MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (079/08) issued by The Government News Network on 15
May 2008
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