COMARRC ’ S INTRODUCTION
It is right and proper that we commemorate the battle of the Imjin River on this , its 70th anniversary . It speaks to the example of unity and courage in the face of adversity – embodied in the heroic stand of the 1st Battalion of the Gloucester Regiment , that being part of a multi-national force engaged in collective defence . We have all continued to operate in the face of COVID-19 . Where possible we have continued the momentum achieved last year . Fortuitously our program is weighted towards the Summer and Autumn , thus offering the opportunity to concentrate on planning and preparation whilst movement remains restricted . Our planned training , focussed as it is on the Black Sea Region and the Baltic States , is true to our mandated role . Our focus is to complete that training , and our associated engagement with allies and partners alike , productively and safely . Looking forward we can now see a return to some sort of normalization , based on nationally mandated conditions to unlock the country from the shackles of Coronavirus . Hope springs eternal and to that end we should focus our plans . Indeed , I hope and trust that Summer heralds the chance for you all to enjoy the benefits of being amongst a rich and varied multi-national community and the freedom to travel and visit the United Kingdom and , where applicable , to return home to see family and friends .
Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
CONNECT WITH US
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Imjin Barracks Gloucester GL3 1HW
E-mail : contact @ arrc . nato . int Telephone : + 44 ( 0 ) 1452 718007
For the latest on the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps visit our website www . arrc . nato . int
@ HQARRC
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
ADAPTING AND OVERCOMING
As we entered 2021 , we found ourselves in another national lockdown but unlike early 2020 we had experience on our side . The ARRC team both military and civilian , many working from home with the support of their families , took this in their stride . Such has been the cultural change and the ability to quickly adapt during the pandemic , the team find themselves better placed to accept and lock in change . This can only benefit the individual , the team and the alliance . The Non-Commissioned Officers serving in the HQ have been at the forefront of this cultural change . We have adapted with ease and have learnt from each other whilst taking the time to ensure that everybody is - regardless of nationality , rank or grade , military or civilian – okay . # OneTeam .
Since the Autumn we have continued to develop both ourselves and each other . Novel ideas and ways of working have allowed all the HQ staff to continue to deliver , whist ensuring we maintain our Warfighting Corps HQ levels of readiness . Online courses have allowed personal and group development , whilst the use of social media platforms have enabled the wider community to stay connected . What has been really striking is the branches ability to treat everybody as individuals , understanding that everybody ’ s current situation is different and one size doesn ’ t fit all .
The year ahead is filled with opportunity and by understanding what we can do , instead of what we can ’ t do , will only broaden our horizon . The full benefits of serving in a NATO HQ will open up as restrictions lift , and the opportunity and excitement that we all relish will be back with us once more .
Fortune Favours the Bold .
Command Sergeant Major Stuart Davison CSEL Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
For staff and families posted to Imjin Barracks , there is a private Facebook group . Search for Imjin Station Community and ask to join the group .
EDITOR : Major Eleina Bayne
the imjin magazine is produced by ARRC Public Affairs on behalf of all units serving at Imjin Barracks in Gloucester .
The publication of an advert , article or photo does not necessarily reflect the views of the ARRC , Partner nations or the U . K . Ministry of Defence .
Should you wish to include an article or photo in future editions , please contact the Public Affairs Office on 01452 718007 or e-mail contact @ arrc . nato . int
Cover image : Gloucester Valley Battle Monument , Paju , South Korea .
Page Opposite : Carne Cross , Paju , South Korea .
Images credited to Hannah Kim / Remember727 .
the imjin is designed and printed by Prism Office www . prismoffice . co . uk
2 SPRING 2021 the imjin @ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps