NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Plays as a Key Role in Lightning Strike 24 Exercise

The NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) has played a pivotal role in the Lightning Strike 24 exercise at Rovajärvi, Site Finland of the broader Dynamic Front 25 training event. Comprising of 450 staff officers from 21 NATO nations, the ARRC serves as the 3-star command for the UK’s Strategic Reserve Corps—the British Army’s largest land contribution to NATO’s operations. In this exercise, the ARRC has provided command over the Multi-National Field Artillery Brigade and associated unit, demonstrating its operational expertise.

As NATO’s Strategic Reserve, the ARRC remains on standby for deployment under the direct command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). During Lightning Strike 24, ARRC personnel participated in both the Dynamic Front 25 Command Post Exercise and Live-Fire exercise at Rovajärvi. The ARRC frequently oversees Corps-level enablers and divisions, ensuring operational readiness in both training and conflict scenarios.

Brigadier Rob Alston, Chief of Joint Fires and Influence Branch in the ARRC, noted:  

– NATO has a very comprehensive command and control system that allows us all to operate and fight together. The ARRC is a multinational formation, and we’re used to deploying with other nations and allies under command, so we have the technical interoperability and the procedures that we need to fight and win together.

This exercise highlights the long cooperation between the Finnish Army Command and the ARRC. Earlier this year, Commander ARRC Lieutenant General Ralph Wooddisse visited Finland at the invitation of Finnish Army Commander Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki. During his visit, General Wooddisse observed Finnish Army operations in Mikkeli and at the Karelia Brigade in Vekaranjärvi.
 
Commenting on the collaboration, Brigadier Alston said:  

– We have been able to engage with senior leaders from the Finnish Army, and we were really proud to host the president of Finland at Command Post during this exercise. Every mission rehearsal is an opportunity to sharpen our skills and develop the knowledge and experience of the officers and soldiers of ARRC and our corps artillery group.

As NATO’s Strategic Reserve Corps, the ARRC continues to play a crucial role across NATO’s area of responsibility, contributing to the deterrence of threats and the defense of allied territories.
 
Brigadier Alston concluded:  

– Dynamic Front is another really great opportunity to come together to form those teams that make us Stronger Together.