Commando Logistic Regiment RM
Ex
Arctic Tide
Expeditionary Logistics in the High North
by Maj A Hewett MC RM, 2IC CLRRM
The Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) is evolving fast. Ex Tarassis, the JEF’s largest activity to date, is the clearest demonstration yet of its intent to demonstrate its ability to coordinate multinational forces, deploy at scale, reinforce allies and support NATO. The UK Commando Force’s role in both a JEF and NATO deployment is to conduct Advanced Force Operations (AFOs) and set the conditions for follow-on action. This must be underpinned by logistical resilience.
VIKINGs disembarking from a Mexeflote
That responsibility sits directly with the Commando Logistic Regiment, whose task is to generate first line sustainment force elements and plan and execute second line combat service support to enable formation level commando operations in the High North.
As part of Ex Terraris, CLR and Force Elements from across 40 Cdo RM, 24 Cdo Engr Regt RE, 47 Cdo RG RM, HQCF (CATF) and 17 Port and Maritime Regt RLC deployed into the Troms region of northern Norway for Ex Arctic Tide. CLR had a rare opportunity to rehearse ship-to-shore sustainment tactics and take positive steps towards developing expeditionary logistics in support of advanced force operations.
Why expeditionary logistics matters: The High North presents some of the harshest conditions anywhere in NATO’s area of responsibility. Infrastructure is limited, lines of communication are long and constrained and the climate degrades equipment and tests endurance. For advanced force units tasked with reconnaissance, strike, or enabling operations, the ability to remain supplied, repaired and connected is what makes the difference between a fleeting presence and credible force.
In recent months, CLR has relearned old lessons integrated with new practices. Ex Arctic Tide provided the Regt with the chance to plan, test and adapt its approach to sustaining forces in dispersed support areas, regenerate important logistical skills and develop logistic C2 planning and execution. The lessons were numerous.