Maj Ben Ford, Queen’ s Own Yeomanry SO2 Media Ops – Army Comms Branch – Army HQ

Having served as SO2 Media Ops in the Public Affairs Office( PAO) at Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps( ARRC), the opportunity to return in a familiar role was a privilege I couldn’ t pass up. This time, the adventure took me to Finland, within the Arctic Circle, for Exercise Dynamic Front 25 – an artillery-focused NATO exercise led by the Joint Fires and Influence Branch( JFIB). It was a deployment that promised professional challenges, personal growth, and an unforgettable foray into the frosty wilderness.

As an Army Reservist, overseas deployments bring a unique sense of excitement. This opportunity to join the ARRC again was particularly special, as my two and a half years with the headquarters remain a career highlight. But this was no ordinary exercise – it offered a rare chance to experience Finland’ s rugged Arctic environment for the first time.

Preparing for the Unknown

The Arctic Circle, with its notoriously harsh conditions, demanded careful preparation. Digging through my warm kit, I ensured I packed plenty of additional layers, preparing myself for what would undoubtably be some unforgiving cold weather. The familiar drive south to Imjin Barracks marked the first leg of the journey. From loading up my car to double-checking my gear, the routine preparation felt grounding in its familiarity.

Soon enough, I found myself at RAF Brize Norton in the early hours, brimming with anticipation alongside my new colleagues in the advance party. Boarding the flight to Finland came with an announcement from the captain that added a touch of suspense- severe weather lay ahead, but we had ample fuel to ensure a safe landing. After some tense moments during a turbulent approach, the aircraft touched down in a snowstorm in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus’ s official hometown. The drive to our exercise base was a surreal journey through a winter wonderland, complete with a quick glimpse of Santa Claus Village- an amusing juxtaposition to the military mission at hand.

Life on the Ground

Arriving in the dead of night, we quickly moved into container accommodations that proved surprisingly warm and comfortable. The biting cold outside only heightened our appreciation for the warmth that they provided.

The next morning, my team’ s work began in earnest. As part of the Public Affairs effort, our mission was to document and capture the essence of Exercise Dynamic Front 25. This involved photographing training activities, facilitating media visits, and conducting interviews with ARRC personnel and external visitors alike. The multinational nature of the exercise brought together participants from the British, French, American, Swedish, and Finnish armies, each showcasing their artillery assets through live fire drills. It was an extraordinary testament to collaboration and cohesion across nations.

Adjusting to new faces and processes always comes with a learning curve, but camaraderie quickly took root. Within days, it felt as if I was firmly back as part of the Headquarters. The battle rhythm of exercise, interspersed with moments of awe at the Arctic backdrop, made every day unique.

Hunting the Northern Lights

Among the highlights of this deployment was a nightly pursuit of the elusive Northern Lights. The Arctic Circle granted us front-row seats to nature’ s most stunning display. Armed with cameras, patience, and a fair amount of trial-anderror, we became adept at capturing the celestial spectacle in vivid detail. These

I feel an immense sense of pride in the collective effort of everyone involved.

outings offered a brief respite from our demanding roles and a chance to reflect beneath the expansive sky.

A Multinational Effort

The role of Public Affairs in a NATO exercise is an exhilarating blend of storytelling and strategy. Coordinating teams from five nations underscored the ARRC’ s unique strength: its ability to bring together diverse perspectives in pursuit of a shared mission. The synergy and professionalism on display were both inspiring and humbling.

Reflections on Reservist Life

This deployment encapsulated everything I cherish about being an Army Reservist. It provided the chance to step back into a role I love, contribute to a progressive exercise, and immerse

myself in a challenging yet rewarding environment. From the logistical hurdles of preparing for sub-zero conditions to the teamwork required in the Arctic, every moment was a testament to adaptability, resilience, and collaboration.

As I look back on this experience, I feel an immense sense of pride in the collective effort of everyone involved. Deployments like these highlight the unique opportunities that come with balancing civilian life with military service.

Exercise Dynamic Front 25 was more than an Arctic adventure; it was a reminder of why I chose to continue as an Army Reservist in the first place. The mix of professional development, cultural exchange, and personal growth makes being an Army Reservist an extremely rewarding role.