COVER STORY
GERMAN MILITARY BIVOUAC
Captain Charlotte Kulla
On 22 September 2022 , the German contingent of the ARRC continued its tradition of organising the annual Bivouac . This is the 24th time this has been celebrated since the creation of the ARRC .
National celebration with international guests – ARRC ’ s German contingent conducts its Bivouac supported by the Bundeswehr Musical Corps Veitshöchheim
Compact German Proficiency Badge
Over the course of only two days , 32 international volunteers took part and challenged themselves in the different disciplines German soldiers must perform annually : a march with 15kg weight , a shooting test , a physical fitness test and swimming .
All participants achieved impressive outcomes resulting in 28 soldiers awarded the proficiency badge in gold in an evening ceremony . Additionally , Captain Edis was rewarded with a special award for his extraordinary performance by the German Senior National Represetative , Col Uwe Jansohn .
The 2nd Company of Combat Service Support Battalion 4 sent 16 soldiers , who diligently prepared themselves in advance , travelled to the UK from Germany solely for the occasion to support the German contingent with their endeavour .
Soldiers of different nations are instructed by their German comrades
German Bivouac 2022 – Tradition with a twist
One of the annual highlights for the German contingent is the annual Bivouac . This longstanding tradition , which has taken place since the establishment of the ARRC , had to be slightly altered this year . The everpresent British weather meant that the fire which is usually at the heart of the set-up had to be foregone . This year ’ s Bivouac still happened but had to take place inside the Imjin Barracks ’ Officers ’ Mess . The spirit of the event was not lost , with beer tent sets and unique decoration the location was transformed to match the special flair of the occasion .
Attendees were also treated to regional music and food provided by the Bundeswehr Musical Corps Veitshöchheim as well as a field kitchen team sent by Specialized Pioneer Regiment 164 who travelled to Innsworth especially for the event . They helped to create the traditional atmosphere of a German Bivouac .
After some introductory words Reverend Heather Rendell , the military chaplain of the ARRC , initiated the Bivouac with a blessing . Then the German SNR Col Uwe Jansohn , Member of Parliament Richard Graham , Mayor of Cheltenham Sandra Holliday and COS HQ ARRC Major General Kevin Copsey addressed the
This event is an opportunity to celebrate the reunification of East and West Germany following the Cold War . The celebration involves ARRC ’ s international community including the families , with representatives of local institutions and municipalities and ARRC ’ s partner nations also invited .
Part of the celebration saw the German contingent offer international partners the opportunity to earn the German Military Proficiency Badge .
assembled guests sharing impressions of German unification and underlining the importance of multinational cooperation and partnership .
Following tradition , a Serenade by torchlight conducted by the Bundeswehr Musical Corps Veitshöchheim crowned by the British and German National Anthem ended this year ’ s Bivouac and ARRC ’ s German contingent said goodbye to its honoured guests after a special evening .
This year ’ s celebrations took place in the officers ’ mess which was transformed into a festive hall
10 WINTER 2022-23 the imjin @ HQARRC
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps