In almost every briefing you receive before going overseas to a European assignment you hear the phrase, "You will be in Europe to support the United States' commitment to NATO." But what exactly is NATO? What is our commitment? And how will you and your unit fit into the NATO plan? NATO--the North Atlantic Treaty Organization--is the result of a treaty signed in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 1949, which has as its goal the preservation of international peace by maintaining a high state of military preparedness in Europe, North America, and in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Baltic seas.