Permanent battlegroups in the second half of 2
(B2)Designed in 2004, after Operation Artemis (in the Congo), on a Franco-British-German initiative, the 1500 Battlegroups (more often referred to as Battlegroups) are the EU's “light rapid reaction force”. With at least 1500 men, with tactical and logistical support (air transport, etc.) to be independent, they must arrive on the ground no later than 15 days after the approval of the crisis management concept (CMC). They can carry out their mission for one to four months.
Two GT1500 arrays are permanent each semester. In the second half of 2008, a group led by Germany (+ France, Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg, five countries that form the Eurocorps), and another by the United Kingdom are on duty. In the first half of 2009, two Mediterranean groups are present: the first led by Italy (+ Spain, Portugal, Greece); the second by Greece (+ Bulgaria, Cyprus, Romania).
In the second half of 2008
The Battlegroup with German heart. The "Franco-German" Battlegroup comprised around 2300 men - 1600 Germans, 400 French and 250 Belgians, 40 Spaniards and 20 Luxembourgers - commanded by the head of the Franco-German Brigade, German General Andreas Berg. The core of the Battlegroup is made up of several companies from the Bundeswehr Fighter Battalion (JgBtl292), which also includes a company from the French 110th Infantry Regiment. Added to this are elements of the command and support battalion (BCS - mixed Franco-German unit), the armored artillery battalion 295 (PzArtBtl295) as well as the engineering 550 (PzPiKp550) reinforced with Belgian elements, the 3rd Regiment French Hussars "Esterhazy" (*), in charge of lighting. The medical component of the Battlegroup (Medevac) is provided by the Belgians, with a detachment of four Agusta helicopters.
The British Battlegroup is formed from two battalions:
• The 2nd RRF (2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers) was on duty from 1 July to 1 October. Until recently, this battalion was based in Cyprus and served as a reserve battalion
in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2007, he was deployed to Afghanistan twice, the first with two companies, the second with one company.
• It is the 4 RIFLES (4th Battalion "The Rifles") which is on duty, from October 1 to December 31, 2008. The 4th Rifles is based in Bulford. And his previous operational engagement was in Iraq (in 2007).
(NGV)