Page 154 - RSDG Year of 2023

152 EAGLE AND CARBINE
Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) is the British Army’s 3* HQ capable of deploying for Corps Warfighting or as a Land Component Command. Far away in tropical Gloucester the HQ is staffed with NATO Operations in mind and has a vibrant multinational community with 22 of NATO’s Participating Nations contributing to a permanent staff of some 400 personnel.
Your correspondent in the field reports fresh off the back of Ex STEADFAST JUPITER in Romania, where ARRC achieved its Combat Readiness Validation to take the land lead for NATO Response Force 24. Next year we will be the Regiment’s 2-UP as we stand ready with the Desert Rats under command to respond to any crisis that may occur in SACEUR’s areas of responsibility.
When I joined the HQ in April of 2022, ARRC was watching intently, and adapting its structure in response to the Invasion of Ukraine. At the forefront of that effort was the Intelligence Branch where I am currently the Adjutant and, not alone in the Grey Berets, Brig Jonny Biggart heads up the G7 pillar as DCOS Strategy and Training. Intelligence analysis showing other comparable HQs removed from the field of battle in that conflict has been a considerable motivator for our development and training!
It has been a busy, and exciting time for the HQ as UK Defence refocuses its commitments on NATO. The multi- national community has been a significant advantage, drawing on each nation’s strengths, capabilities, and contacts. In turn, the HQ sends staff across Europe to share its expertise with other UK and alliance HQs. With the multinational community comes many oppor- tunities to celebrate each other’s cultures and National Days. Whilst awkwardly that does include the USA’s 4
July Independence Day it is well balanced by Canada also celebrating the King’s official Birthday in June. Assuming of course the French contingent have not wholesale purchased all the red, white, and blue bunting for Bastille Day months in advance! It wouldn’t be a NATO party without bringing up old grudges turned allies. Don’t mention ze war!
Opportunities for work travel are also abundant. Your correspondent attended a NATO course in Bavaria, a Battlefield Tour in Norway, the Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes, toured Spanish officers round Scotland, and exercised as a Corps Warfighting staff in Romania. Not to mention staff cohesion AT: skiing in Austria and sailing in the Western Isles and Solent. A posting well worth considering, I commend it to any Officer or SNCO wishing to explore the wide and wonderful world of NATO!
Fortune Favours the Bold!
HQ ARRC
Capt Andrew Pring