## Department Of Defense Directive

#

June 27, 2013
Incorporating Change 1, Effective May 14, 2020

CMO SUBJECT: Defense Representation, United States Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USNATO) and Europe

References:  See Enclosure


1.  PURPOSE.  This directive reissues DoD Directive 5105.20 (Reference (a)) to update the responsibilities and functions, relationships, and authorities regarding Defense representation for USNATO and Europe, pursuant to the authority vested in the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) by Title 10, United States Code (Reference (b)). 2.  APPLICABILITY.  This directive applies to OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other organizational entities within the DoD (referred to collectively in this directive as the "DoD Components"). 3.  RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

a.  Defense representation for USNATO and Europe includes the U.S. Permanent Representative on the Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (U.S.

Ambassador to NATO); the Defense Advisor, USNATO/Senior Civilian Representative of the Secretary of Defense in Europe (SECDEFREPEUR); and other DoD personnel assigned to USNATO.



b.  All functions and activities performed by DoD personnel assigned to USNATO in supporting DoD programs relating to NATO will be carried out under the supervision and authority of the U.S. Ambassador to NATO.



c.  In fulfilling statutory duties under the direction of the Secretary of State, who is the principal advisor to the President in the determination and execution of the foreign policy of the United States, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO:


(1)  Advises and assists the SecDef on DoD aspects of matters pertaining to NATO.



(2)  Keeps the Secretary of State informed of all USNATO activities resulting from this directive.

d.  In carrying out responsibilities and functions on behalf of SecDef, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO:

(1)  Presents approved DoD positions, policies, plans, and programs to NATO and to NATO countries, as appropriate.


(2)  Evaluates proposed plans, positions, policies, and programs affecting the DoD and submits, as appropriate, recommendations to the SecDef.



e.  The Defense Advisor, USNATO, is the senior civilian DoD official serving on the staff of the U.S. Ambassador to NATO.  He or she advises and assists the U.S. Ambassador to NATO in the formulation, coordination, and presentation of DoD policies pertaining to NATO.  The Defense Advisor, USNATO, serves also as the SECDEFREPEUR.



f.  The SECDEFREPEUR, as senior civilian representative of the SecDef in Europe, plans, recommends, coordinates, and monitors DoD programs, as directed by the SecDef.  In this role, he or she advises and assists the SecDef in the formulation, coordination, and presentation of DoD policy in Europe.  Additionally, SECDEFREPEUR provides advice on behalf of SecDef to the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union and U.S. Ambassadors to European nations and their missions on relevant DoD policies.

4.  RELATIONSHIPS
a.  The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USD(P)) provides overall policy guidance to USNATO on behalf of DoD, normally through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs (ASD(ISA)).  Other Assistant Secretaries of Defense, who report to the USD(P), may provide policy guidance to USNATO, in coordination with the ASD(ISA) and the USD(P).

b.  In coordination with the USD(P), OSD Principal Staff Assistants (PSAs) may provide USNATO and SECDEFREPEUR with technical advice, direction, and policy guidance within their respective fields of responsibility, as necessary, consistent with paragraph 4a.

c.  The U.S. Ambassador to NATO may communicate with the SecDef directly or through the USD(P), ASD(ISA), or the Defense Advisor, USNATO, as appropriate.

d.  The Defense Advisor, USNATO/SECDEFREPEUR, will communicate with the SecDef, normally through the USD(P), or through the appropriate OSD PSA, in coordination with USD(P), keeping the ASD(ISA) informed.  This must not preclude direct communication with the SecDef when exigencies require.

e.  In carrying out assigned responsibilities and functions, the Defense Advisor, USNATO/SECDEFREPEUR, is to be assisted by such DoD personnel as may be assigned by the SecDef.



f.  Administrative support required for USNATO will be provided through support and service agreements with the other DoD Components. 5.  AUTHORITIES.  In carrying out assigned responsibilities and functions, the Defense Advisor, USNATO/SECDEFREPEUR, is delegated authority to:
a.  Request personnel, administrative, and logistical support from appropriate military commands and other DoD Components within Europe, as required and available.



b.  Procure locally, by contract or other proper means, personal services, supplies, equipment, and such other services as may be necessary in the performance of responsibilities and functions assigned by this directive, using established support agreements and arrangements and consistent with applicable laws.



6.  RELEASABILITY.  **Cleared for public release.**  This directive is available on the Directives Division Website at https://www.esd.whs.mil/DD/. 7.  SUMMARY OF CHANGE 1.  This change updates the office of primary responsibility designation and the Directives Division Website address and removes expiration language in accordance with current Chief Management Officer of the Department of Defense direction.

8.  EFFECTIVE DATE.  This directive is effective June 27, 2013. Enclosure References Glossary

## Enclosure References


(a) DoD Directive 5105.20, "Defense Representation, United States Mission to the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization and Europe," May 2, 2001 (hereby cancelled)
(b) Title 10, United States Code


## Glossary

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS


ASD(ISA)
Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs


NATO
North Atlantic Treaty Organization


PSA
Principal Staff Assistant


SecDef
Secretary of Defense
SECDEFREPEUR
Senior Civilian Representative of the Secretary of Defense in Europe


USNATO
United States Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
USD(P)
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy