhance the numbers and capabilities of Allies’ logistic units. The scope for pooling of logistic capabilities is also being examined in order to increase efficiency. This will lead to the creation of Multinational Joint Logistic Centres as part of the Combined Joint Task Force Concept.

Modern technologies can permit military force to be applied in a discriminating way which reduces collateral damage and can shorten a conflict by demonstrating that continued aggression can not succeed. Such technologies include day/night and all-weather weapons systems and precision-guided munitions. DCI is also addressing these areas.

To improve the protection and survivability of forces engaged in military operations, NATO is looking at ways of enhancing military capabilities. Improvements are being examined in reconnaissance and surveillance systems; air defence systems; and systems to counteract the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.

At the same time, as the forces of different countries work more and more closely together, for example in undertaking crisis management operations, the need increases to ensure that they can communicate effectively at every level. The DCI aims to ensure that technological advances do not degrade communications interoperability. It also seeks to ensure that advances in technology are put to the best use in developing communications methods for military use. NATO AND ARMS CONTROL

During the Cold War, a top priority for the NATO Allies was to seek reductions in nuclear and non-nuclear weapons deployed by NATO and Warsaw Pact nations and to reduce the danger of military confrontation leading to war. In particular, NATO strongly supported U.S. negotiations with the Soviet Union aimed at reducing strategic and intermediate range nuclear forces and East-West multilateral negotiations designed to reduce non-nuclear or “conventional” forces in Europe.

Arms Control and Reductions Relating to Conventional Forces

Negotiations aimed at cutting non-nuclear forces in Europe began in 1973 as a direct result of NATO initiatives.