NATO IMS Day Highlights the Role of the International Military Staff
NATO IMS Day was officially marked at NATO Headquarters with keynote speeches from senior NATO leaders. The event reaffirmed the International Military Staff’s central role in supporting military decision making across the Alliance.
The day also included the inauguration of the renewed IMS Day Exhibition. It reflects the history, evolution, and continued relevance of the International Military Staff within NATO’s integrated command structure.
NATO IMS Day Opens at NATO HQ with Senior Leadership
The opening of NATO IMS Day brought together NATO’s top civilian and military leadership. The event highlighted the strong coordination between political authorities and military commanders.
Keynote addresses were delivered by:
Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee
Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas, Director General, International Military Staff
Their speeches focused on NATO’s changing security environment and the growing need for timely, coordinated military advice.
Deputy Secretary General Emphasizes Strategic Role of the IMS
Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska described the International Military Staff as a key link between NATO’s political decision making bodies and its Strategic Commanders.
She noted that modern threats are growing in scale and complexity. This requires fast and effective responses. In this environment, the IMS plays a major role in supporting the Military Committee’s advice to NATO’s political leadership.
NATO Military Committee Chair Praises Unity and Commitment
Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone reflected on his first year as Chair of the NATO Military Committee. He highlighted the high operational tempo across the Alliance.
He praised IMS personnel for their professionalism and heavy workloads. He also stressed that NATO’s military and civilian staff work together as one team under a shared mission.
Director General IMS Recognizes Behind the Scenes Excellence
Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas thanked IMS personnel for their dedication and commitment. He noted that much of their work happens behind the scenes but remains central to NATO’s military decision making.
He also expressed gratitude to NATO member nations for assigning highly qualified personnel to the IMS. He emphasized the importance of unity and strategic coordination in a complex security environment.
Distinguished Guests Attend NATO IMS Day Ceremony
The ceremony welcomed senior representatives from partner institutions, showing strong cooperation across Euro Atlantic security structures.
Notable guests included:
Major General Gábor Horváth, Deputy Director General and Chief of Staff, European Union Military Staff
Lieutenant General Hans Werner Wiermann, former Director General IMS
IMS Day Exhibition Showcases NATO Military Heritage
The renewed IMS Day Exhibition, first launched in 2025, was officially inaugurated during the event at NATO Headquarters.
The exhibition includes:
Historical IMS artifacts
Informational panels showing the evolution of the International Military Staff
It highlights the IMS’s long standing contribution to NATO’s collective defense and strategic coordination.
Role of the International Military Staff in NATO
The International Military Staff includes around 500 military and civilian professionals. They provide strategic and military advice and staff support to the NATO Military Committee.
The Military Committee advises the North Atlantic Council on military matters. The IMS helps ensure that decisions made at senior levels are implemented by NATO’s military bodies.
Historical Origins of the International Military Staff
The origins of the International Military Staff go back to 10 November 1966, when the NATO Military Committee approved a key document outlining the structure of an integrated IMS.
Formal approval followed in February 1967. On 10 February 1967, the International Military Staff was officially activated. This marked the transition from the former Standing Group to the modern IMS structure.
NATO IMS Day Reinforces Alliance Readiness and Unity
NATO IMS Day highlights the International Military Staff’s vital role in strengthening Alliance unity. It supports informed military advice and helps NATO respond effectively to an evolving global security environment.
