In 1997 due mainly to the arrival of new systems and technology, but also as a result of lessons learned in areas like the Balkan Operations, the expansion of NATO, the introduction of Partners for Peace, and the NATO Long Term Study, NACOSA was reorganized once more. An additional result of this reorganization was to bring the previously named Regional Operating Centre Northwood (UK) under direct control as a subordinate element to be known as The NACOSA Support Element (NSE) Northwood. The Charter for NACOSA at that time was redefined and signed by the NATO Consultation Command and Control Board (NC3 Board) in December 1997. This Charter persisted until October 2003, when, after a comprehensive study, the North Atlantic Council was moved to endorse the following recommendations: - All of NATO‘s fragmented CIS service provision elements will be integrated into one centralised organisation, separating ‘customers‘ from ‘suppliers‘. - All deployable CIS capabilities will be combined in two NATO Signal battalions and become part of NCSA. - The new organisation will be an agency and remain under non-operational direction of the NC3 Board. The Director NCSA should be accountable to the NC3 Board for executing the Agency's general policy decisions, directives and strategy, and for the provision of CIS services to all its "customers".