COMARRC ’ S INTRODUCTION
I am delighted to provide my first introduction to the Imjin magazine having assumed command of the ARRC from Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne in December last year . I write to you shortly after the conclusion of ARRC ’ s deployment on STEADFAST LEDA and post another busy year comprised of two major exercises , multiple training tasks and several staff rides . I commend you on an incredible effort and commitment to the Corps , delivered despite the ongoing challenges associated with the pandemic . I am of course looking forward to what lies ahead in 2022 . We have a rare opportunity , absent of any immediate readiness commitments to NATO , to focus on the sustained development of the Headquarters . Retaining our focus on warfighting , we shall continue to refine our procedures and skills through the Spring and into the DEFENDER EUROPE exercises next summer . There are some exciting opportunities ahead for us , including the chance to train alongside new divisions and new international partners from across the Alliance . As we pursue excellence and drive evolution through training , it is vital that we continue to draw upon the rich vein of intellectual horsepower within this multi-national headquarters . The breadth of perspective that comes from a community of participating nations is a unique characteristic to the NATO Force Structure and one that we must fully harness . We will continue our programmes of academics and staff training as par for the course ; but we will also enhance our social interactions as opportunity allows – Imjin is after all a multinational community encompassed within one Corps . Included in this is the wider sense of what constitutes the ‘ Imjin community ’. We have grown over the last few months following the British ‘ Integrated Review ’ and the subsequent changes to the British Army . Most notably with the addition of 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade to the ARRC Group , alongside 1 Signals Brigade . To our soldiers in 104 Brigade , I extend my personal welcome to the ARRC and I look forward to visiting the Brigade units in the months ahead . To all of you , once again well done on a superb 2021 . The strategic landscape underscores the value of what you do . Lots to get our teeth into ; I look forward to the opportunity to work with you all ; to visit your units and to spend time within this most unique multinational community . Fortune favours the bold .
Lieutenant General Nicholas Borton DSO MBE Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
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Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
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PURPOSE – CREDIBILITY – TEAMSHIP
As I sit down to write my first introductory article for the Imjin Magazine , I do so reflecting on my first six months within the ARRC Headquarters as we collectively depart for some well-earned Christmas Leave . I would wish to draw your attention to the three main areas which have really resonated with me over my first six months and areas which I believe make-up the very fabric of what it means to be a Non Commissioned Officer ( NCO ) or Officer serving within the ARRC : Purpose , Credibility & Teamship .
The HQ culminated at the end of 2021 having conducted a very successful Ex STLE 21 . The exercise itself was expeditionary by its very nature , with circa 600 personnel , ranging from Private to 3 * General , split over three locations and all driven by the same professional purpose : to become better war fighters . The relationships forged through the exercise serials , coupled with a deeper professional understanding of one another ’ s role , whether that be as individuals or teams within the staff branches , will prove vital in the future as the HQ now re-orientates itself towards success on Ex DEF 2022 . Additionally , it filled me with enormous pride as the ARRC ’ s Command Senior Enlisted Leader ( CSEL ) to witness first-hand the real value & credibility added by our NCOs . The different perspectives and experiences they bring to the team , especially our brethren from participating nations , must continue to be harnessed and exploited . This commitment will further aid the branch leadership ’ s decision making at all levels within the HQ and it will continue to make us better war fighters in the future .
It would be remiss of me to not mention the incredible job done by the soldiers and officers of the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion and 22 Signal Regiment as the ARRC ’ s key enabling units for Ex STLE 21 . The units are a credit to the cap badge they wear , and I cannot personally thank you enough for the often unglamourous but hugely important job you do setting the conditions for the ARRC to succeed .
Finally , it has been a genuine pleasure serving my first six months within the ARRC . The teamwork , the environment and the camaraderie are something special and its real strength truly comes from the multi-national nature of the HQ . I look forward to seeing what 2022 holds for us all .
Fortune favours the bold . Command Sgt Major Andrew Morrison
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
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EDITOR : Major Matthew Burton RA
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Cover image :
Lt Col Baz Barrett and WO2 Steve Brooker with guide James Clapham , make the summit of Mont Blanc .
Image credited to Major Luke Denby-Hollis .
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2 WINTER 2021 the imjin @ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps