Learn and explore

Army careers

Support and training

News and events

Visit Army Jobs
  • Brigade of Gurkhas

Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion

The Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion is part of 1 (UK) Signal Brigade. The Battalion provides enabling and force protection support to HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), one of two NATO Strategic Reserve Corps, based in Gloucester. The Battalion is currently at high readiness, ready to deploy, build and sustain the HQ ARRC anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice. PROJECTING, PROTECTING and SUSTAINING the ARRC HQ which could command up to 120,000 troops from across NATO, in War Fighting, Peace Keeping or Humanitarian Aid operations. The Battalion is possibly the most diverse unit in the British Army with 13 cap badges providing the full spectrum of infantry, combat engineers, logisticians and staff support capabilities to the ARRC HQ.

Battalion Headquarters

  • Command team of Commanding Officer, Battalion Second in Command, Gurkha Major, Adjutant and Regimental Sergeant Major.

  • Battalion Operations including the Military Transport department.

170 Headquarters Squadron:

  • Quartermaster’s Department: provides all clothing and equipment for both the Support Battalion and for Headquarters (HQ) ARRC.

  • Regimental Administration Officer’s Department: containing clerks provides the Human Resources function for the Battalion and HQ ARRC

  • Catering Troop: consisting of chefs they ensure everyone deployed within the HQ has the nutrition they need.

  • Radio Troop: consisting of Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment (QOGLR), Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) personnel all supporting elements to the HQs can communicate effectively.

  • Light Aid Detachment: a mixture of RGR and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers personnel providing equipment support to the unit’s vehicle fleet and other equipment.

14 Squadron:

  • Transport Troop: consisting of QOGLR personnel.

  • Forward Support Troop: which provides protected mobility and close protection for the 3 Star Commander ARRC. This Troop is made up of Royal Logisctic Corps, QOGLR and Queen’s Gurkha Engineers (QGE) personnel.

  • Close Support Troop: 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 Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion is unique within the Army due to its close working relationship with the HQ ARRC and its diverse number of cap badges and that it sits within the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Battalion provides enabling and force protection support to the ARRC Warfighting HQ on all operations. The Gurkha 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 Gurkha 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 Battalion will transport 1000 tonnes of equipment anywhere in the world by sea, rail, road or air. Upon arrival to different locations, the ARRC HQ Command Posts are established, creating a Corps Warfighting HQ split over multiple sites capable of commanding the UK’s Strategic Reserve Corps.

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

  • Enhanced Pallet Loading Systems

  • Close Support Tankers

  • 15 Tonne MAN Trucks

  • Field Electrical Power Supply generators

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

We also employ other personnel, including:

  • ME (Military Engineer) Fitter; Equipment

  • ME Fitter; Utilities and Petroleum

  • ME Electrician

  • ME Plant Operator Mechanic

  • ME Draughtsman

  • Clerk of Works (Electrical)

  • Assault Pioneers

  • Combat Medial Technicians

  • HR Specialist

  • Vehicle Mechanic

  • Metalsmith

  • Recovery Mechanic

Rifleman Deepen Gurung: Royal Gurkha Rifles

I joined the Close Support Troop within the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion in April 2024. My troop is responsible for delivering Assault Pioneer and Force Protection capabilities in support of the 3 Star NATO HQ ARRC Command Posts, both in the UK and overseas.

As an Infantryman and Assault Pioneer, I have had the privilege of deploying on several 3 Star NATO Headquarter exercises across the UK and internationally. Over the last two years, I have deployed on Exercise (Ex) Avenger Triad 24 in Germany, Ex Dynamic Front 25 in Finland, Ex Project Convergence Capstone 5 in the USA, and Ex Bersama Lima 25 in Malaysia. These deployments have been an amazing experience. Reflecting on these deployments, I have learned a tremendous amount, both personally and professionally. These experiences have significantly contributed to my development and enabled me to acquire a range of valuable and transferable knowledge, skills, and experience . Working alongside NATO allies and partner nations has improved my confidence, adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills, while also broadening my understanding of modern military operations.

Within the UK, deployments to the Corsham Mines training area and the London Underground as part of subterranean warfare training were particularly interesting. These experiences provided valuable insight into how the British Army is preparing for future warfare environments and highlighted the importance of operating effectively in complex urban and subterranean terrain.

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in this unique and diverse battalion, which is made up of personnel from more than 13 different cap badges. The battalion truly demonstrates the strength of diverse teams and highlights how professionalism and excellence can bridge differences and bring people together effectively. I look forward to applying the knowledge, skills, and experience I have gained when I return to my parent unit.

Lance Corporal Arun Shahi: Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment

Since posting to Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion in January 2021, I have been fortunate to receive a wide range of opportunities that have shaped my professional growth and broadened my military experience. During my time here, I have deployed with NATO Headquarters on numerous exercises both in the UK and overseas. These deployments have taken me to Germany, Cyprus, Denmark, and Romania, supporting major exercises as well as participating in adventure training.

I have also had the privilege of representing the battalion in several military competitions and community engagement events, including Trail walker, Cambrian Patrol, Northern Strike, Orienteering, and many others. Each event has strengthened my skills, resilience, and teamwork.

Working within the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion has been a rewarding experience. The Battalion not only provides the opportunity to work alongside soldiers from different cap badges, but also to collaborate closely with our multinational NATO allies across various parts of the world.

I am proud to serve here and grateful for the experiences and challenges that continue to shape my career.

Ex STEADFAST JUPITER 23

Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion deployed to Romania to test the projection, protection and sustaining of HQ ARRC in Eastern Europe. 81 Vehicles deployed via a port in Greece travelling 628 kilometers through Bulgaria to establish the HQ location near Bucharest.

Once deployed the Battalion established two command posts sustaining HQ ARRC throughout the execute phase. Establishing the Command Posts required extensive preparation works completed by the engineering element of the battalion, 24 hour security, establishment of a kitchen providing meals for over 1000 deployed personnel and establishment of electrical power across the site. On completion the battalion recovered itself and the HQ back to the UK.

Unit Successes

The unit prides itself on its soldier first skills which sees the Battalion punch above its weight. This is exemplified in the following success from recent years:

  • Cambrian Patrol Gold Medal 2023 and 2025, Silver 2024 and 2026

  • Defence Operational Shooting Competition 2nd place 2025

  • Defence Operational Shooting Competition 3rd place 2026 with all firers placing in the top 34 shots in the Army

  • Trailwalker Record 9 hours 23 minutes 2024

  • Saxon Express driving competition winners 2026

  • Autumn Leaves off road driving competition winners 2026

  • Brigade of Gurkhas Ladies Volleyball Champions 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Brigade of Gurkhas

Find out more

Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps

Find out more