Ministry of Defence
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MoD announces NATO force move to Gloucestershire
Defence Minister Bob Ainsworth today confirmed that the Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) and its supporting elements will move from their current base in Germany to Innsworth in 2010.
The HQ ARRC, one of NATO's front-line high-readiness headquarters, will move from Rhine Garrison to the Gloucestershire base in 2010 in line with the MoD's current commitments and priorities.
Armed Forces Minister Mr Ainsworth said:
"The Innsworth site is being prepared to enable the necessary refurbishment and new building works to begin. We will work with the local authorities in Gloucestershire to prepare for the arrival of personnel, families and equipment in two years time.
"Innsworth was deemed to be the best suited site for this high calibre organisation and we hope the local community will be proud to welcome them."
The Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, said:
"The move of HQ ARRC and some supporting elements to Innsworth presents an excellent long-term future location in the UK for service personnel and their families. HQ ARRC is held in high regard by NATO and will remain readily available for NATO operations. Moreover, having this prestigious organisation located in the UK will be a major boost in maintaining our strong profile in local communities at a time when our operational commitments are significant and our standing throughout the country is high.
"I am extremely pleased that this move will take place in 2010 and I am especially pleased that our partner nations in the ARRC will continue to be represented."
1 Signal Brigade and 102 Logistics Brigade will also move to the UK. The preferred site is currently occupied by the Defence College for Aeronautical Engineering (DCAE) at Cosford in Shropshire. Detailed planning for these moves is ongoing.
Notes to Editors
1. The MoD is making provision for an estimated 600 families to move to the area and is working with the local authorities in Gloucestershire to prepare for their arrival.
2. Under the BORONA Programme, around 3,600 British Forces will move from Germany to the UK. Although some parts of the programme are subject to final investment approval.
3. The MoD first announced the establishment of the BORONA project team in 2006 to examine in detail opportunities for rationalisation of basing arrangements in Germany.
4. For more information on the BORONA Programme, please see http://www.mod.uk
