ARRC NEWS
ARRCADE BRIEF 25
24-28 March 2025
Maj Stefano Nappi
The ARRC Legal Branch, went to Krakow, Poland. The exercise consisted of two-day of study with the 2nd Polish Corp legal colleagues, with the aim to develop a wider understanding of the stakeholders and legal regime within Poland as we focus on our role as an Strategic Reserve Corps. Study days included a series of briefings, discussions, and networking opportunities, with representatives exchanging information, ideas, and experiences to deepen our NATO ties.
The exercise provided to the legal branch with a deeper understanding of the legal landscape in Poland and how we can best leverage that landscape to support and enable the Headquarters ARRC.
The 2nd Polish Corp has an interesting military museum where our polish colleagues explained us the history of that military Unit starting from the courageous defense of Warsaw during the second world war.
Additionally, the legal team had the opportunity for cultural immersion and historical study in the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum. Auschwitz was the largest of the various concentration camp complexes and played a key role
in the implementation of the so-called Final Solution. 1 million prisoners were killed there. But this is also a symbolic place of the rebirth of a people and of the universal values that recognize human dignity then carved into the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Ex JOINT PROTECTOR – Latvia
250 Gurkha Signal Squadron
LCpl Saroj Lamtari
250 Gurkha Signal Squadron( 250 GSS) was deployed on Ex JOINT PROTECTOR 24( Ex JP 24) to Karosta Military Base, Leipaja, Latvia as a part of the development of a 2 * deployable HQ from 13 Oct – 25 Nov 24, under the command of Captain Debendra Gurung. The intent is for up to 150 Staff Officers to deploy to the exercise location and conduct staff training within a Building of Opportunity( BoO).
Upon arrival at Karosta Military Base in Leipaja, the day commenced with a comprehensive reception brief by the Site Commander. The next day, the team unloaded the ISO containers and began establishing the Network Equipment Room( NER), which is our main priority to meet the Initial Operational Capability( IOC). As the exercise progress the demands grew, so did the challenges face by 250 GSS. Throughout these demands, 250 GSS remained the reliable focal point, quickly adapting to each new requirement. Led by Sgt Rakesh Lama at the Service Desk and Sgt Lal in the Network Equipment Room( NER), the team worked tirelessly to provide continuous support and resolve issues efficiently. 250 GSS upheld the exercise’ s momentum, demonstrating resilience and dedication under pressure.
During Ex JP 24, 250 GSS was tasked with supporting the innovative and new concept of a 2 * deployable HQ, led by Major General Tom Bateman, which introduced new command elements: the Command Advisory Group( CAG), Tactical Command( TAC), and Forward Light( FWD). The concept emphasised increased agility and expertise in warfighting, highlighting a significant evolution in current HQ operations. The squadron’ s role was crucial in providing CIS ICS services tailored to the new HQ concept— a challenge the squadron had never faced before. The CAG, TAC, and FWD Light HQs were designed to enable swift command and control across dispersed locations, ensuring a continuous flow of information from command to control elements, even in complex environments.
The squadron adapted quickly, deploying two J6 engineers with the command team to various locations across Latvia and Lithuania on short notice. These teams operated independently within the command elements, setting up critical communication infrastructure in buildings of opportunity and ensuring uninterrupted service between the HQ’ s forward and main components. Despite challenges in establishing communication
network connectivity and achieving Fully Operational Capability on time, the squadron’ s efforts kept pace with exercise demands, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Focusing on the importance of culture and tradition, personnel from 250 GSS seized a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Tihar which was led by SSgt Bibek Gurung. Pandit Jagadis Paudel led a puja to start the festival, emphasising its spiritual significance. Following the ritual, LCpl Prasant Tamang briefed partner allies and all the attendees on the festival’ s cultural and religious meaning. The celebration continued with the inauguration of games, followed by performances of the traditional carol songs“ Deusi” and“ Bhailo” by squadron personnel. The celebration not only uplifted the morale but also enriched the shared experience and solidarity among all present.
Ex JOINT PROTECTOR 24 provided a pivotal learning experience for 250 GSS, who successfully met the demands of the new dynamic HQ concept. Their achievements and service delivery received high praise from senior staff officers, highlighting their contribution to the HQ’ s operational effectiveness and future potential.
12 SUMMER 2025 the imjin