'the imjin' magazine Autumn 2019 | Page 6

Our man in Mons Radford to take top NATO job Lieutenant General Tim Radford has departed Gloucester – to become the next ‘Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe’ (DESACEUR). Based at Mons in Belgium, he’ll be Britain’s top man in a U.K.-tied NATO appointment. Speaking exclusively to the imjin during his final week at the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, General Radford said: “It’s been hugely enjoyable. I’ve loved being here in Gloucester.” GRAND ALLIANCE “I think there’s real goodness in coming to spend a few years in this NATO environment. It just broadens your outlook,” he continues. “In the future, coalition warfare means we’re going to be working with other nations. “And there is something quite special about being in a NATO headquarters, where you have this diversity and you can harness all that energy and experience. And from twenty-plus nations, it’s priceless really.” IN GOOD SHAPE “There’s a great spirit here. Making new friendships has been great and I’ve learnt an awful lot from working with the different nations, which has set me up nicely for my next role as DESACEUR. There’s real goodness in coming to spend a few years in this NATO environment. 6 AUTUMN 2019 the imjin “It will be a fascinating role, and taking over from General James Everard who has done the most brilliant job. It’s a great honour to be there, and to represent the nation in what is a really important role at a very interesting time.” He concludes: “My overall message to everyone at the ARRC is ‘thank you’ for all the hard work and for making it such a fun place to be, and to the families thank you for your support and your service.”