ARRC Imjin Magazine Winter 25 | Page 11

Maj Catherine Brettell

Between 20 – 23 May 2025, thirteen members of HQ ARRC G8 Branch took part in our annual branch training event, ARRCADE FISCAL. This year’ s training was held in Belgium, chosen for its strategic relevance and proximity to key NATO institutions. The four-day visit included two travel days and two intensive training days, designed to deepen our collective understanding of NATO financial frameworks and enhance our operational effectiveness.

On Wednesday 21 May, the team visited Mons and were warmly hosted by Nils Baaring from the Budget and Policy Branch FINAC at SHAPE. Nils delivered a highly informative morning of lectures tailored to questions submitted in advance by our team. The sessions provided valuable insights into SHAPE’ s funding processes, NATO Force Structure eligibility, the‘ over and above’ rule, emergency funding protocols, execution rates of spend, and the origins of the financial policy we follow at HQ ARRC. We also benefited from a detailed briefing by Ian Kippen, Programme and Resources Manager at SHAPE, who clarified the criteria for Common Funding eligibility and the mechanisms for accessing these funds.

The visit concluded with a relaxed, non-hosted lunch at the SHAPE Club, offering an excellent opportunity for informal networking and relationship-building.

On Thursday 22 May, we travelled to NATO HQ in Brussels to engage with the International Military Staff( IMS) Logistics & Resources Division. Hosted by the Head of Finance and his team, we received a comprehensive overview of financial administration within NATO Command Structure units. The focus was on the budget cycle and forecasting processes, with practical advice on how IMS manages its financial planning. A highlight of the day was attending the opening session of the NATO Command Structure Resources Planning Committee Meeting. Observing this high-level forum allowed us to draw meaningful comparisons with our own Strategic Resources Committee processes at HQ ARRC, offering valuable lessons in governance and strategic resource management.

Beyond the formal training, the visit also included a historical and analytical excursion to the site of the Battle of Waterloo. This segment allowed members of the Branch to showcase their research and presentation skills. Capt Bradley Allen, SSgt Moses Njuguna, and Cpl Alessandro Urtis each delivered concise, well-researched briefs examining the financial dimensions of the battle, linking historical context to modern fiscal principles. The team also enjoyed some downtime in Brussels, which fostered team cohesion and provided a welcome opportunity to recharge.

In summary, ARRCADE FISCAL 2025 was a resounding success. The event not only strengthened our understanding of NATO financial systems but also reinforced professional relationships and team dynamics. We extend our sincere thanks to all those who hosted us and contributed to the delivery of such a well-organised and intellectually engaging programme.

The event not only strengthened our understanding of NATO financial systems but also reinforced professional relationships and team dynamics.