COMARRC ’ S INTRODUCTION
As we move towards the end of the year , I continue to be delighted by how much the soldiers and officers of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps have achieved . It seems like an age since we embarked on our journey to become the NATO Response Force 24 ( NRF 24 ) Land Component Command , but as the readiness period fast approaches I am proud to say that we are ready to take on the challenge . Despite the frenetic pace of training and events this year , all members of the ARRC have worked tirelessly to ensure the HQ can respond to any challenge as required . In an increasingly uncertain world , it is more important than ever to have dedicated , professional people stood ready and I could not be prouder to command such fine soldiers and officers .
For us , the seminal moment this year has been the deployment of the HQ on our Combat Readiness Evaluation ( CREVAL ) Exercise - STEADFAST JUPITER - in Bucharest , Romania . It was truly inspiring to see the diligence and professionalism of everyone within the HQ , and supporting elements from 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade and 1 UK Signals Brigade , coming together to deliver everything that was required to certify us as combat ready and able to undertake the role of NRF 24 .
As ever , there is a whole lot more that has taken place throughout the year – including academic collaboration with Kings College London ( KCL ), adventure training in the Lake District , the opening of a new clubhouse for staff , collection for the Royal British Legion and even counting rare horses in Mongolia . The ARRC continues to be a unique and rewarding place to work and the staff have certainly taken advantage of this fact despite the packed calendar .
However , ARRC personnel would not be able to achieve all this without the support and understanding of their families . They play a critical role , often without praise or even mention . I would like to extend my personal thanks to you all for what you do – we simply could not function without you .
As we enter the festive period , I encourage you all to spend time with your loved ones , wherever they may be , and take the opportunity to have a well-earned rest .
Audentis fortuna iuvat – Fortune favours the bold .
Lieutenant General Sir Nick Borton KCB DSO MBE Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps
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Project CENTURION WATCH and Exercise STEADFAST JUPITER ( Ex STJU ) has provided the ARRC with the tools to cover-off against NATO ‘ fight tonight ’ commitments . However , as we move towards the NATO Response Force ( NRF ), relationship-building , clarity of communication and the ability to adjust to a plethora of environments and individuals are the key skills required to be successful in a multinational , strategic headquarters . Furthermore , we must not forget that the relationship between officer ’ s and NCO ’ s is complex and nuanced , especially within the ARRC . The NCO must support their principle , and staff in every endeavour but must also be able to speak truth to power , provide comment or contribution when appropriate and , crucially , must also know where their input is not required . As NCO ’ s we do not always get this right , but we must learn to foster and manage these relationships and understand that , though necessarily governed by rank and experience , the relationship must have a personal and honest nature at its core .
In 2024 the ARRC must maintain Warfighting excellence that is underpinned by a persistent focus on Individual Preparedness and Collective Readiness . We must remember that this journey does not stop on the 1st of January 24 . A greater integration of readiness will be required beyond Individual Training Requirements ( ITR ’ s ) and should be seen as a real opportunity to maintain a warfighting focus first , with an inherent ability to flex to homeland resilience as a secondary role . Finally , from one professional war fighter to another , I would like to wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you and your families for the support you have given to the ARRC in 2023 .
AUDENTIS FORTUNA IUVAT . Command Sergeant Major Harley Upham
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A Mongolian horseman puts on a display – see pages 12-13 for more !
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2 WINTER 2023 the imjin @ HQARRC Allied Rapid Reaction Corps