Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion formally redesignated to become part of the Brigade of Gurkhas. They will now be known as the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion. A parade took place at their home in Imjin Barracks, Innsworth in Gloucester.
The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) Support Battalion is part of 1 (UK) Signal Brigade. The Battalion provides enabling and force protection support to the ARRC NATO Warfighting HQ on all operations. The Battalion is currently at very high readiness, ready to deploy, build and sustain the ARRC HQ anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.
The unit has been located in Gloucester for over ten years since ARRC was relocated from Germany to the UK. Going forward Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion will build on the support it gives to the three-star Headquarters in the UK and abroad and build on what is a very well-established reputation for excellence.
The Battalion employs a diverse range of trade skills. This reflects its numerous roles and the broad range of equipment used.
- Drivers
- Chefs
- Military Engineer (ME) Fitter – Equipment
- ME Fitter – Utilities and Petroleum
- ME Electrician
- ME Plant Operator Mechanic (POM)
- ME Draughtsman
- Clerk of Works (Electrical)
- Assault Pioneers
- Signallers
The parade took place in the grounds of Imjin Barracks with the principal guest Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE MSc BEng MInstRE (Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas and Chief of Defence Logistics and Support) inspecting the parade and taking the salute.
General Wardlaw said; “It is a historic moment for the Brigade of Gurkhas as the ARRC Support Battalion is formally redesignated by this parade to become part of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The battalion has been heavily manned with Gurkhas from across the Brigade for many years and today is another milestone for not only the Battalion but recognition of the professionalism of the Brigade of Gurkhas.”
The Commanding Officer of the Support Battalion said; “Since arriving last year, I have been looking forward to the unit joining the Brigade of Gurkhas. To me, today marks the beginning of a new chapter of our history and it is incredibly exciting to be part of it.”
