The British Army’s 1st (United Kingdom) Division (1 (UK) Div) is set to take on the role of Land Component Command for NATO’s new Allied Reaction Force (ARF), according to a press release.
The development of the ARF marks a significant upgrade in the alliance’s rapid deployment capabilities.
Unlike its predecessor, the NATO Response Force, the ARF is a much larger multinational force operating across five domains: land, maritime, air, cyber, and space.
This new NATO Force Model provides the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) with a more extensive pool of high-readiness capabilities. The 1 (UK) Div’s pivotal role will be commanding the ARF’s land component.
“The Division has been rigorously tested to ensure its readiness for the role of Land Component Command within the Allied Reaction Force,” stated Major General Dan Reeve, quoted in the press release.
Exercise Steadfast Deterrence, part of the Steadfast Defender series held in Norway in May, served as the proving ground for this new concept. Its successful completion validated 1 (UK) Div’s readiness to take command, a role it officially commenced at the beginning of July.
“As the first two-star warfighting Land Component Command held at high readiness, elements of it could well expect to be ordered out the door at between zero to 10 days’ notice to conduct NATO core tasks,” Major General Reeve remarked in the news release. These tasks could include peacetime vigilance, deterrence, and defence.
The ARF’s Land Component, under 1 (UK) Div, includes a land brigade formed by the 7 Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team, an aviation task force, and an operational sustainment brigade supported by elements of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade. Although based in York, 1 (UK) Div will be under the command of NATO’s Rapid Deployable Corps located near Milan, Italy, during its tenure as the ARF Land Component, unless required to deploy operationally.
Throughout this period, the division’s troops will train and operate alongside NATO member state colleagues.
If only it were a proper Division.
Interesting 16 not mentioned, due to GRF role?
Also interesting that elements of 11 are included.
I mean, if you weren’t an Armchair General you’d know the reasons for these things…
Indeed!
But I’m an “armchair Warrior” not an armchair general! 😆
And the word “know it all” was included.
I’m neither, I’m not in an armchair, and I’m certainly not a warrior.
Which is why I ask and learn.
So, why is 11 included? I know it’s part of the Division but didn’t think it had a deployable role if the Division deploys. Thought it was under 1 UK for its SFA function.
Sorry, “Armchair Warfighter”
As for 11 SFA no idea, maybe helping out 102 in some regards with rear security? I don’t know their warfighting ConOps.
Lol.
Hmm, good suggestion. As the Bns are so small I was surprised it was listed.
I do wish we had an 11 SFA poster on here who could explain their conops, but nope, and I suspect 11 SFA will look very vulnerable in the next defence review.
We never did decide their actual establishment size. Be it Company, reinforced Company, small Battalion.
They’d surely not lose the personnel, so, reform into another formation if that occurs? They’re too small now as a Light Infantry Bn.
True, open question how they are orbatted right now. But lacking an identity, and being a small formation without much profile, I can see them being axed in the next round, or at least restructured.
It’s not clear to me if 1xx has this role for a set period of time or permanently – I would guess the former…or if other nations contribute to the Land Componenet of ARF – I guess they do.
Think we need to keep 16x back for UK national deployment ie GRF, as you say.
I know what you mean mate. My take on it after some thought was that it is a rotational thing as you say.
In the second last paragraph, there is the phrase “during its tenure”. Then in the last paragraph “Throughout this period”. To me, both these phrases say not permanent. The role officially commenced at the beginning of July, that is the beginning of the second half of 2024. 7 Bde commenced a year as VJTF at the beginning of 2024 under the “old” model and continues under the new model. So perhaps the new model runs the end of the year. Half year high readiness then hand over.
Thanks Paul, that all sounds very likely.