Lieutenant General Mike Elviss CB MBE is to succeed Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Wooddisse KCB CBE MC as Commander Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in late March 2026.
This marks a pivotal moment in British Army leadership, with Lt Gen Elviss transitioning seamlessly from his role as Commander Field Army to take command of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), News Cover reports, citing the UK government's official website.
It underscores the Army’s commitment to continuity and excellence at a time of heightened strategic importance.
Lt Gen Elviss assumed command of the Field Army, headquartered in Andover, in March 2024, following his tenure as Chief of Staff (Operations) at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood. His leadership as Commander Field Army has been transformative, marked by an unwavering focus on doubling the Field Army’s fighting power and lethality. By equipping soldiers with cutting-edge technology and fostering a force that is stronger, leaner, and more agile, he has ensured the Army is prepared to meet the complex challenges of modern warfare.
Now, as he takes up the role of Commander ARRC at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, Lt Gen Elviss steps into a position of critical importance for both the British Army and NATO. His appointment comes at a time when NATO is reinvigorating its focus on Corps-level warfighting, and his leadership will be instrumental in advancing the UK’s role as a leader in NATO. This transition represents a key milestone in delivering on the UK’s commitments to the Alliance and strengthening collective defence.
