FEATURE ARTICLE
Ex STEADFAST LEDA 2021
Ex STEADFAST LEDA 2021 ( STLE 21 ) was the ARRC ’ s major training event for 2021 . A land domain Computer Assisted Exercise / Command Post Exercise to increase interoperability and operational effectiveness in the alliance through the combined training of three NATO Corps HQs The primary training audiences was NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain , NRDC-ESP , in the corps warfighting role ; NRDC-Greece in the Multi-Corps Land Component Command role ; and the ARRC , as it transitioned out of its role as NATO ’ s corps warfighting headquarters at readiness . Around 4,000 NATO personnel were involved in STLE 21 in total , deployed across five countries . HQ ARRC deployed 408 people , comprising a blend of ARRC permanent staff , Framework Nation and Participating Nation augmentees .
Building on the successes of last year where the HQ deployed domestically within the UK , the planning for the STLE 21 began around 20 months ago . The key ambition was to project into Northern Europe , specifically Germany and Poland . This saw the Main and Rear Command Posts ( CPs ) deployed to the NATO Forward Holding Base , Sennelager ( NFS ), Germany and the Forward and Tac CPs at Bydgoszcz Airfield , Poland . With the execution phase slated to take place from 23rd November the exercise began 6 weeks prior for elements of Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion and 1st ( UK ) Signal Brigade to establish the communication information systems and real-life support infrastructure . ARRC Soldiers transported approximately 120 shipping containers through lengthy road convoy moves , negotiating busy European roads and host nation border controls , to prove the ARRC ’ s ability to conduct large scale troop and equipment moves in support of NATO commitments .
In Poland the Signals Squadron was faced with the challenge of transforming an empty field next to the airport into a fully functioning field Command Post , including working environments , power distribution and defensive structures . This was achieved in just 6 days : “ We are only as successful as we are … because we have outstanding , multitalented soldiers ,” said British Army Lieutenant Colonel Ian Sands , the Ghurkha ARRC Support Battalion Commanding Officer . “ The only way we can really properly train ourselves is through doing exercises like this .
” The training also provided the perfect platform for ARRC to continue its pioneering experimentation objectives ( see over page ) and facilitated the chance to build on and exploit the rich multi-national tapestry that defines NATO . Supported by four divisional Response Cells ( RC ) from four different nations , the ARRC was able to enhance the synergies and partnerships with our good friends in the 3rd ( UK ) Division , the Italian Acqui Division , 1st Armoured Division from Germany and the 1st Canadian Division . This was most aptly demonstrated through the execution of a real life , wide wet gap crossing over the river Minden : “ It ’ s the first time we ’ ve done a joint German , British , NATO bridging capability ,” said Brigadier Chas Story , Chief ECMI . “ We think it ’ s a NATO model where we can join these capabilities and add value across the whole alliance .”
Ex STLE 21 proved to be a hugely successful exercise for NATO : NRDC-ESP was successful in its Combat Readiness Evaluation and will assume the role of NATO ’ s at readiness Warfighting Corps HQ from 1st January 2022 ; NRDC-GRC conducted vital experimentation into the Multi-Corps Land Component Command and HQ ARRC accrued substantial training and development for its staff and conducted experimentation that will provide revolutionary change to how the ARRC operates in the future . More importantly , the success of the exercise sends an important strategic message , as British Army Major General Kevin Copsey , ARRC ’ s Chief of Staff explains : “ We have achieved a unity of effort and a unity of purpose that demonstrates NATO ’ s proficiency and readiness to deter potential adversaries and that NATO stands ready and capable to defend Europe in a time of crisis ”.
10 WINTER 2021 the imjin @ HQARRC
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps