CIS SUPPORT TO EX STEADFAST JUPITER 23
As the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps ( ARRC ’ s ) close support signals element , 22nd Signal Regiment were tasked with providing the deployed Command Posts for Ex STEADFAST JUPITER ( STJU ) 23 . This came after a series of beat-up exercises , including deployments to RAF St Mawgan , Innsworth and Germany throughout 2023 to rehearse and develop our capability for the task . STJU 23 was especially important , acting as the ARRC ’ s crucial Combat Readiness Validation ( CREVAL ) exercise for the NATO Response Force 24 ( NRF 24 ) role .
Node builds and equipment preparation began several months in advance to ensure that all services could be provided for the exercise . While the staff would be fully tested in the execution phase in October , 22 Sig Regt began preparations in early July . The Regt would then come together to deliver the full range of CPs , including some novel capabilities , such as the EXECUTE CP and COMARRC ’ s mobility . Further to providing the CPs , Support Sqn provided all round support to the deployment and 252 Sig Sqn continued their steadfast support to the Permanent Headquarters in Innsworth ; a truly Regimental effort .
After several weeks of preparation , the first elements deployed on 31 Aug to collect the vehicles that had been shipped to Greece . What followed was a testing move through Greece , Bulgaria and into Romania , complete with locally provided escorts . This was co-ordinated through the exceptional efforts of Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion , who took the lead for RLS support throughout the exercise .
Command Post 1 ( CP1 ) established a traditional set-up in the build phase with 222 Sig Sqn , which began shortly after the Main Body deployed on 4th September . CP2 was then set-up by 248 Gurkha Sig Sqn in several bunkers to prove the concept of a dispersed CP . The EXECUTE CP , provided by 242 Gurkha Sig Sqn provided the test-bed for a range of new concepts , seeking to hide in plain sight both physically and on the Electro-magnetic Spectrum ( EMS ). This was a unique challenge , but one that the Sqn ably took on . The success of the concept appeared to be confirmed when one exercising participant found himself lost trying to locate the CP ! Throughout the exercise , 32 and 39 Sig Regts provided robust and critical High Frequency ( HF ) comms , demonstrating how the Army Reserves can integrate effectively into the force .
The arrival of the staff to occupy the CPs was seamless ; testament to the hard work across the 1 ( UK ) Sig Bde units . The months of rigorous preparation meant that there were reassuringly few outages , and those that did occur were rectified swiftly . The sqns and the staff quickly formed a strong working relationship , something that bodes particularly well for the NRF .
Within a week of ENDEX being called , the CPs were packed up and ready to be shipped back to the UK . While the main body caught flights , a return journey to Greece was on the cards for some as they drove back to the port . Now that all equipment is safely back in the UK , our efforts turn to converting lessons identified into lessons learned , and preparing for NRF 24 .
Overall , STJU 23 provided not just an excellent opportunity to test our skills , but also a chance to experiment and innovate with some new concepts and ideas to promote survivability , resilience , adaptability , integration to afford the commander increased tempo . This will ensure that 22 Sig Regt , its partnered units and the ARRC are well prepared for the challenges of NRF in the coming year .
the imjin WINTER 2023
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