'the imjin' magazine Summer 2020 | Page 11

Golden Boys – The medallists on their return to Imjin Barracks. Power of good Royal Engineers serving with the ARRC Support Battalion have been trialling hybrid technology to help power the Corps Headquarters. Staff Sergeant Ajibola Laogun from the Battalion’s ‘Power Troop’ explained how the hybrid energy technology is good news for both the military and the environment. For the full story visit the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps website www.arrc.nato.int Soldiers from the ARRC Support Battalion have returned to Gloucester with Welsh gold – after their perfect performance at the ‘Cambrian Patrol’, one of the world’s toughest military patrol competitions. The eight-man section won gold after competing alongside teams from 34 different countries during the military skills competition hosted by the British Army in Wales. They were awarded the top honour for their overall performance during the 60-kilometre patrol over the Black Mountains, adding to the Battalion’s impressive silver medal at the previous year’s event. Patrol Commander, Staff Sergeant Tilak Pun, said: “We’re very happy to get the gold. Last night we gathered with our chain of command and had a big ‘messing’ (traditional Gurkha celebratory meal).” Lance Corporal Kiran Gurung added: “It was raining and windy for 48 hours throughout the patrol. But our preparation and training made the difference. “Hopefully we’ve made everyone in the Battalion very proud.” Brigadier John Collyer inspects the troops in front of Bristol City Hall. RIG Post Haste Support Battalion win big at Cambrian Patrol Exercise ‘Arrcade Fusion’ has seen the development of the Commander’s Tactical Command Post (COMTAC CP). The COMTAC CP is an office ‘on the road’ for a small number of key NATO staff officers, enabling the ARRC’s Commander to lead the Corps from anywhere on the battlefield. It includes a smaller, more mobile element to allow the General to quickly move forward to direct the battle. 39th Signal Regiment have exercised their Freedom of Bristol – to celebrate their contribution to the city, and to mark the centenary of the Royal Corps of Signals. Dozens of British Army Reservists from across South West England took part in the parade on 22 February, which saw Bristol’s city centre roads closed to Saturday morning traffic for it to take place. Lieutenant Colonel Vince Connelly, Commanding Officer of the Regiment, remarked: “It was a great privilege and an honour; I’ve never felt so proud to be leading such a marvellous regiment.” Under 1st (UK) Signal Brigade, the reservists’ main role is to support Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps with military communications. the imjin SUMMER 2020 Captain Robin Drysdale BRISTOL FASHION 217 Signal Squadron of 22 Signal Regiment is responsible for the I.T. provision to the COMTAC CP and have been heavily involved in the development of the new command post’s configuration, which will be further refined ahead of the Corps’s main exercise season at the end of 2020. He said: “It means we can provide a lower noise and heat signature, reduce the amount of fuel that we use on exercises, and provide a greener solution.” WELSH GOLD The ‘Deployed Power Supply Project’ is designed to monitor the power consumed by the Corps HQ in the field, and includes the innovative use of solar panels to help generate electricity. 11