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  • Brigade of Gurkhas

Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion

The Gurkha 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.

Headquarters Squadron:

  • Catering Troop, Signals Troop and Light Aid Detachment

14 Squadron:

  • Transport Troop - consisting of Royal Logistic Corps and Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR) personnel.
  • Forward Support Troop which provides protected mobility and close protection for the 3* Commander ARRC. This Troop is made up of RLC, QOGLR and Queen’s Gurkha Engineers (QGE) personnel.
  • Close Support Troop – Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) and QGE Troop which provide an assault pioneer capability and force protection to the ARRC HQ.
  • Power Troop – Royal Engineer Troop that provides the power for the whole of the ARRC HQ when deployed.

The ARRC Support Battalion is unique within the Army due to its close working relationship with the ARRC HQ and its diverse number of Corps and Gurkha contingent.

The Battalion provides enabling and force protection support to the ARRC Warfighting HQ on all operations. The ARRC Support Battalion is currently at Very High Readiness and is ready to deploy, build and sustain the ARRC NATO Warfighting HQ anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice.

The ARRC Support Battalion uses a large variety of different platforms and trades to enable the successful deployment and sustainability of the ARRC HQ.

Deploying from their base in Imjin Barracks, Gloucestershire, the Batallion will transport 1000 tonnes of equipment anywhere in the world by sea, rail, road or air. Upon arrival, the ARRC HQ working environment is established, transforming an area into a Corps Warfighting HQ capable of housing and sustaining over 1000 multi-national NATO partners.

The platforms used to ensure this can happen include, but are not limited to:

  • Enhanced Pallet Loading Systems (EPLS)
  • MASTIFF armoured vehicles
  • 15 Tonne MAN Trucks
  • CAT Generators  

The Battalion employs a diverse range of tradesmen and women. This reflects its numerous roles and the broad range of equipment used. Our RLC trades include:

We also employ other personnel, including:

  • ME (Military Engineer) Fitter - Equipment
  • ME Fitter - Utilities and Petroleum
  • ME Electrician
  • ME Plant Operator Mechanic (POM)
  • ME Draughtsman
  • Clerk of Works (Electrical)
  • Assault Pioneers
  • Signallers

Private Nayan Gurung – Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment

I joined ARRC Support Battalion in July 2019. As an Army Chef, my role has been in catering support working alongside civilian industry partners and delivering an output that ranges from bulk catering to fine dining in the Officers’ Mess.  Additionally, all chefs are offered the opportunity to undertake professional development courses throughout their careers; this includes civilian qualifications in Nutrition, Facilities Management and Customer Service to name a few. 

After completing my initial trade training and joining the Unit, I was enrolled on the new ‘Production Chef’ Apprenticeship. I have recently completed the final assessment for the qualification and became the first soldier in the Army to achieve this with a distinction grade.

Private Bivek - QOGLR Forward Support Troop

I arrived at the ARRC Support Battalion in September 2017. In 2019, on Ex ARRCADE FUSION 19, I was selected to be part of Forward Support Troop. Our primary task was to escort Commanders to the Forward, Rear and Main Command Points. Since the completion of the exercise and the success that came from it, the Troop has now been permanently tasked with this role.

During my time here, the Unit has collaborated with the US Army, allowing us to integrate and share our knowledge as well as further improve on our own infantry skills. On camp, I work as an Assistant Transport Manager helping to maintain vehicle availability, ensuring all vehicles are in good condition and ready for any future exercises, training, or operations.

Sporting Opportunities

ARRC Support Battalion has a thriving sporting community and excels well beyond its size in all manner of sporting activities. Soldiers representing the Battalion, Corps, Army and in some cases the country, all hail from the ARRC Support Battalion. We currently have Army Tae Kwon-Do team members, South West basketball champions, Army football players, Army tennis players, Army mountain bike participants, ski champions, surfing champions and many more sporting personnel.

Our equipment

Mastiff is a heavily armoured, 6 x six-wheel-drive patrol vehicle with a top speed of 90 kph.

The SV fleet provides far greater mobility than previous generation cargo vehicles.

The general purpose machine gun (GPMG) can be used as a light weapon and in a sustained fire role.

On its introduction, it proved so accurate that the Army marksmanship tests had to be redesigned.

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Brigade of Gurkhas

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Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

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