ARRC Exercise Strengthens Civ-Mil Cooperation

VIENNA, Austria - This week a representation of Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps staff conducted exercise ARRCADE LIAISON in Kaiserslautern, Germany and Vienna, Austria. The yearly exercise aims to re-establish and strengthen civil-military relations with International Organisations and Non-governmental Organisations which HQ ARRC could operate alongside during times of crisis.

"There is no exclusive military solution to a conflict,” said Colonel Alex van Nieuwburg, ARRC chief of staff for civil-mlitary integration. "In the framework of the Comprehensive Approach, HQ ARRC will work closely together with IOs and NGOs to collectively resolve a conflict, humanitarian disaster or manage a fragile peace.”

The ARRC team engaged with 361 (US) Civil Affairs Brigade and several offices in the EU and UN. The team met with key personalities to learn about their roles, responsibilities, capabilities and challenges in how they operate. A key aim of all the meetings was to share a common understanding of crisis management and how the military and non-military organisations can operate alongside each other. In return, the ARRC delegation discussed its role as the NATO Response Force and the possible opportunities to conduct mutual training support.

"Getting to know and understand these vital organisations prior to deployment will better prepare the HQ for future operations,” said Nieuwburg.

Story by Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Public Affairs Office