NATO
Logistics
Handbook

October 1997

Annex A

Definitions

The primary source document for agreed definitions is the NATO Glossary of Terms and Definitions (AAP-6). Definitions from approved Military Decision documents are also used and are so identified.

Acquisition Logistics - See Production Logistics

Agreements. Agreements are contracts between national authorities, or between NATO commanders and national authorities. (MC 334)

Allied Publication. An AP is an official NATO standardization document which some or all NATO nations agree to use as a common implementing document and which is distributed down to user level.

Arrangements. These provide the guidance needed for detailed joint HNS planning. They should list the conditions, procedures, legal and financial arrangements for implementing the higher level agreements. They are often referred to as Technical Arrangements, or as Detailed Support Arrangements, and sometimes as Technical Agreements and are normally concluded at the military-to-military level. (MC 334)

Augmentation Forces. European and North American Forces, other than Main Defence or Reaction Forces, provided to reinforce any region, or maritime command and contributing to deterrence, crisis management and defence. (MC 317)

Capability Package. A combination of national and NATO funded infrastructure, associated costs and manpower wich, together with the military forces and other essential requirements, enable a NATO Commander to achieve a specific Military Required Capability. The Capability Package directly links military requirements with established force goals by focusing on those activities most essential to the new strategy, the resultant forces and command structure and address overall resource implications, both national and international identifying all elements necessary for the package to function. The CP is presented in a three stage, ten section document which derives and presents a Required Capability, which analyses the related resource implications, and which explains the operational justification for the proposal.

Civil Emergency Planning. All defence responsibilities of government departments and agencies other than those of Foreign Offices and the purely military responsibilities of Ministries of Defence. It embraces the expanded responsibilities in crisis and war for the continuity of government, the maintenance of law and order, the mobilization and use to the best advantage of national resources (energy, manpower, transport systems, production capacity, food and agriculture, raw materials, etc.) as well as civil defence measures, including warning, rescue services and health care aimed at minimizing the consequences of enemy action to civilian populations. (Provisional definition)

Civil - Military Cooperation. All measures taken between NATO Commanders and National Authorities, Civil and Military, which concern the relationship between NATO forces and the National Governments and civil populations in an area where these military forces are, or plan to be, stationed, supported or employed. Such measures also include cooperation between the Commanders of the NATO commanded forces and UN-Agencies, NonGovernmental Organizations (NGO), Private Volunteer Organizations (PVO) and other authorities. (MC411) Combined. Between two or more forces or agencies or two or more allies. (AAP-6)

Combined Joint Task Force. A military concept being developed within the Alliance for multinational forces which can be deployed flexibly and effectively in crisis management and peacekeeping operations. In certain circumstances, in accordance with agreed procedures, CJTFs drawing on NATO assets may also be made available for operations undertaken under the authority of the Western European Union. (NATO Press Release)

Combined Logistic Support. The pooling of specified resources by member nations for use by NATO nations as decided by a coordinating authority. (AAP-6)

Commonality. A state achieved when groups of individuals, organizations or nations use common doctrine, procedures or equipment. (AAP-6) Compatibility. Capability of two or more items or components of equipment or material to exist or function in the same system or environment without mutual interference. (AAP-6) Concept. A notion or statement of an idea, expressing how something might be done or accomplished, that may lead to an accepted procedure. (AAP-6)

Consumer Logistics. That part of logistics concerning reception of the initial product, storage, transport, maintenance (including repair and serviceability), operation and disposal of material. In consequence, consumer logistics includes stock control, provision or construction of facilities (excluding any material element and those facilities needed to support production logistic facilities), movement control, reliability and defect reporting, safety standards for storage, transport and handling and related training. (Provisional definition)

Contingency Planning. Plans which are developed for possible operations where the planning factors (e.g. scope, forces, destination, risks, area of responsibility etc.) have been identified or can be assumed. These plans are produced in as much detail as possible, including the forces needed and deployment options, as a basis for subsequent planning by nations or the NMAs. (MC 334)

Cooperative Logistics. NATO Cooperative Logistics is the totality of bilateral and multilateral consumer and production logistics arrangements to optimize in a coordinated and rationalised way, logistics support to NATO forces. The aim of NATO Cooperative Logistics is to achieve cost-savings through economy of scale and increased efficiency in peacetime, crisis and wartime logistics support. Development of NATO Cooperative Logistics arrangements is largely facilitated by the use of NATO Production and Logistics Agencies particularly the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency (NAMSA) using modern techniques in the field of materiel management and procurement. (Provisional definition)

Coordinating Authority. The authority granted to a commander or individual assigned responsibility for coordinating specific functions or activities involving forces of two or more countries or commands, or two or more services or two or more forces of the same service. He has the authority to require consultation between the agencies involved or their representatives, but does not have the authority to compel agreement. In case of disagreement between the agencies involved, he should attempt to obtain essential agreement by discussion. In the event he is unable to obtain essential agreement he shall refer the matter to the appropriate authority. (AAP-6)

Crisis Management. Coordinated actions taken to diffuse crises, prevent their escalation into armed conflict and/or contain resulting hostilities. The crisis management machinery provides decision-makers with the necessary information and arrangements to use appropriate instruments (political, diplomatic, economic, and military) in a timely and coordinated manner. (MC 400/1)

Cross-Servicing. That servicing performed by one Service or national element for other Services or national elements and for which the other Services or national elements may be charged. (AAP-6)

Doctrine. Fundamental principles by which the military forces guide their actions in support of objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgement in application. (AAP-6)

Directive. A military communication in which policy is established or a specific action is ordered. (AAP-6)

European Security and Defence Identity. The aim of developing ESDI within the Alliance is to enable all European Allies to make a more coherent and effective contribution to NATO as an expression of their shared responsibilities and to reinforce the transatlantic partnership. It is an essential part of the adaptation of Alliance structures. (NATO Press Release)

Generic Planning. Plans which are developed for possible operations where some of the planning factors (e.g. scope, forces, destination, risks, area of responsibility, etc.) have not yet been fully identified or cannot be assumed. These plans are produced at the level of detail required by the remit concerned and identify the capabilities needed. (MC 334)

Host Nation. A NATO nation which receives the forces and/or supplies of allied nations and/or NATO organizations to be located on, or to operate in, or to transit through its territory. (AAP-6)

Host Nation Support. Civil and military assistance rendered in peace and war by a host nation to allied forces and NATO organizations which are located on or in transit through the host nation's territory. The basis of such assistance is commitments arising from the NATO Alliance or from bilateral or multilateral agreements concluded between the host nation, NATO organizations and (the) nation(s) having forces operating on the host nation's territory. (AAP-6)

Implementation Plans. These are detailed plans which provide sufficient implementing data to enable military commands of the requesting nation and the host nation to implement HNS/WHNS during times of crisis, tension or war. They may be either joint plans or unilateral plans prepared separately by the host nation and the requesting nation. Joint implementation plans are normally negotiated through a Joint Implementation Committee, approved by the Joint Planning Committee and signed at the military-to-military level. (MC 334)

Infrastructure. A term generally applicable for all fixed and permanent installations, fabrications, or facilities for the support and control of military forces. (AAP-6)

In-Service Support. The management and execution of support activities to ensure continued attainment of the intended operational capabilities of the system/equipment during its in-service phase. (Provisional definition)

Interchangeability. A condition which exists when two or more items possess such functional and physical characteristics as to be equivalent in performance and durability, and are capable of being exchanged one or the other without alteration of the items themselves, or of adjoining items, except for adjustment and without selection for fit and performance. (AAP6)

Interoperability. The ability of systems, units or forces to provide services to and accept services from other systems, units or forces and to use the services so exchanged to enable them to operate effectively together. (AAP-6)

Integrated Logistic Support. The management and technical process through which supportability and logistics support considerations of systems/equipment are integrated from the early phases of and throughout the life cycle of the project, and by which all elements of logistics support are planned, acquired, tested, and provided in a timely and cost-effective manner. (Provisional definition)

Joint. Activities, operations, organizations, etc. in which elements of more than one service of the same nation participate (when all services are not involved, the participating services shall be identified, e.g., Joint Army-Navy). (AAP-6)

Lead Nation Logistic Support. One nation assumes the responsibility for procuring and providing a broad spectrum of logistic support for all or a part of the multinational force and/or headquarters. Compensation and/or reimbursement will then be subject to agreements between the parties involved. The lead nation may also assume the responsibility to co-ordinate logistics of other nations within its functional and regional area of responsibility. (MC 319/1)

Lines of Communication. All the land, water and air routes that connect an operating military force with one or more bases of operations, and along which supplies and reinforcements move. (AAP-6)

Logistics. The science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces. In its most comprehensive sense, those aspects of military operations which deal with:

  1. design and development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel;
  2. transport of personnel;
  3. acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities;
  4. acquisition or furnishing of services; and
  5. medical and health service support. (AAP-6)

Main Defence Forces. Active and mobilizable ground, air and maritime components which are assigned to MNCs and their MSCs, as appropriate, in order to dissuade coercion, deter attack and defend against aggression. (MC 317)

Maintenance.

  1. All action taken to retain materiel in or to restore it to a specified condition. It includes: inspection, testing, servicing, classification as to serviceability, repair, rebuilding and reclamation.
  2. All supply and repair action taken to keep a force in condition to carry out its mission.
  3. The routine recurring work required to keep a facility (plant, building, structure, ground facility, utility system, or other real property) in such condition that it may be continuously utilized, at its original or designed capacity and efficiency, for its intended purpose. (AAP-6)

Major NATO Commanders. MNCs are Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT), and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). (AAP-6)

Mobility. A quality or capability of military forces which permits them to move from place to place while retaining the ability to fulfil their primary mission. (AAP-6)

Mobilization. The process by which the armed forces or parts of them are brought to a state of readiness for conflict, to meet a military threat. This includes assembling and organizing personnel, formations, materiel and supplies for active military services, as well as training. (AAP-6)

Mounting. All preparations made in areas designated for the purpose, in anticipation of an operation. It includes the assembly in the mounting area, preparation, and maintenance within the mounting area, movement to loading points, and subsequent embarkation into ships, craft, or aircraft if applicable. (AAP-6)

Movement. Movement is the activity involved in the change in location of equipment, personnel or stocks as part of a military operation. Movement requires the supporting capabilities of mobility, transportation, infrastructure, movement control and support functions. (AAP-6)

Movement Control. The planning, routing, scheduling and control of personnel and cargo movements over lines of communication. (AAP-6)

Multinational Forces. Forces of more than one nation under a NATO Commander or non-NATO Commander within a NATO-led operation. (MC 319/1)

Multinational Integrated Logistic Support. Two or more nations agree to provide logistic assets to a multinational logistic force under operational control of a NATO Commander for the logistic support of a multinational force. (MC 319/1)

Multinational Logistics. The overarching term for the different modes to logistically support operations other than purely national, such as Multinational Integrated Logistic Support, Role Special-ization Support and Lead Nation Logistic Support. (MC 319/1)

Mutual Support. That support which units render each other against an enemy, because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities. (AAP-6)

National Logistic Support. A nation takes full responsibility for procuring and providing logistic support to her forces. This support can be provided on a solely national basis and/or through bilateral or multilateral agreements with other nations, NATO or other organizations as appropriate. (AAP-6)

NATO Accounting Unit. A notional currency which forms the basis for estimates and funding of common funded infrastructure projects, O&M and manpower costs. The value of one unit is established periodically by NATO vis-a-vis national currencies.

NATO Commander. A military commander in the NATO chain of command. (AAP-6)

NATO Military Authority. Any international military headquarters or organization covered by the "Protocol on the Status of International Military Headquarters" set up pursuant to the North Atlantic Treaty, (called the Paris Protocol) and any other military authority to which the NATO Council has applied the provisions of the "Agreement on the Status of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, National Representatives and International Staff" (called the Ottawa Agreement) by virtue of the said agreement. (AAP-6)

Non-NATO Commander. A military commander of a non-NATO nation who participates, within the chain of command, in a NATO-led operation or in an operation where NATO assets are used. (MC 319/1)

Operational Logistics - See Consumer Logistics

Operational Command. The authority granted to a commander to assign missions to tasks to subordinate commanders, to deploy units, to reassign forces, and to retain or delegate operational and/or tactical control as may be deemed necessary. It does not of itself include responsibility for administration or logistics. May also be used to denote the forces assigned to a commander. (AAP-6)

Operational Control. The authority delegated to a commander to direct forces assigned so that the commander may accomplish specific missions or tasks which are usually limited by function, time or location; to deploy units concerned, and to retain or assign tactical control of those units. It does not include authority to assign separate employment of components of the units concerned. Neither does it, or itself, include administrative or logistic control. (AAP-6)

Operational Mobility. Operational mobility is the capability to move forces and their associated logistic support quickly and effectively within a region (intra-regional). It also embraces the capability to concentrate regional forces against the major enemy thrust and to counter-concentrate operational reserves. (MC 336/1)

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Formerly known as the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE), the OSCE was initially a political process which set out fundamental principles governing the conduct of international affairs to ease tension and build confidence among states. Now formally an organization with 55 members including all Europe, and Canada and the United States. (NATO Press Release)

Policy. Prudent course of action or conduct to be applied in the application of a principle. (MC 319/1)

Principle. A principle is a general law which gives action; a fundamental truth as a basis of reasoning. (MC 319/1)

Production Logistics. That part of logistics concerning research, design, development, manufacture and acceptance of materiel. In consequence, production logistics includes standardization and interoperability, contracting, quality assurance, procurement of spares, reliability and defect analysis, safety standards for equipment, specifications and production processes, trials and testing (including provision of necessary facilities), codification, equipment documentation, configuration control and modifications. (Provisional definition)

Reaction Forces. Highly mobile and capable multinational land, air and maritime forces allocated to MNCs and available at short notice, in order to provide an early military response to a crisis. These forces will demonstrate NATO's cohesion and resolve and may facilitate the timely build-up of forces in the crisis area. Should crisis management fail, Reaction Forces should contribute to the defence. They will be divided into smaller Immediate Reaction Forces and more capable Rapid Reaction Forces, both with maritime, ground and air components. (MC 317)

Reallocation Authority. The authority given to NATO Commanders and normally negotiated in peacetime, to reallocate in an "emergency in war" national logistic resources controlled by the combat forces under their command, and made available by nations, in order to influence the battle logistically. (AAP-6)

Reallocation of Resources. The provision of logistic resources by the military forces of one nation from those deemed "made available" under the terms incorporated in appropriate NATO documents, to the military forces of another nation or nations as directed by the appropriate military authority. (AAP-6)

Redistribution Authority. The authority given to a NATO Commander to redistribute certain resources, designated in peacetime and assigned to his command, and made available by nations, in order to support operations. (MC 319/1)

Redistribution of Resources. The utilization of logistic resources after Transfer of Authority necessary for the fulfilment of a commander's combat missions. The logistic resources are designated in peacetime and will become assigned to the NATO Commander in crisis and conflict. (AAP-6)

Reinforcement. The process of relocating forces in accordance with the Strategic Concept to any area at risk within and beyond the Alliance's Area of Responsibility to strengthen military capabilities as a means of conflict prevention, crisis management or defence. (MC400/1)

Resupply. The act of replenishing stocks in order to maintain required levels of supply. (AAP-6)

Role Specialization. One nation assumes the responsibility for procuring a particular class of supply or service for all or a part of the multinational force. Compensation and/or reimbursement will then be subject to agreements between the parties involved. (MC 319/1)

Sending Nation. A nation sending or participating in the sending of (deploying) national forces and/or national components of multinational forces. The sending nation may request the use of host nation logistics and administrative support during transit and in the theatre of operations. (MC 336/1)

Shared Use. Utilisation of assets identified and made available by nations to NATO. (MC336/1)

Standardization. Within NATO, the process of developing concepts, doctrines, procedures and designs to achieve and maintain the most effective levels of compatibility, interoperability, interchangeability and commonality in the field of operations, administration and materiel. (AAP-6)

Standardization Agreement. The record of an agreement among several or all the member nations to adopt like or similar military equipment, ammunition, supplies, and stores; and operational, logistic,and administrative procedures. National acceptance of a NATO Allied Publication issued by the Military Agency for Standardization may be recorded as a Standardization Agreement. (AAP-6)

Strategic Mobility. Strategic mobility is the capability to move forces and their associated logistic support quickly and effectively over long distances. This can be between theatres (inter-theatre), between regions (inter-regional), or beyond NATO's Area of Responsibility. (MC319/1)

Stocks. The quantity of supplies and materiel on hand ready for use. (AAP-6)

Supply. All materiel and items used in the equipment, support and maintenance of military forces. (AAP-6)

Support. The action of a force, or portion thereof, which aids, protects, complements, or sustains any other force. (AAP-6)

Sustainability. The ability of a force to maintain the necessary level of combat power for the duration required to achieve its objectives. (AAP-6)

Tactical Mobility. Tactical mobility is the quality or capability to concentrate regional in-place forces up to division level against the major local enemy thrust and to counter-concentrate tactical reserves. (MC 336/1)

Transfer of Authority. Transfer of authority of forces is the formal transfer of a specified degree of authority over designated forces both between nations and NATO Commanders, and between any two NATO Commanders. (AAP-6)

Transportation. Transportation is the means of conveyance to move forces, equipment, personnel and stocks and includes the requisite materials handling equipment. (MC 319/1)

War Reserves. Stocks of material amassed in peacetime to meet the increase in military requirements consequent upon an outbreak of war. War reserves are intended to provide the interim support essential to sustain operations until resupply can be effected. (AAP-6)

Western European Union. Originally established by the 1948 Treaty of Brussels. Now numbers ten member countries, all of which are also members of NATO. The WEU was reactivated in 1984 with the aim of developing a common European defence identity and strengthening the Alliance's European pillar. (NATO Press Release)

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