ARRC NEWS
Gongs for good
A trio of majors serving with the
ARRC’s headquarters have been
presented with medals recognising
meritorious and long service in
their national armed forces.
Polish staff officers, Majors
Mateusz Barszcz and Tomasz
Dering, and New Zealander Major
Chris Shaw were each presented
with their awards by General
Radford during a simple ceremony
in the Officers’ Mess.
Speaking to the imjin, Major Dering
said: “It’s a privilege to receive my
medal from a ‘three-star’ corps
commander, that’s not so typical
in Poland. It’s special to be doing
it here in the UK in front of our
families and comrades.”
NATO AT 70
Alliance hailed at rain-soaked
birthday parade
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization
has been praised as a ‘pillar of stability’
– as events were held in Gloucester to
mark the Alliance’s 70th anniversary.
Heavy rain failed to dampen a special
birthday parade at Imjin Barracks on the
day that NATO turned 70.
Addressing the multinational troops
on the parade square, the Commander
of the ARRC, Lieutenant General Tim
Radford, said: “NATO is an alliance
united by shared history, shared values
and shared goals. Together we work to
prevent conflict and to preserve peace.”
And in a period of evolving security
challenges, he added that “NATO
will remain a pillar of stability in an
uncertain world.”
FREE RAIN
Over 400 troops witnessed the colourful
event, which saw all 23 nations serving
with the NATO headquarters on parade
under their respective nation’s flag.
As the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL)
within the Corps, Stuart Davison
describes his role as the soldiers’
representative to the commander.
Speaking to the Imjin during his first
few weeks in the job, he explained:
“This is a great first posting for a young
soldier, and it’s a massive opportunity.
Working in a NATO context will make
them more rounded, and they will
return to the field army with a different
perspective.
“Part of my role is to make sure they’re
not feeling intimidated, feel part of the
team and embraced.
Meanwhile Major Shaw was
presented with the ‘New
Zealand Armed Forces Award’, in
recognition of 15 years’ service.
Shaw is currently posted to
Gloucester as an exchange officer
and is the only New Zealander
serving with the ARRC – and may
be the only Kiwi serving within the
whole of NATO.
The General told them: “Our
competence is strengthened further by
our diversity; each nation bringing with
it a particular and unique contribution.”
The Royal Artillery Band played on
through the drenching April shower – as
the troops were treated to renditions of
the little-heard ‘NATO Anthem’ and the
‘Allied Rapid Reaction Corps March’. Poles apart – (left to right) Barszcz,
Shaw, and Dering with their awards.
To view the full gallery of images
visit the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Facebook site The UK Ministry of Defence has
announced an increase to the
number of Gurkha soldiers that will
serve at Gloucester in the future.
Senior moment
The ARRC’s new Command Sergeant
Major has vowed to ensure junior
ranks reap the benefits from their time
serving within the Corps headquarters.
The Polish pair each received the
‘Polish Silver Medal of Merit for
National Defence’. Major Barszcz
was also awarded a second silver
medal by the Polish army for
‘Service of the Fatherland’.
“The major benefit
of having a
multinational HQ is
the different ideas
and experiences
everyone brings to
the party. We can
all learn from each
other, and the
diversity we
enjoy here
only creates
a stronger
team.”
Davison is from
the British Army’s
Mercian Regiment
Ayo Gorkhali!*
The changes will see an enhanced
role for the Brigade of Gurkhas
supporting NATO, with additional
specialist troops allocated to the
ARRC’s Support Battalion.
Alongside this new role, the MOD
is establishing additional Gurkha
Engineer and Signals Squadrons.
The changes also see the creation
of The 3rd Battalion Royal Gurkha
Rifles as a new Specialised Infantry
Battalion for the British Army.
The units will allow Gurkhas to
access more career opportunities,
including promotion and increased
chances to serve a full 24-year
Army career.
Minister for the Armed Forces Mark
Lancaster said: “The Gurkhas have
built an outstanding reputation for
their skill and bravery as soldiers
through centuries of service and
sacrifice.
“They bring unique expertise and
perspective to the United Kingdom
and British Army.”
* ‘Here come the Gurkhas!
the imjin AUTUMN 2019
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