NATO Reserves Indispensable, Says Military Chair

NATO

Brussels, NATO HQ, 29 January 2025 - This years annual Plenary Meeting for Reserves brought together four groups: the NATO Committee on Reserves (NCR), the Interallied Confederations of Reserve Officers (CIOR), the Interallied Confederation of Medical Reserve Officers (CIOMR), and the Interallied Confederations of Reserve Non-Commissioned Officers (CISOR). The Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Cavo Dragone spoke to them how Reserves Forces are vital to the Alliance.

While discussing the crucial importance of bolstering the deterrence and defence of the Alliance, Admiral Cavo Dragone stressed, "as we focus on resilience at all levels of the Alliance, Reserve Forces can fulfil important specialist roles in enhancing both our resilience and that of our partners." Further stating, "Reserve Forces play an important role in the whole spectrum of national and NATO's defence structures."

Admiral Cavo Dragone highlighted many historical examples demonstrating how Reservists are critical in aiding society in times of great need. This includes COVID-19 and the most recent wildfires in Los Angeles. His praise emphasized how reservists act as a conduit between the military and the private sector. Stating that reservists embody the dual role of citizen and soldier, making them uniquely positioned to contribute to a whole-of-society approach to deterrence and defence.

Admiral Cavo Dragone concluded his remarks by encouraging Reservists to share their experience with one another. "This plenary is a unique platform in fostering collaboration with one another. In an increasingly divided world, there is no weapon more powerful than our unity," he stated.

The multifaceted plenary meeting included briefings, topical discussions, and syndicate work. A major focus of this year's meeting was NATO's new Reserves policy, which was adopted in November 2024. The new policy is aimed at cementing the promotion of Reserves in contribution to NATO's core tasks, operations, missions and activities.

In order to maintain NATO's Reserves Forces, the Alliance collaborates with the NCR, CIOR, CIOMR and CISOR. The focus of the groups includes advising the Military Committee as well as training and educating inter-allied reservists. In conjunction these entities cooperate to harmonise their respective programs and projects to further NATO's mission of deterrence and defence.

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