The Joint Arms Control Implementation Group (abbreviated as JACIG) is a specialist defence component affiliated to UK
Strategic Command which carries out a range of
arms control
Arms control is a term for international restrictions upon the development, production, stockpiling, proliferation and usage of small arms, conventional weapons, and weapons of mass destruction. Arms control is typically exercised through the u ...
and verification functions (including inspection, evaluation, escort and training duties). JACIG was originally based at
RAF Scampton
Royal Air Force Scampton or RAF Scampton is a Royal Air Force station located adjacent to the A15 road near to the village of Scampton, Lincolnshire, and north-west of the city of Lincoln, England.
RAF Scampton stands on the site of a First ...
(just north of Lincoln); established in 1990, it was declared by the MOD as operational on 1 January 1991. Originally it was formed to performing treaty associated tasks as part of the UK's commitment to post Cold War confidence building associated with the
Vienna Document The Vienna Document is a series of agreements on confidence and security-building measures between the states of Europe, starting in 1990, with subsequent updates in 1992, 1994, 1999 and 2011. The Vienna Document 2011 was adopted by 57 Organization ...
and the
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
The original Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) was negotiated and concluded during the last years of the Cold War and established comprehensive limits on key categories of conventional military equipment in Europe (from the Atlan ...
(CFE Treaty). Its operating base is currently
RAF Henlow
RAF Henlow is a Royal Air Force station in Bedfordshire, England, equidistant from Bedford, Luton and Stevenage. It houses the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine, the Joint Arms Control Implementation Group (JACIG), elements of Defence Equipment an ...
in Bedfordshire.
JACIG's first Commandant and main architect of the unit's structure and method of operations was Colonel
Roy Giles. Giles was a veteran of
BRIXMIS
The British Commanders'-in-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany (BRIXMIS) was a military liaison mission which operated behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany during the Cold War.
BRIXMIS existed from 1946 – shortly after the end of t ...
. The unit's personnel are drawn from all three UK armed services and the MOD civil service.
JACIG has carried out the following duties since its inception and continues to play an active role in constructive disarmament:
* Hundreds of inspections or visits related to arms control treaties, such as the revised CFE treaty and its adaption discussed in the
1999 Istanbul summit
The 1999 Istanbul Summit was the 6th Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) summit and was held in Istanbul, Turkey from November 18 until November 19, resulting in the adoption of the Istanbul Summit Declaration and the sign ...
* Confidence and security building evaluations and inspection supporting the Vienna Document 2011
* A number of missions related to the Open Skies treaty
* A variety of bilateral activities, outside formal treaty requirements, designed to foster good working relationships with a number of
OSCE
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world's largest regional security-oriented intergovernmental organization with observer status at the United Nations. Its mandate includes issues such as arms control, prom ...
nations
* Developing capabilities in a range of conventional weapons conventions and treaty implementation including SALW reduction in former conflict zones
* Language training and arms control inspectors' courses
* Lecturing at overseas institutions
* Providing technical expert advice in a variety of forums.
As well as carrying site inspections, unit and area visits to confirm the correct reporting or destruction of treaty limited equipment, JACIG also provides escorts to incoming foreign counterpart organisations. The unit has also become more involved in the setting up and implementation of treaties and agreements to destroy and imit the use of small arms and light weapons
(SALW).
References
{{Reflist
Joint military units and formations of the United Kingdom
Military of the United Kingdom
Organisations based in Bedfordshire
Organisations based in Lincolnshire
West Lindsey District