COMARRC’S INTRODUCTION
We live in uncertain times.
Advances in health surveillance, preparedness and medicine provided an apparent
comfort blanket from infectious disease. Indeed, the likelihood of a major pandemic,
such as the devastating impact of influenza after the First World War, seemed to have
receded. SARS, MERS and Ebola were, in their different ways, contained and curtailed.
Concerns about antimicrobial resistance remained but the general layman’s view was
one of confidence in our ability to resist infection through strong healthcare systems
supported by readily available vaccination. The spread of coronavirus and the ensuing
crisis has shattered that illusion.
Our response is twofold. First, and foremost, we must take prudent protective measures.
We do this in line with national direction, to avoid infection and reduce the burden on
the National Health Service. Secondly, we shall generate appropriate military support for
the NHS where and when required. Such support will be predominantly national but can
include multi-national participation where permitted. Individuals from the Headquarters
have deployed to support the Joint Military Command in London and the Regional
Command more locally, whilst elements of the ARRC Group have stood up as part of
the COVID Support Force for operations in the Midlands and Wales. This is right and
proper. Of note, such support is subordinate to our enduring role within NATO to deter
our adversaries and defend our allies. We shall support our Nation in crisis whilst being
ready to deploy as a Warfighting Corps Headquarters should the requirement arise.
Predictions are plentiful but notoriously fragile. Our approach is to plan incrementally
based on the evolving situation. For the time being, we shall work remotely where
practicable, whilst maintaining control and situational awareness through a lightly
manned Operations Centre during daytime hours. We anticipate low-level training,
virtually and practically where possible, for the Headquarters and ARRC Group, aside
from those directly committed to fighting coronavirus. More broadly, we shall support
our people and their families wherever we can, most obviously in the moral welfare
domain. There are lots of good ideas in circulation that we must put into action!
CONNECT WITH US
Allied Rapid
Reaction Corps
Imjin Barracks
Gloucester
GL3 1HW
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +44 (0)1452 718007
Looking forward, our new Deputy Commander, Major General D’Addario, will corral multi-
national issues and lead on plans for a reviving International Day. The Chief of Staff,
Major General Mead, is focused on how we operate and support our people. Of note, a
strong team has reinforced the Welfare Office. The ARRC Social Club is committed to
your wellbeing. Their ideas are contained herein. Support them and they will support
you. Let us know if there is more that we can do whilst helping each other.
Compared to many, we are fortunate. We have our jobs, a regular income, a steady
supply of the necessities of life and, unlike many crises, most are with their families.
Our challenge is to maintain prudent protection, contribute where we can, keep our
warfighting skills simmering and use the time wisely whilst many of the freedoms we
usually enjoy are restricted.
Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE
Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to your Summer 2020 issue of the imjin magazine.
For the latest on the Allied Rapid
Reaction Corps visit our website
www.arrc.nato.int
@HQARRC
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
In this hastily-rearranged edition, we take a look at how our NATO
base has reacted to the COVID-19 outbreak.
And at this time of national crisis, it’s gratifying to see the Allied Rapid
Reaction Corps living up to its name – with multinational specialist
staff volunteering and deploying to assist within days.
We’ve the latest news on how our troops have supported the U.K.
Ministry of Defence response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition, we have the most up-to-date information on the support available to our soldiers
and families in the second half of the magazine. We’ve even included our lockdown tips in the
readapted ‘What’s on-line’ section.
And as we look forward to better times ahead, September 2020 marks ten years of NATO
troops being based in Gloucester. There’s news of how the Corps hopes to mark this significant
milestone.
It’s all available on our newly refreshed website www.arrc.nato.int, where you’ll find the latest
edition of this magazine plus a complete archive going back to before our arrival in the City.
Keep safe and keep healthy.
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
Major Laurence Roche
EDITOR’S NOTES
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.
2
SUMMER 2020 the imjin
Cover image: Captain
Ross Pearson of the
British Army (left) with
Turkish Lieutenant
Colonel Hüseyin Burma
during Exercise ‘Arrcade
Fusion’ in Cornwall.
Taken by Warrant Officer
Class 2 Mark Nesbit RLC.
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.
the imjin is designed
and printed by Manor
Printing Services
www.manorprinting.
co.uk
Should you wish to include an article or photo
in future editions, please contact the Public
Affairs Office on 01452 718007 or e-mail
[email protected]
@HQARRC
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps