July 29, 1967

ASD(I&L)

(d)  DoD Directive 5100.27, "Delineation of International Logistic Responsibilities," December 29, 1964

(f)  DoD Directive 3100.3, "Cooperation with Allies in Research and Development of Defense Equipment," September 27, 1963

This Directive amplifies the responsibilities assigned in references (a) through (d) as they apply specifically to U.S. participation in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Groups established under the terms of reference (e) to promote cooperation in the research, development, production, and logistic support of military equipment.  It supplements the policies established in reference (f) governing U.S. cooperation with Allies in this area.

By approval of reference (e) on May 25, 1966, the North Atlantic Council revised the NATO organization and procedures concerning cooperation in military equipment, matters.  The purpose of the reorganization was to improve NATO's capacity as a discussion forum and clearing house for instituting cooperative projects.  A Conference of National Armaments Directors was established to advise the Council and act under its authority on all questions pertaining to the development and procurement of equipment for NATO forces and connected problems.  The Conference will review the overall cooperative effort undertaken within NATO under the aegis of groups established by reference (e), paying particular attention to the political, economic and technical aspects thereof.  Army, Navy and Air Force Armaments Groups and a Defense Research Group were established as the principal action bodies to initiate cooperative efforts; these latter groups are empowered to establish sub-groups, as required.  This new organizational structure replaces the former Armaments Committee and the Committee of Defense Research Directors.

As used in this Directive, the term "NATO Groups" refers to those groups and sub-groups established under the authority and terms of reference (e).

The basic DoD policy, objectives, and guidelines for cooperation with our Allies in the development of defense equipment are outlined range of activities conducted under the procedures of reference (e).  The nature and extent of U.S. participation in NATO Groups will be determined on the basis of their contribution to the objectives stated in reference (f) measured against whatever disadvantages may accrue from U.S. participation.  U.S. activities in these groups will be continuously evaluated to determine the benefit to the United States.

5.1.  The Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs) will provide policy guidance within his field of responsibility outlined in references (a) and (d) for U.S. participation in NATO Groups.  He may, at his discretion, provide a representative to meetings of the Conference of National Armaments Directors and to meetings of subordinate bodies when circumstances indicate the desirability thereof, and, within his field of responsibility, will determine U.S. positions on agenda items for these meetings and secure appropriate concurrences.

5.2.  The Director of Defense Research and Engineering will provide policy guidance within his field of responsibility outlined in references (b) and (d) for U.S. participation in NATO Groups.  He will arrange for the U.S. representation at the meetings of the Conference of National Armaments Directors, monitor and coordinate U.S. participation in the Conference and, within his field of responsibility, will determine U.S. positions on agenda items for these meetings and secure appropriate concurrences.

5.3.  The Assistant Secretary of Defense (Installations and Logistics) will provide policy guidance within his field of responsibility outlined in references (c) and (d) for U.S. participation in NATO Groups.  He will normally provide a representative to meetings of the Conference of National Armaments Directors and, within his field of responsibility, will determine U.S. positions on agenda items for these meetings and secure appropriate concurrences.

5.4.  The Director of Defense Research and Engineering and the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Installations and Logistics) will be responsible for jointly issuing detailed implementing instructions concerning U.S. participation in NATO Groups, as defined in section 3., above, and assigning responsibilities among the Military Departments and other DoD Components for providing U.S. representation and developing U.S. positions in NATO Groups other than the Conference of National Armaments Directors.