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I know this award means a lot to me and I believe it means a lot to everyone who was recognised alongside me today. - Maj Dean

This ceremony was the first of two that will be held this year to acknowledge the outstanding service of Soldiers assigned to the ARRC. All of the awardees are as follows: Squadron Leader Bexon, Maj. Bentley, Maj. Dean, Lt. Col. Di Profio, Lt. Col. Greenwood, Cpl. XXX, Lance Cpl. XXX, Maj. Coles, Bombardier Migwi, Capt. Taylor, Lt. Col. Fox, Lance Cpl. Topp, Lt. Col. Klingebiel.

The Awards

Lt Col Klingebiel (DEU)

The Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr in Gold

The Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr is awarded in five levels:

1. The Medal of Honour of the Bundeswehr
2. The Bronze Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr
3. The Silver Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr
4. The Gold Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr
5. The Bundeswehr Cross of Honour for Valour

The Medal of Honour of the Bundeswehr is awarded for faithful performance of duty and superior achievements, after a service period of seven months. These achievements are honoured with the Bronze Cross of Honour after a service period of five years, the Silver Cross of Honour after ten years and the Gold Cross of Honour after twenty. In 2008, two more special versions of the Badge of Honour of the Bundeswehr were added in addition to the decoration for valour: the Silver Cross of Honour with red edging for outstanding achievements, in particular outstanding individual valorous acts that did not involve risking life and limb, and the Gold Cross of Honour with red edging for such accomplishments that did mean risking life and limb. This means that there is also a visible difference between these Bundeswehr decorations and those awarded for faithful performance of duty and superior achievements. The special gold version generally honours extraordinary individual acts on deployments outside Germany. The special silver version is primarily awarded for rescues and first aid performed in Germany.

LCpl XXX (UK)

British Army, Chief of the General Staff’s Commendation.

LCpl XXX has worked as a Russian military analyst within HQ ARRC’s UK national intelligence centre (UK NIC) throughout a period of seismic changes to Russia’s military and diplomatic posture. Throughout the year, LCpl XXX provided exceptionally rigorous analysis and sound judgement to the chain of command supporting commanders’ decision making up to the most senior levels. LCpl XXX’s tenure in HQ ARRC has been truly exemplary; his conduct on Ex STEADFAST LEDA highlighted his flexibility, diligence and adaptability whilst deployed as part of the FWD HQ. He deftly managed briefing COMARRC at a higher classification, the NATO audience at NS, whilst delivering regular exercise focussed briefings with ease. Despite his short time in the Army and junior rank, LCpl XXX has made a vital contribution to the UK NIC, Intelligence and to the wider HQ. Without his dedication, skill as an intelligencer and confidence as a team member, the HQ would not have been on the front foot throughout the Ukraine crisis.

Maj Coles (UK)

British Army, Chief of the General Staff’s Commendation.

With unparalleled selflessness and a burning desire to do the best for our people, Major Coles has constantly delivered above and beyond in the past 15 months and been instrumental in the Integrated Review re-subordination of Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps taking two brigades under command. As SO2 Military Secretary, she has directly supported over 400 within the headquarters with her work underpinning defence engagement with our NATO allies, furthermore her work has impacted over 8000 in the 2* command. Her work in support of the Integrated Review re-subordination has been outstanding and has ensured the headquarters is best placed with the right people to meet the challenges of today. She is whole heartedly deserving of official recognition.

Cpl XXX (UK)

Commander Field Army Commendation.

As the LIFC's lead analyst for Mali Cpl XXX led Working Groups that established an international G2 network. He led the development of exceptional products, most notably a 'Mali Actors' assessment that was requested by the Minister for Armed Forces, and a geo-spatial analysis of key Mali personalities that went to CGS. His work received further praise from the US Chief of Intelligence in the UN Mission in Mali. Cpl XXX is commended for his exceptional contribution to developing the Army’s understanding of Mali and any potential threats posed to the Army and Wider Defence. His expert analytical skills and initiative have delivered high quality intelligence support, used to brief the most senior decision-makers and the creation of products detailing potential threats, to ensure forces understand the area they will operate in and have protection measures in place. He is thoroughly deserving of recognition.

Maj Bentley (UK)

Commander if the ARRC's Commendation.

Major Bentley has played an exceptional role in enhancing the reputation of HQ ARRC. Delivering across a broad front he has deployed on multi-national exercises and events across Europe and remains the principal agent for capturing and managing all lessons and risks across Support Division. Furthermore, his dedication to enhancing the moral component has exemplified the Corps’ diverse and multinational spirit. He has initiated and led several events to promote cohesion across the 19 nations in the HQ and is a leading advocate of Army Rugby with a strong record for recruiting talent from across the multinational staff. Maj Bentley will conclude his service at HQ ARRC following an illustrious 30-year career. Thoroughly deserving of formal recognition, Maj Bentley will be sorely missed and impossible to replace.

Maj Dean (USA)

Commander if the ARRC's Commendation.

Maj Dean has been the driving force behind instituting a more coherent and intuitive approach to wargaming and its analysis within the Headquarters. He has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to raise the standard of wargaming and increase its relevance in all aspects of Corps warfighting. His efforts have already resulted in real time operational successes in Ukraine and have raised the profile and reputation of this Headquarters internationally. He has been an exemplary ambassador, a dedicated mentor and teacher and a real asset on our Corps Warfighting journey. Maj Dean is undoubtedly worth of recognition.

Lt Col Di Profio (ITA)

Commander if the ARRC's Commendation.

Lt Col Di Profio is a passionate and visionary logistician who has made and extraordinary contribution to HQ ARRC. Lt Col Di Profio mapped a pathway to address a plethora of national and multinational difficulties. The LOGFAS development championed by Lt Col Di Profio, as well as showcasing an adaptive and innovative organisation, has strengthened interoperability within the multinational force and has further enhanced ARRC’s reputation as the warfighting headquarters of choice.

Lt Col Greenwood (UK)

Commander if the ARRC's Commendation.

Lieutenant Colonel Greenwood leads a large multinational Exercise Planning team in one of the most demanding SO1 appointments in the HQ. Despite this exceedingly demanding portfolio, Lieutenant Colonel Greenwood volunteered to deliver the 4* Commander LAND COMMAND (LANDCOM) Commanders Conference (LC3). This conference is the key, high profile event at which COM LANDCOM engages with his 11x Multinational 3* Corps Commanders on current and future NATO business and as such, delivering a flawless and appropriate event, has a strategic importance and reverberation out of all proportion to its title. Lt Col Greenwood’s drive, and understanding of reputational risk, while delivering at pace for an audience of 14 international 4* and 3* officers has been nothing short of remarkable.

Lt Col Fox (UK)

Bar to Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Lt Col Fox commissioned into the Royal Artillery in Aug 1997, he was awarded his Long Service and good conduct medal in Jan 2011 in recognition of 15 years of exemplary service. Following command of 55 (the Residency) Battery Royal Artillery, he served as the Joint Fires staff officer grade 2 in the Command and Staff Trainer, Germany before moving in a similar role to the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer Germany. Following 15 years in Germany he returned to the UK to assume the post of Executive Officer of 104^th Regiment Royal Artillery (the Welsh Borderers). An appointment on the Directing Staff of the Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land) saw him selected for promotion to Lt Col in 2020. He has also deployed on operations to Afghanistan in 2020, as a mentor the Afghan Special Police in Kabul. Today in recognition of a further 10 years of exemplary and faithful service Lt Col Fox is awarded a bar to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Bdr Migwi (UK)

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Bombardier Migwi enlisted into the Army in September 2006 joining the Army Training Regiment Pirbright. Upon successful completion of his basic training, he joined the Royal Regiment of Artillery and was trained at the Royal School of Artillery Larkhill as an AS90 Gunner.

Following promotion to Lance Bombardier in 2010, he attended the Observation Post Assistant’s course at the Royal School Artillery qualifying as a Joint Tactical Targeteer. Promoted to Bombardier in September 2020, Bdr Migwi was posted to Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps employed as the artillery subject matter expert for the Intelligence Support to Targeting Cell, a role that has found him deploy on multiple exercises in support of NATO.

Operationally, Bdr Migwi has deployed to Iraq on Op TELIC, Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 14, and more recently to Estonia on Op CABRIT 1 as part of the UK contribution to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. On his operational deployments he has served alongside 3 Commando Brigade and 5^th Battalion the Rifles Battlegroup.

For 15 years exemplary and irreproachable service, Bdr Migwi is awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Capt Taylor (UK)

Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Captain Taylor enlisted into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) on 30th July 2007 and completed Basic training at the Army Training Centre Pirbright before going to the School of Electrical and Aeronautical Engineering, Arborfield to complete her apprenticeship. On completion, she was promoted to Lance Corporal and gained Class 3 trade competency as a Land Systems Electronics Technician.

On promotion to Corporal in 2011, she posted to 1st Fusiliers’ Light Aid Detachment, Tidworth where she deployed on Ex PRAIRIE THUNDER. Attached to 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment’s LAD for seven months she conducted pre-deployment training and deployed on Op HERRICK 18 in March 2013 attached to B Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland as the sole technician for Patrol Base OULLETTE. She was awarded a commendation for her efforts as a team medic.

Captain Taylor attended the Regular Commissioning Course at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, commissioning into the REME in August 2017. She was the REME Master General’s Sword Winner on completion of REME Young Officer training and was assigned to 5 Force Support Battalion REME as Recovery Platoon Commander.

During her impeccable 15 years’ service Captain Taylor has represented the REME in the Corps Hockey, Netball, Athletics, Boxing, and Cross-Country Teams. She has been Secretary of REME Athletics and continues to be Secretary of REME Women’s Hockey.

For 15 years of exemplary and irreproachable service, Captain Taylor is awarded The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Sqn Ldr Bexon (UK)

Air Officer Commanding 22 Grp Commendation

In 2021 & 2022 Flight Lieutenant (now Squadron Leader) Bexon was stationed at RAF Shawbury operating as a Training Manager at the Defence College of Air & Space Operations. During this time, he was responsible for the course scheduling, workforce requirement and course loading for Phase 2 and 3 training at the Defence College; a trainee input of over 400 personnel per year.

Moreover, when presented with a bespoke challenge to significantly uplift capacity for the Joint Air Traffic Control Course his COA development and subsequent recommendations ensured the best solution possible was identified, sourced and implemented - on time.

For this specific issue, and his outstanding broader contribution to the Defence College, he was selected by Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Royal Air Force, for a 2* Commendation which COM ARRC presented on his behalf.

LCpl Topp (UK)

Operational Service Medal, Iraq and Syria

LCpl Topp is awarded the OSM Iraq & Syria. LCpl Topp served in RAF Akrotiri from May - Aug 2017 as part of Op SHADER.