2010

Canadian officer receives prestigious award

Sun, 19 Dec 2010 11:24:00 GMT

Canadian Officer Major Lorne Plemmel, currently serving in HQ ARRC has been recognised in Canada with the award of the Member of the Order of Merit. He was given the award by the Governor General in Ottawa on a recent visit to Canada prior to the officer's forthcoming tour of Afghanistan.

Tewkesbury formally welcomes ARRC with glittering Carol Service at Abbey

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:39:00 GMT

The Borough of Tewkesbury Mace bearers

lead the way out of the Abbey

The ARRC Group were today officially welcomed to the Borough of Tewkesbury at a glittering Carol Service in Tewkesbury Abbey.

Hosted by the Mayor of Tewkesbury , Cllr Elaine Hancox , hundreds of ARRC personnel and their families packed the Abbey to celebrate a traditional Christmas service, to mark their formal welcome to the Borough.

This is the ARRC’s first ever Christmas in UK after moving from Germany over the summer , and the Service was a chance for Partner Nations to have a taste of a traditional British Christmas festival.

Carol singing at the Abbey

As well carols being sung, a line-up of Partner Nation staff gave Readings and Prayers in their own languages , for a truly multinational celebration of Yuletide.

The Service commenced with a welcome to the Abbey by the Rev Steve Short, Chaplain to the Borough Mayor, before Cllr Hancox formally welcomed ARRC Group to the Borough.

She said: "It was a poignant moment when RAF Innsworth closed, ending a long association with the RAF. Imagine our delight, therefore, when the camp became the new home for the ARRC. As Mayor, I am proud, privileged and honoured to bid welcome to that most prestigious military organisation, the ARRC. I look forward to a long and happy friendship with you all, the ARRC provides splendid opportunities for cultural exchanges, sharing languages, experience, beliefs and traditions. I should also mention the difficult responsibilities that you will be facing in Afghanistan all too soon. We will pray for your safe return to families and friends”.

Readings were given by military and their family members

In his reply, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, Commander ARRC, said: "On behalf of all members of the ARRC Group and their families, I thank you most profoundly for your kind words and the honour of being formally welcomed to this fine place. By welcoming us here, you are telling us that we are part of your community. I accept your hand of friendship and let me stress our determination to contribute to your community to the fullest possible. Tonight symbolises the cementing of a strong and lasting relationship between HQ ARRC and the people of Tewkesbury.”

ARRC launches new community magazine

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:09:00 GMT

The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps today launched a new community magazine. It is designed to keep all of those in the ARRC community and Innsworth Station up to date on current issues, what's going on locally and what is happening in the future.

Generous public donate over £12,000 for Royal British Legion

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:58:00 GMT

Lt. Col. Simon Butt presents a cheque to Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Stevenson

The Gloucestershire public donated over £12 ,000 to Service charity at sports events that took place during the recent Remembrance Week.

With Army support from numerous units around the county, including the Support Battalion HQ ARRC (Allied Rapid Reaction Corps), the Royal Logistics Corps parachute display team , ‘The Silverstars’ from nearby South Cerney , and an Army recruiting team laying on some colourful entertainment, the Royal British Legion collected the generous sums at Cheltenham Race Course and Gloucester Rugby Stadium , Kingsholm, during the week.

At Kingsholm , Service fundraising took place at both the Combined Services versus Samoa and Gloucester versus Saracens matches , when Forces personnel pulled out all the stops to help entertain the spectators and collect maximum funds for Service charity. The final sum collected was £6563 , and Lieutenant Colonel Simon Butt , Commanding Officer , Support Battalion Headquarters ARRC , was delighted to present a giant cheque at the Stadium to Major General (Retired) Paul Stevenson , Royal British Legion County President (Designate).

The Cheltenham Race Course Remembrance Week event again showed the generosity of the Gloucestershire public , with over £6 ,230 being raised. Lieutenant Colonel Butt was again pleased to hand over a bumper cheque , this time to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire , Edward Gillespie.

Lieutenant Colonel Butt said: "These events were a fantastic opportunity for my Battalion to get out into the community and raise money for such a worthy cause during Remembrance Week. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support we received. As a Battalion we have benefitted greatly from the support of the Royal British Legion , and we are planning to organise a whole series of events next year to support the Legion in their 90^th Year.”

Final Preparation for Afghan deployment at NATO Joint Warfare Centre

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:20:00 GMT

Personnel working with Headquarters, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ, ARRC) recently participated in two weeks of high intensity, comprehensive training at NATO’s Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway during early November, 2010, in advance of their year-long preparations for their deployment to Afghanistan in early 2011.

Approximately 200 ARRC personnel received state-of-the-art training from a team of well over 140 professional trainers, staff, and support personnel during what is termed a Mission Readiness Exercise, or MRE. Next year, ARRC staff and individual augmentees from a multitude of partner nations will be augmenting the ISAF Joint Command (IJC) in Kabul.

Designed to prepare deploying units for the experiences, events, and operational tempo they can expect in Theatre, the MRE placed ARRC personnel in realistic situations and scenarios, involving everyone from the most junior to the most senior-ranking officers.

Often, an MRE is the last training opportunity for a unit to work together in a training environment before they must do everything for real. As such, it is critical for the unit’s personnel to receive tough, demanding training – the idea being that it is better for the personnel to make mistakes (and learn from them) in a training environment, then in a combat zone, where mistakes can mean the difference between life and death.

An Afghan National Army Colonel in the CJOC

The Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), was activated in late 2003 in Stavanger, Norway, as part of the Alliance transformation. Set up to conduct joint and combined experimentation and doctrine development, the JWC prepares NATO forces for military missions through joint and combined training events. Additionally, the Center assists with NATO’s developmental work on new technologies, modeling and simulation.

Maj. Gen. Tim Evans, ARRC Chief of Staff, and soon to be Chief of Staff for the IJC, was confident that the ARRC’s culminating pre-deployment exercise provided exceptional value to deploying personnel.

"Having done our own internal training, it has given us the opportunity to look wider and have people from the outside look at us and train us…with the subject matter experts (from Afghanistan) and (the) organization that does NATO training (the JWC). It’s all about the outside looking in at us," said Evans.

Interview training with the media

The ARRC deployed once before to Afghanistan in 2006, at that time with duty at ISAF’s headquarters in Kabul. This time, ARRC personnel are scheduled to augment the U.S. Army’s 5th Corps, filling positions at the IJC, and at ISAF headquarters in Kabul.

French Army Col. Charles Sevin, Director of Training at the JWC, was highly complementary of ARRC, specifically regarding their preparation for the MRE at Stavanger.

"ARRC is a headquarters we usually train. We trained the ARRC prior to their last deployment to Afghanistan," said Sevin. "ARRC has a good reputation - we were expecting that (the ARRC’s) officers and NCOs would be well prepared, and that’s the case."

Another component of the unit’s training at the JWC was the addition of the training exercise’s Individual Augmentees, or IAs.

Quite literally coming from around the globe, the November exercise brought well over 130 IAs to Stavanger to participate in the training event. IAs were placed into nearly all offices, disciplines, and planning teams for the duration of the MRE, a situation that brought the ARRC and IA together to form new working relationships, which will continue to strengthen as the new team prepares to deploy in 2011.

Ultimately, it will be a key challenge and responsibility for ARRC personnel to blend with their new colleagues and form a tight, cohesive team in the headquarters at the IJC. Confident of his troops’ abilities in this regard, Maj. Gen. Evans explained.

"By the end of (the) exercise, you won’t necessarily know who the IAs are and who aren’t," said Evans.

Wishing to add as much realism and training benefit as possible, the JWC brought around 70 Subject Matter Expert Mentors from the IJC to Stavanger to assist with the ARRC’s training. Representing nearly every deployed functional area and discipline, these personnel offered ARRC and IA personnel with invaluable experience, advice, and information regarding the current state of affairs at the IJC and Afghanistan.

The most senior of this group was the IJC’s current commander, Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez. In an address to the training audience, he was quick to compliment both the ARRC and IA audience preparing for deployment, as well as the JWC staff who supported the many subject matter experts he brought to the training from Kabul.

"Thank you so much for taking care of all of my folks from the IJC," said Rodriguez.

Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez speaks to ARRC personnel

According to Col. Sevin, this most recent visit from a senior flag officer was unprecedented.

"We do ask senior officers, flag officers to come and to mentor. We were fortunate to have Lt Gen. (David M.) Rodriguez come to this exercise," said Sevin. "This just shows how much support that (senior officers) have for this training. They are the ones who know how it’s happening over there."

The JWC commander, Lt. Gen. Wolfgang Korte, was highly complimentary of both the ARRC and the training ARRC personnel received prior to their arrival at Stavanger.

"The best, and most complete, training that I have seen in preparation for this is the training provided by the ARRC. "They have put so much into this training," said Korte, "and are now clearly ready, with their IAs, to take their place and add value in the IJC."

Spanish National Day 2010

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 17:31:00 GMT

SPANISH CONTINGENT CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY IN STYLE

ARRC’s Spanish Partner Nation celebrated Spanish National Day in style today. In a truly traditional reception at the Reaction Forces Officers Mess, the Spanish contingent hosted scores of their ARRC colleagues of all nationalities to some of the best of Spanish food and wine, to mark the occasion in appropriate style.

As the guests, among them COMARRC, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, enjoyed Spanish tapas and wine, they were warmly greeted by the Spanish Senior National Representative, Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Rubiella, SO1 G7.

Reviewing the significance of their special day, Lieutenant Colonel Rubiella said: "There is nothing better than to celebrate Spanish National Day with the friends and colleagues whom we work alongside. This day remembers the 12 October 1492

and the expedition led by Christopher Columbus to the new world, which has given us a new continent, new culture and a new way. I am sure that in the coming year we will share many rewarding moments, both professional and personal, during our deployment to Afghanistan, but today is a special opportunity to enjoy fine Spanish wine and tapas. In conclusion, I would like everyone to fill their glasses with good Spanish wine and toast to the Chief of the Spanish Army and the First Soldier of the Country, His Majesty King Juan Carlos 1.”

HQ ARRC prepares for Afghanistan deployment with training exercise at RAF St. Mawgan

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 12:49:00 GMT

Almost 1,000 personnel from HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) and other agencies have linked up in Cornwall this week for a key NATO training exercise at RAF St Mawgan.

The Gloucester-based NATO personnel are now moving into high gear to prepare for their Afghanistan deployment next year.

The ARRC is a high readiness NATO HQ prepared for rapid deployment worldwide, and a large contingent of them have deployed down to RAF St Mawgan for Exercise ARRCADE SPEAR 2. The exercise is one of the final stages of their pre-deployment training for operational service next year.

Elements of HQ ARRC, with personnel from 15 NATO nations, of which UK is the Framework Nation, deploy in support of ISAF, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, from January 2011 to January 2012.

A Command Post Exercise aimed at training ARRC staff in the cross-functional nature of the HQ ISAF Joint Command, ARRCADE SPEAR 2 is based on an authentic Afghan scenario, and has been using ‘real world’ problems and challenges of the type NATO forces face every day, with support from numerous subject matter experts (SME).

HQ ARRC personnel working in the Combined Joint Operations Center

The SMEs included General (Retd) David McKiernan, a former commander of ISAF, as the Senior Mentor, and UNAMA’s Deputy Special Representative, Mr Robert Watkins, as an adviser. Other SMEs were found from NATO’s Multinational Corps North East and the US V Corps all of whom have recently returned from operations in Kabul.

With their final Mission Rehearsal Exercise at NATO’s Joint Warfare Centre in Norway just a fortnight away, participants were pushing themselves hard to get maximum benefit from the myriad complex scenarios that confronted them.

Based on a ‘snap shot’ of real events taking place in Afghanistan over one week in July, it is difficult for the exercise players to remember this is an exercise and not the real thing, so authentic is exercise play for the hundreds of military and civilian staff.

HQ ARRC personnel hard at work

Trainers and specialists on hand to give the ARRC staff the best possible training, are drawn from numerous military and civilian agencies, including MOD, FCO, DFID, the UK Stabilisation Force, the US State Department, and the HQ Force Command Heidelberg. Trainers have also travelled from as far afield as USA, Afghanistan and Germany to offer their expertise.

Commenting on ARRCADE SPEAR 2, ARRC Chief of Staff Major General Tim Evans, said: "The aim of this week’s exercise is to train the staff in as realistic a setting as possible, so that when we deploy we can fully support the ISAF Joint Command HQ from the very start. It is vital that we are able to add value from the day we arrive.”

Major General Evans also paid tribute to the 100% support from RAF St Mawgan, which HQ ARRC hopes to use for many years to come: "All the staff at RAF St Mawgan have bent over backwards to help us run this exercise. They have laid on everything possible to help us and the facilities are superb.”

Overseeing the day to day running of the exercise is Brigadier Paddy Allison, Chief of Training and Security Force Assistance, who said: "We started our training over a year ago, working up through conceptual training and study days on a whole range of issues, and this exercise is five days of really concentrated work, bringing in a whole range of subject matter experts. RAF St Mawgan is proving ideal.”

Among the various visitors to the Exercise were Ceri Evans, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, and his wife Sheila, who wanted to see for themselves just what is involved in staging such a big exercise. Enthusing about everything he had seen, Mr Evans said: "It is both a pleasure and a privilege to be here. We are so lucky to have the ARRC based in Gloucester. I cannot believe that the HQ has achieved such a great deal in such a short time since arriving in UK, and is wonderful to see so many people from so many different nations working as such a tight knit team.”

HQ ARRC will deploy to Afghanistan to reinforce HQ ISAF Joint Command for 12 months. Following its return, the HQ will assume the role of NATO Response Force (Land Component Command) HQ in January 2013 for one year.

German Partner Nation celebrates National Day with traditional Bivouac

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:45:00 GMT

Brigadier General Kuhn addresses the
Bivouac

The German Partner Nation at HQ ARRC tonight celebrated their National Day with a traditional German Army Bivouac, attended by scores of guests on a warm October evening.

Normally associated with rustic camping, this Bivouac was very different. Led by Brigadier General Rheinhard Kuhn, ARRC’s German Senior National Representative, the German contingent were ‘on show’ as they hosted their distinguished guests With fine German beer, traditional German bratwurst and pea soup, and a superb musical repertoire laid on by a Bundeswehr (German Army) band.

The German Bivouac, founded in 1998, was recreated at ARRC's new home, Imjin Barracks, providing the hosts and guests the chance to remember the past, enjoy the present, and toast to the future.

Traditional German band
music

Brigadier General Kuhn said he had wanted to "bring at least some German flair to Innworth in order to help maintain this unique multinational ethos." He added that he hoped the local community, which warmly welcomed the troops, would "continue to support us, particularly those of us who are not used to measuring in feet and inches, driving on the left side of the road, being restricted to speed limits in miles per hours, paying for everyday shopping in pounds and pence, or understanding the importance of the Ashes!"

In response, Commander ARRC, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff said ARRC's "ethos and capability were laid in Germany", adding: "I would like to thank our German contingent for the way you have settled into England and for the commitment to our new home shown by you all, together with your wives and families."

Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff to become Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR)

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:44:00 GMT

It was confirmed today, 29 September 2010, that the Commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff KCB, CBE (Late King’s Royal Hussars) is appointed to be Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) in succession to General Sir John McColl KCB, CBE, DSO, in the rank of General. He will take up his new appointment in March 2011. It has already been announced that the next COMARRC is to be Major General James Bucknall CBE. General Shirreff has commanded the ARRC since January 2007.

Lieutenant General Richard Shirreff was born in Kenya in 1955 where he spent his early years. Educated in England at Oundle and Exeter College, Oxford (Modern History), he was commissioned from Sandhurst into the 14th/20th King's Hussars in 1978. His regimental service was spent in Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, the Gulf and, while attached to 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles for a year, Hong Kong and Brunei. He commanded The King's Royal Hussars 1994-96.

He attended the Army Staff Course at Camberley in 1987, the Higher Command and Staff Course in 1999 and the Foundation Term of the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2003. Staff posts have included: Chief of Staff, Headquarters 33 Armoured Brigade; Military Assistant to the last Commander in Chief, British Army of the Rhine and Commander Northern Army Group; Colonel Army Plans in the MOD; Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Staff HQ LAND Command.

He commanded 7th Armoured Brigade 1999-2000, amongst other things forming the core of a multinational brigade in Kosovo and 3rd (UK) Division from 2005-7. During this time the divisional HQ deployed as HQ Multinational Division South East in Iraq between July 2006 and January 2007. He has commanded on operations at every level from platoon to division. This has included combat in the Gulf War of 1991 as a tank squadron leader, counter-insurgency operations in the infantry role in Northern Ireland (three tours), together with Iraq and Kosovo. He qualified as a military parachutist in 2005. He assumed command of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in December 2007.

He is married to Sarah-Jane and they have two adult children. Honorary appointments include: Honorary Colonel of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry and Honorary Colonel of the Oxford University OTC. He is an honorary member of the Salters' Company and an honorary freeman of the City of London. He has a lasting fascination for history, particularly military history, would like to read more widely and loves travel. Sporting interests include skiing (downhill and touring), game shooting and cycling. He is President of the Combined Services Adaptive Sports Association and President of RAC Skiing.

Gloucestershire welcomes the ARRC at formal cathedral service

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:03:00 GMT

The people of Gloucestershire formally welcomed HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) at a glittering Service in Gloucestershire Cathedral.

Over 400 serving personnel and dependents of the ARRC Group, accompanied by Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, Commander ARRC, were hosted by Gloucestershire dignitaries at a Service of Welcome at the Cathedral.

The Cathedral Service marked the formal ‘Welcome to the ARRC’ by Gloucestershire County, as represented by Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucestershire Media Group.

In a poignant but joyous Service, numerous Gloucestershire dignitaries and senior figures, led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Sir Henry Elwes, came together to extend the hand of friendship to the ARRC Group, following the HQ’s recent relocation to Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, after many years in Germany.

The flags of all the Allied Rapid Reaction Corp nations parade at Gloucester Cathedral

The Service was led by the Dean of Gloucester, the Very Reverend Nicholas Bury, and commenced with a formal procession of flagbearers into the Cathedral, bearing the flags of all 15 Nations of the ARRC, from across much of Europe as well as Canada and USA.

Lord-Lieutenant Sir Henry Elwes

Then, setting the scene for the evening, the Lord-Lieutenant addressed the visitors to emphasise the importance of the ARRC Group to the county. Speaking to the packed congregation, Sir Henry Elwes said: "We are honoured to welcome the ARRC Group and their families to Gloucestershire. This is an important day for us – you will add hugely to the fabric of our society. I can say truthfully that you could not have picked a better city in which to site your new HQ. However, we are acutely conscious that your work is not all fun – we understand that you play a key role in striving for peace in the world. I can guarantee that we in Gloucester will be right behind you in this cause. We won’t forget your families while you are away in Afghanistan. On behalf of the whole city, we welcome you to Gloucester and we support you in the difficult tasks that you face. We are proud to have you here"

The Service was also an opportunity for Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff to outline the work of the ARRC and to place on record his Command’s enormous gratitude for the unstinting support and loyalty shown by the county since he and his colleagues, and their families, arrived in the area earlier this year.

Lieutenant General Shirreff said: "I thank you most profoundly for your kind words and for the honour of being welcomed formally to Gloucester and Gloucestershire. Our presence here tonight is a symbol not only of your hospitality and willingness to accept us, but also of our determination to contribute as much possible to the community that we have been welcomed into so warmly. The bulk of the Headquarters staff will be in Afghanistan next year – a year is a long time and we need your support. We can never be certain what the future holds, but it is a fair assumption that we will be based in Gloucestershire for a long time to come. So tonight symbolises the beginning of a strong and lasting relationship between the ARRC and the people of Gloucestershire."

Commander ARRC, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff addresses the guests at Gloucester Cathedral.

Numerous serving and family members of the ARRC, drawn from UK and several of the Partner Nations, also contributed to the Service, with a ‘Reading’ and Prayers of Intercession. These included the Reverend Paul Wright, Chaplain to HQ ARRC, Mrs Diane Read and Master Philip M. Anderson, both from USA, Lieutenant Colonel Pier Verdecchia, from Italy, Miss Anja Fussholler, from Germany, and Lance Corporal Sarah Komen, from UK.

Adding to the sense of occasion and helping to ensure the congregation had an unforgettable evening, the best of Church and military musical talent enormously enhanced the Service, with contributions from the Cathedral Youth Choir and the Band of The Army Air Corps.

The Cathedral Service marked the formal ‘Welcome to the ARRC’ by Gloucestershire County, as represented by Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucestershire Media Group.

At the end of the Service, the Bishop of Gloucester, Bishop Michael Perham, providing a fitting conclusion by offering a Blessing.

Summing up the significance of the ARRC’s arrival in Gloucestershire, the Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, stressed just what the ARRC’s presence in the county means to the local community: "This is an important event to welcome families from 15 nations to Gloucestershire. We are privileged to have ARRC, the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, locating to the county. After months of working hard to ensure things run smoothly, it’s great to finally meet the families. We wanted to give them a great Gloucestershire welcome and I hope that they settle quickly and smoothly into county life."

Follow media coverage of this event on ARRC Facebook and here

UK personnel to deploy to Afghanistan with HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:37:00 GMT

The deployment of British personnel to Afghanistan as part of NATO's Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) from January 2011 to January 2012 has been endorsed by the Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox. Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Nick Harvey, made the announcement earlier today.

Gloucestershire on show for HQ ARRC at first ever 'Fresher's Fayre'

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:51:00 GMT

^{Aurther Rubiella, the son of Spanish Lt. Col. Alex Rubiella, gives hockey a try during the Fresher's Fayre held at Imjin Barracks, the home of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, September 8.}

The Gloucestershire community has been ‘on show’ for the benefit of HQ ARRC and all their colleagues at Imjin Barracks, Innsworth.

The ARRC’s first ever ‘Freshers Fayre’ in Gloucestershire was a resounding success, with over 100 organisations showcasing their amenities and services this week, to help the ARRC Group get the best out of their stay in Gloucestershire – for many of the NATO families, their first visit to UK.

A whole galaxy of leisure, welfare, community and business organisations exhibited their products and services, helping the ARRC group ‘hit the ground running’ for their stay in the county and the country.

Hundreds of personnel and families streamed in to check out what is on offer in the area, from Leisure and Tourism, banks and finance, hobbies and sports clubs, to schools and nurseries, Cadet Forces, Cubs & Guides, Food and Drink, and much more besides.

^{A soldier stationed at Imjin Barracks, the home of NATOs Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, manoeuvres along hand and footholds to reach the top of a climbing wall set up at the Fresher's Fayre.}

High points of the afternoon, helping to entertain and refresh the visitors, included a free ‘roast pig’ provided by Hatherley Manor Hotel, free refreshments provided by Aramark, and a charity - shaving demonstration by Innsworth Barbers Shop, with several lucky soldiers having been ‘excused shaving’ for the day, and a donation going to ‘Help For Heroes’.

Organised immaculately by the Support Battalion HQ ARRC, nothing was too much trouble for the Battalion and the exhibitors to ensure the visitors got maximum benefit.

In the driving seat to get the show on the road was Captain Kevin Ladner, second in command of HQ Squadron. Kevin said: "The aim is to introduce the local civilian and military communities to each other for everyone’s benefit, so that the families can see just what is on offer round here. It is vital that both sides come together, so that the ARRC ‘family’ can get to know the region, and the civilian community gets a better insight into the ARRC and what we’re all about. The support from the Fayre’s exhibitors has been marvellous, and the show seems to have been a total success."

Follow media coverage of this event on This is Gloucestershire

HQ ARRC Celebrates Arrival in Gloucestershire with 'Beating Retreat' Ceremony

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:23:00 GMT

Following its recent move from Germany to Gloucester over the summer, HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) has officially celebrated its arrival in the county with a formal Beating Retreat ceremony at its new home, Imjin Barracks in Innsworth.

In bright evening sunshine, this spectacular musical event was conducted in front of scores of Gloucester’s most senior dignatories by the Band of the Prince of Wales’s Division.

The Beating Retreat – a music and marching repertoire steeped in military history and dating back hundreds of years – was the ARRC’s first major opportunity to host the many supporters who have smoothed the HQ’s move into the county, and to place on record its gratitude for the splendid support received from the Gloucestershire community. The ARRC Group’s military personnel and their families - some 2,000 people - are drawn from 15 NATO nations, many of whom have come to live in UK for the first time.

The event and the opportunity to host the visitors from across Gloucestershire represents the start of a special relationship between the people of Gloucestershire and the officers and soldiers of the ARRC Group. Having been based in Germany for 18 years since its original formation in 1992, the ARRC relocation marks a significant milestone in its history and the launch of an exciting new chapter.

At the Beating Retreat, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, Commander ARRC, paid tribute to the Gloucester community for their support to HQ ARRC this year.

Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Shirreff said: "We are in no doubt about the warmth of the welcome we are enjoying in Gloucestershire. We intend to be good neighbours and look to contributing positively to the local community in whatever way we can. The ARRC is, above all, about doing things on operations and our near future will see us deploy once again to Afghanistan. But our home base will now be Gloucestershire and with the help of the local community who have provided such a warm welcome, we will establish ourselves as stalwart supporters and an integral part of local society."

The General also spoke of the valuable welfare support that HQ ARRC could count on: "We genuinely need the support of the local community, particularly when the Headquarters is away next year. It is imperative to have the welfare support and facilities to look after our families during what will be a challenging time for everyone."

Beating Retreat ceremony

This traditional ceremony dates back several hundred years, and signifies the musical call to troops to return to barracks before nightfall. Over the centuries the tradition has seen changes and variations resulting in the colourful band performance conducted by British Army formations every year: a focal point of which the Army is rightly proud.

Media coverage of this event at This is Gloucestershire

Former ARRC Commander to be UK Chief of Defence Staff

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It was announced today by UK Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox that the former Commander of the ARRC General Sir David Richards will take over as the UK's Chief of Defence Staff from A ir Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup in October 2010. Currently serving as the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir David Richards' appointment has been approved by Her Majesty The Queen. It has yet to be decided who will take over from General Richards as the Chief of the General Staff. General Richards was Commander of the ARRC from January 2005 to February 2007 during which time he served as COMISAF in Afghanistan. He also served as Chief of Staff ARRC in 2001/02.

Born in 1952 and educated at Eastbourne College, David Richards was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in 1971 prior to studying international relations at University College Cardiff. Graduating in 1974 he spent the next nine years at regimental duty in the Far East, Germany and the UK (principally with 29 Commando Regiment RA and C Anti-Tank Battery Royal Horse Artillery) and on the staff of 11th Armoured Brigade in Germany. This period included three tours in Northern Ireland. After attending the Staff College in 1984, he returned to 11th Armoured Brigade to command a field battery in 47th Field Regiment. From there he spent two years in Berlin as the Chief of Staff of the Berlin Infantry Brigade. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he spent the next three years as an instructor at the Staff College, Camberley, before being appointed to command 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery. This period included another operational tour in Northern Ireland. In 1994 he was promoted and appointed Colonel Army Plans in the MOD, responsible for the shape and size of the Army.

Promoted to Brigadier in 1996, and after attending the Higher Command and Staff course, he became Commander 4th Armoured Brigade in Germany. In 1998 he was posted to the Permanent Joint Headquarters as Chief Joint Force Operations, the UK's default one-star commander for short notice expeditionary operations. In this role he was involved in a number of operations, including commanding the UK Contingent in East Timor in 1999, and twice commanding a UK Joint Task Force in Sierra Leone in 2000. Promoted to Major General, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in April 2001 before becoming Assistant Chief of the General Staff in September 2002. Appointed to command the ARRC in January 2005, he served as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan between May 2006 and February 2007, a period that included NATO/ISAF expansion across the south and east of Afghanistan. Given substantive promotion in January 2008, he took over as Commander-in-Chief UK Land Forces before assuming the appointment of Chief of the General Staff in August 2009. His operational awards include a Mention in Despatches, Commander of the Order of the British Empire, the Distinguished Service Order and Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath.

General Sir David Richards has a home in Wiltshire, is married to Caroline, and has two daughters (Joanna and Pippa). He is Honorary Colonel 3rd Regiment RHA, Colonel Commandant Royal Artillery, Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas, Chairman Gurkha Welfare Trust, Colonel Commandant Media Operations Group (Volunteers), President of Army Skiing, President of Army Tennis, and Admiral of the Army Sailing Association and the British Kiel Yacht Club. He is also Patron of Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR) and the Afghan Appeal Fund. A keen student of military history, he is a qualified offshore yachtsman, a governor of his old school, and an occasional horseman.

HQ ARRC Conceptual Training - Afghanistan Update

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

25 June 2010. Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) continued the conceptual and cultural training for the ARRC staff with Afghanistan operational updates and briefings from

Mrs Karyn McClusky, Maj Gen Richard Barrons and Maj Gen Nick Carter, in preparation for its forthcoming operational commitment to providing staff for the ISAF Joint Command (IJC) HQ in 2011.

Her presentation was followed by one on the same topic from the military perspective by Maj Gen Richard L Barrons, a former Chief of Staff HQ ARRC, who examined the tasks from his persepective as Commander Force Reintegration Cell ISAF in Afghanistan.

On Fri 25 June 2010, Maj Gen Nick Carter, current Commander of Regional Command (South) provided a presentation on current developments, operations and challenges within Helmand province and conducted a question and answer session for the education of all HQ ARRC personnel.

"Despite the fact that we are currently moving the headquarters to Innsworth, Gloucester in the UK, it is imperative that we take the opportunities presented to listen and learn from the present commanders and leaders in Afghanistan and keep abreast of recent developments and initiatives. Our own staff updates and the excellent presentations maintain our currency and enhance our understanding of operations on which we will embark in the near future." commented Brigadier Paddy Allison, Chief of ARRC Trg and Security Force Assistance Branch.

Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Cyclists make it to Innsworth in fine style

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

To see the whole progress of the event please click HERE

The military cyclists from Germany-based HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) have made it to Innsworth in fine style, after their epic trip from Germany to their new HQ in Gloucester. HQ ARRC is in the process of relocating from their current base in Rheindahlen, Germany, to Innsworth, Gloucester, and the ultra-fit team have done their own move using pedal-power! The multinational team, which included Commander ARRC in person, Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff, made the trip to help put the move firmly on the map.

They were joined for the first and last legs by Peter Bungard, Chief Executive, Gloucestershire County Council, with George Dowty, Innsworth Technology Park Director, joining them for the final stretch

Escorted by police outriders, the team arrived at Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, in blazing sunshine – very different from the pouring rain when they set off - to be wildly cheered by a crowd of ARRC soldiers on their arrival at the Barracks main gate. They had finally made journey's end, exactly on schedule after a staggering, saddle sore 750 kilometres.

The expedition, called Exercise ARRCADE CYCLE ODYSSEY, was classed as military personal development training, aimed at fostering multinational team spirit and fitness under tough conditions. With ranks ranging from Lieutenant General to Junior NCO, age-ranged from 58 to 28, and incorporating four of HQ ARRC's Partner Nations (Denmark, Netherlands, Norway and the UK), the team represented the best of HQ ARRC's diversity, dynamism and durability.

Team experience varied from the highest cycling levels, such as Lieutenant Colonel Klaus Petersen, who competed for Denmark in the modern pentathlon in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics, to relative newcomers.

Commenting on the trip, Lieutenant General Shirreff said: "It was a long and tiring journey, but well worth the effort. Although a very demanding trip, the camaraderie we built up it was marvellous and it is just great to have made it to our new HQ and to Gloucester, our home for the future. We have had a fantastic reception and the HQ is looking good – it will serve us well." For his part, Peter Bungay said: "It was a challenge keeping up with the team, they are so fit. But I am delighted I was able to join them and it was incredibly important for me to do this – we have been working with the ARRC for two years and a huge effort has gone into planning the move. We are so proud HQ ARRC has come to Gloucester."

As a Partner Nation cyclist from Norway, Captain Per Dybvad, of HQ ARRC Engineer Ops Coord, was seeing his new home for the first time but delighted with first impressions: "We have cycled through some fantastic countryside in England, and I am really looking forward to getting to know the area. From a family and job point of view, the move to UK has lots to offer." Team leader, Lieutenant Colonel Gavin O'Keeffe, summed up the success of the expedition: "The whole trip has been just brilliant, and mostly trouble free – although it has been every bit as tough as we expected! But we have cycled through some great countryside and have had a wonderful time.

However, we couldn't have done it without our generous sponsors and our dedicated admin team. I also want to thank Lieutenant Colonel Danny Wild, the quartermaster at Innsworth, for laying on a simply fantastic reception for our arrival." The sponsors for ARRCADE CYCLE ODYSSEY comprised Mr Bob Lisle, Innsworth Technology Park, Ley Dat Automotive Services, Elmor Residential Lettings, the Norwegian Officers Club, PowerBar,The Royal Signals and the ARRC Group.

ARRC US Contingent thanks JHQ Rheindahlen Schools and Agencies

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

22 June 2010 - On Monday Brigadier General ''Skip'' Davis, the US Senior National Representative (SNR) and Deputy Chief of Staff Operaration (DCOS OPS) for HQ ARRC, paid tribute to the leaders and staff of JHQ schools and support agencies who have provided support to the US community of the ARRC.

BG Davis visited JHQ schools (St George's, St Andrew's, St Patrick's, Windsor), the HIVE, the Medical Clinic, the NAAFI, the Housing and Estates Manager Office, the AAFES Exchange, and Echos.

At each stop BG Davis thanked headmasters, faculties, staff, directors, and managers for the outstanding care and service each has provided to US military and their families over the many years when there has been a US presence on JHQ Rheindahlen.

US officers, NCOs, and families have been part of the ARRC since its founding in 1992, but the US presence predates the ARRC.

US military and families were assigned to both the Northern Army Group (NORTHAG) and TWOATAF HQs and present on JHQ as early as 1958. BG Davis said

"Despite the fact that most of these agencies were designed to support British forces and their families, they have never hesitated to provide the same quality care to the US community, frequently going above and beyond what could be reasonably expected.''

''Their combined support to the US community and others on JHQ made this a special place to be and created apositive, nurturing environment.

They have left a lasting impression on the many Americans who have been fortunate enough to call JHQ home.

The least I could do was thank them for what they have done to make this a great assignment."

At each stop BG Davis spent a few moments expressing his thanks and handing out certificates of appreciate and one-star coins for recognition of excellence. At several stops, key leaders assembled staff or students to hear BG Davis speak.

The expressions on the faces of the people tell the rest of the story - those receiving the certificates were as appreciative of the recognition as BG Davis was eager to convey it on behalf of the American contingent.

HQ ARRC bids farewell to Germany

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

18 June 2010 - The official Farewell Parade took place in Germany to formally mark the move of HQ ARRC to UK this summer. After being based in Moenchengladbach for 18 years, HQ ARRC moves to Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, Gloucester.

In the presence of Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal, the Guest of Honour, HQ ARRC officially bade farewell to Germany and to Moenchengladbach at a glittering farewell parade at JHQ Rheindahlen. The Parade was watched, in sunny weather, by hundreds of British and multinational Service personnel and their families, with Forces children amongst those enthusiastically greeting the Princess Royal on her arrival.

Her Royal Highness was joined for the occasion by numerous senior British, German and NATO officers and dignitaries, in recognition of this historic milestone in HQ ARRC’s history. These included Dr Walther Otremba, German State Secretary for Defence, Mr Gerald Howarth, British Minister for International Security Strategy, and Dr Jürgen Rüttgers, Ministerpräsident North-Rhine Westphalia.

Also at the Parade were General Sir John McColl, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Sir David Richards, British Chief of the General Staff and a former Commander ARRC, and General (Retired) Sir Jeremy MacKenzie, also a former Commander ARRC.

The guests were hosted by Lieutenant General Sir Richard Shirreff KCB CBE, Commander ARRC, and his staff from HQ ARRC.

Formed up on the JHQ Parade Square in immaculate formation, for inspection by Her Royal Highness, were some 160 members of 7 Signal Regiment R. SIGNALS, the ARRC Support Battalion, two Multi-national Guards, and a British Colour Party. The Parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Al Long, Commanding Officer, 7 Signal Regiment.

As Her Royal Highness, accompanied by Lieutenant General Shirreff, inspected the Parade, pausing to speak to many of the soldiers, a colourful repertoire of music was played by the Band of the Adjutant General’s Corps.

The Parade was also the occasion for a very rare distinction, when Dr Otremba presented HQ ARRC with a Federal ‘Mission for Peacekeeping and Freedom’ Fahnenband, or honorary pennant, Germany’s highest military honour.

The Fahnenband was awarded to the ARRC by the Federal Government for its enormous contribution to the cause of peace. This rare distinction is only conferred at the discretion of the Federal Government.

Following the Parade, Her Royal Highness signed the Moenchengladbach Golden Book at a formal Reception, accompanied by Herr Norbert Bude, the City’s Mayor. Princess Anne also had the opportunity to meet the staff and families of HQ ARRC, as well as numerous British, German and NATO guests from all walks of life who have given the Corps their unstinting support over many years.

Addressing the Parade, the Princess Royal said: "I am delighted to have been invited to take this Parade, marking the departure of the ARRC from Germany. As a regular visitor to British Forces in Germany, I have always been struck by the warmth and friendship shown to British and Allied Forces by the German community. This makes an enormous difference to the families, especially when the soldiers are deployed on operations. I am grateful to North Rhine Westphalia for hosting British Forces, and to the people of Moenchengladbach, who show unstinting friendship and support, not only to the British but to all the nations of the ARRC.

"Dr Otremba, may I express my gratitude to you and your colleagues in the Federal Ministries who make such a vital contribution when the ARRC deploys on operations. I must also thank you most warmly for presenting the Fahnenband, which is a unique honour and a symbol of the high regard in which the ARRC is held in Germany. Nowhere else does the partnership of Nations work as well as on operations. I wish the ARRC well for the challenges that lie ahead of you. You and your families take with you, on your move, my highest regards and respect”.

In his reply, Dr Otremba said:
"The ARRC has always maintained the highest of standards and is quite simply unique. You and your families are an asset to both North Rhine- Westphalia and to the people of Moenchengladbach. Today, 20 years after German unity, we retain a wonderful memory of living together in multinational cooperation. My best wishes for your new start in your new location, and my thanks for all you have done for us”.

Speaking at the Reception, Dr Rüttgers said:
"The British Forces enjoy a high level of respect in North Rhine-Westphalia. Friendships have blossomed over several decades.

Almost 40,000 people in our state are directly or indirectly connected to the British troop presence. Looking to the future, we in North Rhine-Westphalia will still attach great value to the fact that British soldiers are stationed here with us.<:p>

"The Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps stands for multinational operations and for mutual challenges. Its personnel come from 15 nations on both sides of the Atlantic. Together we fulfil our duties in the Balkans, the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and of course, Afghanistan. North Rhine-Westphalia has a special role here: Bundeswehr soldiers from our state were the first German soldiers who made up the Rapid Reaction contribution to ISAF in North Afghanistan. We in North Rhine-Westphalia really do appreciate what American and European soldiers and police officers risk for us every day in Afghanistan and most importantly, why. We fully support the transatlantic partnership.

Since its creation, North Rhine-Westphalia has had close relationships with its British friends. I wish you, as an international organisation, all the best for your future work with our British friends in UK.”

Thanking The Princess Royal and all the guests for joining HQ ARRC for the Parade, Lieutenant General Shirreff added:

"Today is all about saying goodbye and thank you to our German friends who have made us feel so at home here in Rheindahlen. I am quite clear that it is Germany, this area and this community that have laid the foundations for the success of the ARRC, and shaped its ethos and esprit de corps. Not only have we worked together, trained together, thought and operated together here and in Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan, but it is here that we prepare for our next tour of Afghanistan. But, most importantly, we have lived together in a garrison with unrivalled facilities, supported and encouraged by the friendliest of local communities. All this has been fundamental to the way the ARRC has developed. The soldiers and families of all the Partner Nations have been made to feel very much at home here and without this firm base, none of what the ARRC has achieved on operations would have been possible. We of course look forward to the future and we embrace change, but I am very conscious that our move will leave a huge gap in the local community. Germany has been good to us and it has been a privilege to have shared something of the German way of life.

"As for the future, let me assure you that although the ARRC is moving to England, we will do all we can to ensure that it maintains its multinational character as a NATO headquarters together with its unique ethos. I am also delighted that Germany will continue to contribute the third largest contingent in the headquarters, and I look to our German team to maintain the strongest of links with Germany. To all our German friends, I close by expressing our deepest thanks and appreciation for all you have done for the ARRC: good bye and thank you for everything you have done for us. We will never forget you.”

HQ ARRC continues its conceptual training for Afghanistan

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HQ ARRC CONCEPTUAL TRAINING - AFGHANISTAN UPDATE 25.6.2010

25 June 2010. Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) continued the conceptual and cultural training for the ARRC staff with Afghanistan operational updates and briefings from

Mrs Karyn McClusky, Maj Gen Richard Barrons and Maj Gen Nick Carter, in preparation for its forthcoming operational commitment to providing staff for the ISAF Joint Command (IJC) HQ in 2011.

On Tue 22 June 2010, after an operational up-date on G2 and G5 issues given by HQ ARRC subject matter experts, Mrs Karyn McClusky, London Metropolitan Police, briefed the audience on the challenges faced with the re-integration of warring elements in Afghanistan into Afghanistan society, providing an explanation and up-date of the current efforts being conducted in theatre. Her presentation was followed by one on the same topic from the military perspective by Maj Gen Richard L Barrons, a former Chief of Staff HQ ARRC, who examined the tasks from his persepective as Commander Force Reintegration Cell ISAF in Afghanistan.

Our own staff updates and the excellent presentations maintain our currency and enahance our understanding of operations on which we will embark in the near future." commented Brigadier Paddy Allison, Chief of ARRC Trg and Security Force Assistance Branch.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Understanding is a prerequisite to success” Gen. Stanley McChrystal, COMISAF " HQ ARRC clearly takes its responsibility to train its personnel seriously and views conceptual training of this sort as essential. We will continue with this training as outlined in the Training Directive” Brigadier Paddy Allison, Chief Training and Security Force Assistance HQ ARRC.

Continuing its programme of conceptual and cultural training for its forthcoming operational commitment in Afghanistan, Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) underwent a week long series of central briefs and open forums with eminent briefers and experts presenting various perspectives of Afghan reality.

The programme started with an operational update on the current intelligence and operations involved in the ISAF mission.

Once the scene was set, the staff were given a series of briefings on firstly, Strategic Communication and Influence, in which the different perspectives were covered by, for example Mr Ghaffar Hussain, on the subject of the Ideology of the Extremists and Islamist extremist.

The next day’s briefings focussed on the analysis of logistic understanding of operations in Afghanistan and an examination of current sustainment, movement and medical challenges for both Allied and Afghanistan Security Forces (ANSF).

The third day’s programme concentrated on analysis of the issues concerning Governance with an opening brief from Major General Colin Boag, currently the Chief of Staff of ISAF Joint Command (IJC), on IJC operations.

The importance of military support to Governance improvement at the national and regional level was expertly explained by Mrs Alisa Stack, Deputy Chief of Staff of Stability Operations IJC, followed by the challenges faced by the Provincial Reconstruction Teams at district and provincial level.

The week was concluded by a staff planning day providing syndicate groups to employ the open Analytical Approach to consider the risks, threats and opportunities to 3 ISAF related case studies.

"All the activities represent an important part of HQ ARRC process to train our personnel. We are conducting a key part of our training. To properly run a population-centric operation like Afghanistan, it is essential that we have that level of detail " said Brigadier Paddy Allison, Chief Training and Security Force Assistance.

Before its move from Germany to the United Kingdom in July, HQ ARRC’s Conceptual Training will continue with a day dedicated to strategic control procedures on 22 June, including a presentation by Major General Richard Barrons, a former Chief of Staff of HQ ARRC, and to gain a vivid perspective at Regional Command level from Major General Nick Carter, later in the calendar.

U.S. National Day and U.S. Army's 235th Birthday

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HQ ARRC Celebration U.S. National Day and U.S. Army's 235th Birthday