ARRC DEPLOYS TO PORTUGAL FOR EXERCISE APOLO 22
In March 2022 , HQ ARRC deployed twelve personnel to Tancos , Portugal to support the Portuguese Rapid Reaction Brigade ( RRBde ) on Exercise APOLO 22 . APOLO is an annual Mutual Training Support activity between HQ ARRC and the RRBde , which contributes to HQ ARRC ’ s Mission . The RRBde is Portugal ’ s high readiness brigade comprised of parachute , commando and special operations forces . APOLO sees HQ ARRC deploy a Higher Controller team ( HICON ) to support the brigade to validate their headquarters and enhance its interoperability under HQ ARRC Command and Control . The scenario for APOLO sees the ARRC and the RRBde deploy as part of a NATO mission to restore the territorial integrity of the Baltic region .
The ARRC delegation was a cross-functional team designed to simulate the output of the Corps HQ . It was comprised of intelligence , operations , future-plans , fires , logistic and air planners from across the HQ . This small team faced significant challenges to simulate the output of the entire HQ , particularly when
many of the members hadn ’ t worked together before and came from a range of partner nations . However , in true ARRC style , the team quickly bonded and set about the task .
The ARRC delegation delivered three fragmentary orders designed to meet the training objectives of the RRBde . Each required sufficient detail to ensure they were cohesive and realistic . The HICON also delivered daily Corps Situational Awareness Briefings ( SAB ) which provided a platform for the RRBde Commander to interact with the ARRC and understand the wider operation . Team members role-playing some unfamiliar units led to a rather amusing situation for COMARRC , who alongside DCOS Support attended APOLO Distinguished Visitor Day ( DVD ), when he listened to ACOS G35 role-playing himself on the briefing . Other team members made the most of their brief promotion to ‘ Brigadier ’ or ‘ Admiral ’ for the short duration of briefings . Despite these nuances , the SAB and orders received praise from the RRBde , who valued the integration into the ARRC battle rhythm .
The multinational construct of the ARRC delegation was the embodiment of the concept of NATO . As a result , the RRBde welcomed the opportunity to exchange experiences and ideas with their NATO
allies , describing APOLO 22 as an invaluable opportunity to , “ develop a common mindset which would be critical for the success of the Alliance in a potential future deployment ”. The strong bonds established between the two organisations were further cemented by the visit of Commander Portuguese Land Forces who joined COMARRC and DCOS Support on the DVD . The Portuguese were impeccable hosts throughout , introducing the ARRC delegation to the culture of Portugal which included a visit to the ancient town of Tomar . HQ ARRC and the RRBde finished APOLO 22 better integrated and more interoperable , strengthening the Alliance as a result . We look forward to advancing this mutual training relationship next year on APOLO 23 .
Exercise ARRCADE SUPPORT 2 / 22
Maj Gabriele Di Donfrancesco
Exercise ARRCADE SUPPORT 2 was a branch training event for the staff of Support Division ( Sp Div ) conducted over the period 25 – 29 April 2022 , in Italy . The activity was focussed on the ARRC ’ s role to train and operate as a Warfighting Corps HQ before switching role to become the standby NATO Response Force ( NRF ). The aim of ARRCADE SUPPORT 2 was to develop knowledge and familiarity within the Operations Support community of similar and higher NATO headquarters ’ capabilities and complexities , particularly when considering formation support operations and planning at the Corps level . The primary focus was to explore HQ ARRC ’ s role as Corps Warfighting HQ in accordance with NATO Long Term Rotation Plan .
logistics branches . The Exercise proved to be an excellent development tool for wider stakeholder engagement and education . The syndicate questions and discussion were focused on several topics including sustainment and interoperability , medical requirements , PoW management , command and corps controlled capabilities in the rear , rehabilitation and the use of LOGFAS .
There were opportunities for cultural visits in several locations including Naples , the ruins
of Pompeii and Milan ; which allowed those attending to experience new cultures and enhance relationships , especially for several new arrivals across the various departments .
The Exercise provided an enjoyable and functional training experience for Sp Div , and was a fantastic opportunity to learn from a higher-level HQ whilst building greater relationships with another NATO Corps HQ .
40 members of Sp Div were fortunate enough to take part in the Exercise , visiting a higherlevel HQ ( JFC Naples ) and a twinned NATO Corps HQ ( NRDC Italy ). The activity included briefings , discussions , and syndicates with representatives from comparable
@ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps the imjin SUMMER 2022 9