NATO Logistics Handbook October 1997

Chapter 12: Host Nation Support HNS Policies 1206. Agreed HNS policies broadly define the role of the parties involved in HNS planning. General Policies Host and sending nations, in coordination with the appropriate NATO Commanders, are primarily responsible for HNS planning and execution. The MNCs, or their designated subordinates, are responsible for coordination of HNS planning for the support of multinational forces. Host nations and MNCs, or their designated subordinates, are responsible for HNS planning where a sending nation is not specified. HNS planning will be as specific as possible wherever feasible and appropriate, especially when directed towards the utilization of civil resources. However, the variety of deployment options may require that a generic approach be taken towards HNS planning. HNS capability planning should become part of, and be included in, the Force Planning Process. Planning procedures should be standardized to the extent possible to ensure a dynamic and flexible response to any operational need. Policies Specific to Sending Nations Sending nations are to identify HNS requirements for each type of unit in support of an operational option and negotiate the provision of HNS with host nations, or where appropriate, with the responsible NATO Commander. Sending nations are to inform host nations and appropriate NATO Commanders of changes to their HNS requirements as they occur. Sending nations have responsibility for reporting the status of HNS negotiations to the appropriate NATO Commander(s). Policies Specific to Host Nations Host nations are to advise sending nations/appropriate NATO Commanders of their capability to provide HNS against specific and generic requirements and are to advise sending nations and appropriate NATO Commanders of significant changes in capability as they occur. Furthermore, nations are encouraged to identify overall HNS capability in order to assess additional support potential. Host nations should ensure the required cooperation and coordination between their civilian and military sectors in order to make the best use of limited HNS resources. Host nations should review their requirements for plans and legislation to the extent possible, in order to facilitate use of HNS civil resources early in a crisis, particularly with respect to transportation, infrastructure and other deployment-related resources. Host nations retain control over their own HNS resources, unless control of such resources is released. Policies Specific to NATO Commanders The MNC's authority to negotiate and conclude HNS agreements on behalf of sending nations requires prior authorization to be granted to the MNCs by the sending nations; this does not apply to HNS for the MNCs and their subordinate commands provided from common funding. MNCs may delegate to their appropriate subordinates the authority to negotiate HNS agreements and, where appropriate, conclude HNS agreements on behalf of sending nations, subject to their prior concurrence. The appropriate NATO Commanders should participate in bilateral/multilateral HNS negotiations between nations. NATO Commanders at appropriate levels are authorized to require reports on HNS assets designated and agreed by host nations to support the forces under their Command. NATO Commanders at appropriate levels will establish illustrative HNS requirements, and conclude agreements with potential host nations, if sending nations cannot be identified. Reimbursement will be negotiated between nations once sending nations are identified. In execution of Alliance operational plans, NATO Commanders in coordination with the nations involved will prioritize the HNS provided.