Subseries XI - Military Committee in Chiefs of Staff Sessions

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee (MC) was established by the NATO Defence Committee on 5 October 1949 and held its first meeting on 6 October 1949. The MC is responsible for recommending to NATO’s political authorities those measures considered necessary for the common defence of the NATO area. Its principal role is to provide direction and advice on military policy and strategy. It provides guidance on military matters to the Major NATO Commanders whose representatives attend its meetings, and is responsible for the overall conduct of the military affairs of the Alliance under the authority of the North Atlantic Council (NAC), as well as for the efficient operation of Military Committee agencies. Composed of a representative, usually the Chief of Staff, of each member nation, it is the highest military authority in NATO. At this level, the Committee meets at least twice a year or whenever it is deemed necessary. In order for the Committee to function on a continuous basis with effective powers of decision, each nation appoints a permanent Military Representative of their Chief of Staff as a member of the Military Committee in Permanent Session. These representatives work in a national capacity, representing the best interests of their nations while remaining open to negotiation and discussion so that consensus can be reached. This often involves reaching agreement on acceptable compromises, when this is in the interests of the Alliance as a whole and serves to advance its overall objectives and policy goals.