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Chapter 11: Military Organisation and Structures The Military Committee   The Chairman of the Military Committee The Chairman of the Military Committee (CMC) is selected by the Chiefs of Defence and appointed for a three year term of office. He acts exclusively in an international capacity and his authority stems from the Military Committee, to which he is responsible in the performance of his duties. He normally chairs all meetings of the Military Committee. In his absence, the Deputy Chairman of the Military Committee (DCMC) takes the chair. The Chairman of the Military Committee is both its spokesman and representative. He directs its day-to-day business and acts on behalf of the Committee in issuing the necessary directives and guidance to the Director of the International Military Staff (see below). He represents the Military Committee at high level meetings, such as those of the North Atlantic Council, the Defence Planning Committee and the Nuclear Planning Group, providing advice on military matters when required. By virtue of his appointment, the Chairman of the Committee also has an important public role and is the senior military spokesman for the Alliance in contacts with the press and media. He undertakes official visits and representational duties on behalf of the Committee, both in NATO countries and in countries with which NATO is developing closer contacts in the framework of the Partnership for Peace programme, the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council, the NATO-Ukraine Commission, the Mediterranean Cooperation Group and the South East Europe Initiative. The Chairman is also ex-officio Chairman of the NATO Defense College Academic Advisory Board. The role of the Defense College is described in Chapter 14.