COMARRC ’ S INTRODUCTION
Six months ago , I set out ARRC ’ s focus for 2022 : The emphasis that we would place on the DEFENDER exercises and the need to re-energise our community engagements following two years of national restrictions . Russia was a focus , but few of us would have anticipated in 2021 that Europe would see such a profound change in the security situation . The 24th of February 2022 has placed us on a new course , and has provided an unequivocal demonstration of why NATO , and Corps such as the ARRC , are quite so necessary .
Russia ’ s invasion of the Ukraine has altered our plans for this year , and will do so for the foreseeable future . The ambition to remain a Corps that is warfighting capable is now nondiscretionary ; the need to be agile and ready for the responsibilities of the NATO Response Force our immediate concern . The remainder of this year will see the HQ commence detailed preparations for that role : delivering the academics and the staff training foundations for our evaluation period in 2023 .
We will continue our international engagements ; deepening our close relationship and support to Multi-National Corps South-East in Romania ; exercising in Germany in October with the UK 3rd Division on Exercise CERBERUS ; conducting the staff ride ARRCADE CAESAR through Sicily , as well as routine visits to our partner formations across the Alliance .
I commend the wider Imjin community for all that you have done over the course of this year to bring us together , and to Gloucester Council for re-affirming its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant . Amanda and I have been struck by how close-knit the ARRC family is – quite special in its character given the chance to develop friendships and cultural insights from across this remarkable Alliance .
We wish you and your families the very best for the remainder of this year – the year of Her Majesty the Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee . She is a reminder of the example of history , of how our nations have thrived through collaboration ; mutual support ; friendship and service .
Fortune favours the bold .
Lieutenant General Nicholas Borton DSO MBE Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
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STAYING READY
Since the last issue of the imjin magazine , the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the entire operational landscape for every member of the NATO Alliance . Without going into the details of what the last 5 months has taught us in Ukraine , it does serve to draw into focus the importance of individual and collective readiness , balanced with the capacity to adapt at short notice . COMARRC has been very clear and upfront with the entire HQ on what our mission , current main effort , and future mission set may look like ; but as we are all too aware , the situation can change at a moment ’ s notice . It is therefore vital that we , the members of HQ ARRC , are as ready as possible should the call come : we are all soldiers first and foremost !
It would be remiss of me not to mention Sgt Dan Jeavons who is currently instructing on the Swiss Intermediate NCO Leadership Course ; we also currently have SSgt Cassie Fewtrell on the course as a student . Sgt Jeavons is the first UK student to be invited back to instruct on the course , and this is a testament to his performance and impact as a student and his desire to develop the next generation of NATO NCOs .
Fortune favours the bold . Sergeant Major Andrew Morrison
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Editor : Lieutenant Colonel Roger Metcalfe
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Cover image :
Image credited to WO2 J Peters
The British Army Band Colchester and the Pipes and Drums of 3rd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland perform a musical programme for Her Majesty The Queen ’ s Birthday Reception on Thursday 26th May 2022 , at Imjin Barracks , in front of COMARRC and a specially invited audience .
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2 SUMMER 2022 the imjin @ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps