Photo courtesy of Allied Air Command
Members of ARRC and AOCC in front of HQ Allied Air Command
Exercise RAMSTEIN AMBITION 2021
On 14th May 2021 ARRC Air Operations Coordination Centre ( AOCC ) personnel , together with the Ground Liaison Element ( GLE ) and a select number of experts from other branches in the HQ returned from Ramstein Air Base , Germany after the conclusion of Exercise RAMSTEIN AMBITION 2021 ( RAAM21 ).
Beginning 3 May , RAAM21 was hosted by Headquarters Allied Air Command ( AIRCOM ) to bring Air , Land , Maritime , Special Operations , Cyber and Space experts together for a joint command and control ( C2 ) exercise fusing effects in NATO ’ s five operaional domains . As AIRCOM ’ s semi-annual C2 training event , RAAM21 included 24 Allied countries and additional partners — Finland , Sweden and Ukraine . A total of over 600 personnel trained with a common goal to exercise the NATO Command Structure ( NCS ) Joint Force Air Component ( JFAC ) in a COVIDsecure environment enabled by strict Force Protection measures . “ Bringing our Allies , Partners and our outer stations
together under one roof despite COVID challenges provides invaluable readiness for the Alliance ,” stated Brigadier General Andrew Hansen , Deputy Chief of Staff Operations , Allied Air Command , prior to the start of the exercise .
AOCC and HQ ARRC personnel , together with representatives from Allied Maritime Command , Special Operations Command , Allied Land Command and a notional trial of a Space Component Command provided an all-domain awareness and holistic approach to C2 over multiple joint operations areas ( JOA ). Exercise serials reinforced the ever-increasing need for integration of effects in complex warfighting scenarios . “ For Allied Land Command , as the designated Multi Corps Land Component Command , working jointly together with Allied Air Command under the umbrella of a Joint Force Command , is a key precondition for success ,” underlined Brigadier General Uwe Becker , LANDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff Operations .
During the exercise , a number of senior officers from the broader NATO community visited Allied Air Command , including ARRC ’ s Commander and Chief of Staff thus enabling discussions in operational concepts such as Air-Land Integration and the Land forces planned scheme of manoeuvre in the JOA .
After two weeks of fast-paced , intense training the command post exercise proved to be a pivotal event for NATO ’ s Air Command C2 specialists , specifically , strenghthening cooperation between other components .
Overall , RAAM21 demonstrated the ability of Air Command to successfully operate during a global pandemic . At the end of the exercise , several new JFAC members were certified as Mission Ready for their Crisis Establishment roles .
The Ramstein Ambition annual exercise series represents a unique training opportunity both for Airmen and Army personnel of the ARRC to strenghten linkages , broaden knowledge and fully understand how other components train and operate to deliver effects for the Joint Force Commander .
For AOCC and ARRC members alike , RAAM21 was an enriching experience ; an occasion to build relations and bonds across different nations , experiences , and backgrounds .
Lt Col Claudio Pastrovicchio , ITA-AF Maj Luke Reardon , USA-AF
Exercise SAIL MARITIME Captain Chris Griffiths
Ex SAIL MARITIME aimed to introduce members of the HQ to sailing , whilst offering others the opportunity to further their skills and experience . On a wet and chilly Monday morning eleven staff from HQ ARRC deployed to Gosport to commence a week of sailing .
The two crews were initially concerned about the consistent drizzle and the lack of forecasted wind . As they drew closer to Gosport , the sun was shining and the winds were better than expected . This resulted in a brilliant first day of sailing , one of the best days on the Solent , before the crews came alongside at Cowes and debriefed on what had happened and what was to come . A sunny day on the water resulted in some rosy-faced multinational staff wandering through Cowes .
The second day saw the crews slip Cowes to Lymington – despite another day of poor forecasts most of the day was spent under sail as the crews took turns to practice on the helm whilst learning the new sailing terminology . Despite the crew involving both English and German staff , they remained cordial and enjoyed the thrilling match before retiring to the yachts for a beautiful home-cooked meal .
The crew remained in good spirits on the third day . Yarmouth was the next destination and despite being very busy midweek , the yachts made it in to the marina and enjoyed a ‘ run ashore ’, having dinner in a popular gastro pub .
The last full day of sailing saw the crew sail over to the Hamble . Now more experienced , it became apparent how much the crew had improved over the week . The winds remained steady for the end of the week and following some deep cleans , the yachts were handed over in a better condition than they were received – testament to the discipline and commitment from the crew members .
Overall , the expedition was a success . All crew improved their knowledge and skills and intend to exploit other opportunities to sail . Those that had never sailed before became converts and those that wished to build upon their prior experience did so under the tutelage of some very experienced skippers . Everybody learnt something and the crew members from ARRC will be closer following their shared experiences . Finally , the crew would like to thank the organisers and skippers for their time and effort in making the experience fun , educational and with memories to last a lifetime .
4 SUMMER 2021 the imjin @ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps