NATO Land Group 3 Working Group 3 has been concerned with soldier modernization particularly in the areas of standardization The WG is to be replaced by what is termed a 'topical group' and will have the following terms of reference.

TOPICAL GROUP on SOLDIER SYSTEM INTEROPERABILITY

I. AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

1. The area of responsibility of the Topical Group 1 (TG1) is the soldier system interoperability between NATO countries and in co-operation with PfP nations.

2. This will require, as a minimum, co-ordinating and liaising with Land Groups (1,3,6,7 and 8) and other bodies within and outside the CNAD.

II. MISSION

1. To ensure that future national soldier systems will inter-operate at a level to be defined.

2. Based on the completed work of Working Group 3

3. Working Group 3, work will:

a) assure the recommended standardisation at the soldier level through the development and implementation of STANAGS,

b) explore the potential for adopting identical sub-systems/modules/components for the various national soldier systems,

c) co-ordinate as appropriate the various national programmes,

d) standardise soldier system test and evaluation procedures,

e) identify implications for NATO doctrine and training as Soldier Systems are introduced .

III. COMPOSITION AND ORGANISATION

1. TG 1 is composed of user and/or developer representatives from NATO, Partners for Peace, and Australia (as a continuation of Working Group 3).

2. Membership should where possible contain both operational and technical expertise.

3. Secretarial support will be provided by the UK.

IV. TASKS:

1. Create the conditions for Soldier Systems Interoperability.

2. Establish the level at which interoperability is feasible (in accordance with AC/225(LG3)D/26).

3. Facilitate the exchange of information on the various national programmes.

4. Standardize soldier system test and evaluation procedures.

5. Assure the recommended standardization at the soldier level through the development of STANAGS.

6. Explore the potential for adopting identical sub-systems/modules/components for the various national soldier systems.

V. METHOD OF WORK

1. TG 1 will normally meet twice a year, at least once in NATO Headquarters.

2. Additional meetings may be called by the Chairman as necessary.

3. The TG will liaise with appropriate NATO groups in order to co-ordinate work on Soldier Systems Interoperability.

4. The TG will report to the NAAG once a year on progress.

5. The TG should be prepared to work up to and including the classification NATO/PfP SECRET, but should use the lowest classification appropriate to the scope of the tasks.

6. NATO Allies reserve the right to meet in closed session without Partners.

VI. STATUS

1. TG 1 will be established for a five year period, after which time its mandate will be reviewed.

Last Updated - February 2001