BYDGOSZCZ, Poland - The upcoming NATO summit should send a message to member states that they have the responsibility to provide the first line of defense of their own countries, the alliance's top military officer said on June 23. Gen. Petr Pavel, chairman of NATO's Military Committee, said the 28-member alliance has the "strength and the determination to cope with the challenges presented by Russia," but the first forces to respond to a crisis will always be those of the affected nation.
Associated Press: NATO military chief says national forces are key (Interview)
General Petr Pavel, (L) Chairman of the NATO Military Committee attends the opening ceremony of NATO's large scale exercise Trident Juncture 2015 at the Italian Air Force Base in Trapani, Sicily.
