ARRC NEWS
AVT25- An Eye to the Future
The outcomes and lessons of Ex AvT25 are still being identified and worked through, but some of the major themes which will no doubt be further developed are the continued development of operating procedures between the ARRC, its Divisions, and its Corps Troops formations, the further digitisation of the Corps Headquarters, and a continued effort to set up CP operations in a wide variety of working environments including the use of multiple sites, buildings of opportunity, and no doubt a further development of sustained Corps HQ operations in the subterranean domain.
This exercise gave HQ ARRC an excellent opportunity to develop its concept of operations with a constant eye to its future requirements. Not only does it represent one of the ARRC’ s most significant exercises for many years in terms of the scale of the HQ deployment as well as the subordinate formations taken under command, but it also allowed the ARRC to showcase its capabilities to higher HQs including the MCLCC and Allied Joint Force Command Brunnsum( JFC-BS) for whom the linked Ex AvT25 and Ex STDU25 represent landmark exercises in terms of the scale of ambition across a vast operational environment which taken together successfully exercised formations from Joint Task Force to Corps level with significant training input from formations both above and below this also taking place.
As many of you know, I have now been serving as Deputy Commander for a little over three months, and I would like to take this opportunity to share a few reflections with you. From the very beginning, I have felt a deep sense of pride, honour, and genuine gratitude for this appointment. Joining ARRC has been an extraordinary moment in my professional journey, and I am truly pleased to be part of a headquarters with such a strong identity, purpose, and history.
My connection with the United Kingdom— professionally and personally— goes back many years. I had the privilege of living in England for three years with my family, a period that shaped us profoundly and allowed us to feel part of this community. During that time I had the honour of serving with the 3( UK) Division— the Iron Division— as a staff officer. That assignment was one of the most formative experiences of my career, offering challenges that helped me grow and shaping the professional I am today.
I joined ARRC at a pivotal moment both for NATO and for the British Army. Our Headquarters has long been recognised as a reference point within the Alliance: a formation that leads by example, that innovates before innovation becomes a necessity, and that consistently demonstrates how adaptability and professionalism can shape the future. In an era defined by uncertainty, ARRC’ s strength lies not only in its readiness, but in its ability to think ahead, to challenge established patterns, and to contribute meaningfully to NATO’ s evolution.
As the Alliance modernises, ARRC is positioned at the centre of this transformation. Our role as NATO’ s Strategic Reserve Corps is more than a designation; it is a clear signal of trust and expectation. We are called upon to provide depth, flexibility, and initiative at a strategic level to serve as a catalyst for change and a source of momentum for the Alliance. At the same time, our integration into the British Army’ s ongoing transformation underscores our position as a hub of expertise, creativity, and operational leadership.
The challenges ahead are wide-ranging and unpredictable. Yet, they are also opportunities-opportunities to innovate, to strengthen NATO’ s collective posture, and to demonstrate once again the value our Headquarters that has always been both forward-leaning and missionfocused. Over these first months, I have seen the energy, professionalism, and unity that define this team. It is this spirit that will allow us to meet the future with confidence.
As we move forward together, let us continue to embody the values that make ARRC a cornerstone of NATO: professionalism, innovation, and unwavering cooperation. I am honoured to serve alongside you, and it is a privilege to be part of this team. Thank you for your warm welcome and for your continued dedication.
Major General Massimiliano Quarto Deputy Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corp
6 WINTER 2025 the imjin @ HQARRC NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps @ HQARRC