Near contentious borders, this type of transparency measure can help eliminate fears that an exercise may be part of preparations for war. Establishing and exchanging a regular schedule of military exercises can further build confidence between parties. Parties to the Arms Control and Regional Security working group in the Middle East have agreed to notify each another in advance of any plans to move more than 4,000 troops or 110 tanks. The agreement also stipulated that both parties must provide information on the type of exercise, the area in which it will occur, the planned duration of the exercise, as well as the number and type of formations participating, including whether the exercise would involve the shifting of forces from other formations. Data exchanges detailing existing military holdings, planned purchases, military personnel and budgets can clarify a state's current and projected military capabilities and provide advance notice of destabilizing arms build-ups.
Data exchanges can take place bilaterally or multilaterally.
Some 83 countries responded in some form in 1992, and approximately 90 countries did in 1993. Voluntary observations of another state's military exercises provide first-hand access to that party's equipment and operating procedures. The Stockholm Document on confidence and Security Building Measures of 1986 made mandatory the invitation of observers to all exercises or concentrations in excess of 17,000 ground troops, and 5,000 amphibious or airborne troops. Verification measures are designed to collect data or provide first hand access in order to confirm or verify a state's compliance with a particular treaty or agreement. Aerial inspections enable parties to an agreement to monitor compliance with force deployment limitations in restricted zones, to confirm data exchanges on the disposition of military forces, and to provide early warning of potentially destabilizing activities.