Month: February 2020

Celebrating the success of the Cadet Expansion Programme

The Government’s Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) has successfully delivered the ambitious target of 500 parading schools across the UK, six months earlier than the proposed timeline. Originally launched in June 2012 by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, the programme aimed to deliver 100 new cadet units in English state-funded schools by September 2015. Following its initial success the Government committed to…

Employers set their sights on top Defence awards

Our Association’s Employer Engagement team delivered two separate Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Workshops during January for those employers who submitted expressions of interest for the silver and gold level awards under the scheme. This years’ workshops were kindly supported by Bryan Alexander from the Career Transition Partnership, Inspector Lucy Sewell from Warwickshire Police and Stephen Lees from Jaguar Land Rover.  Both organisations are…

Almarose Hotels & Resorts sign Armed Forces Covenant

Hotel management group Almarose Hotels & Resorts has formally pledged its commitment to support those who have served or are currently serving within the Armed Forces. Backed by the government, the Armed Forces Covenant relies on the people, communities, and businesses of the UK to actively support it in order to make a difference. The official pledge recently signed, means Almarose promise to…

37th Signal Regiment hit the slopes

Exercise Dragon Sorbet is 37th Signal Regiment’s annual skiing expedition to Kirtchdorf, Austria.  This year thirty-one personnel participated in both alpine and ski touring, with the to aim to complete the Ski Foundation Level 1-3 courses depending on varying abilities. Upon arrival to Gasthoff Neuwirt in Kirtchdorf, the team wasted no time in descending into the village to collect skis and boots.  The…

Carl Chinn’s guided tour for Gold Alumni

On 29th January West Midland RFCA hosted their annual Gold Alumni Association (GAA) event. This year the event was held in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter with a private tour provided by local historian Carl Chinn. Our GAA is now made up of 17 companies who have met all of the criteria and been awarded one of Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Awards. Of the…

One Army in Action: Reservists mobilise for operational tour

Army Reservists made history by mobilising for the British Army’s largest ever deployment of the Army Reserve in a single, formed unit under its own command. Approximately 240 Reservists from 7 RIFLES and 5 FUSILIERS have been mobilised for the British Army’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission on Cyprus.  Their first parade as a formed battlegroup saw them swap their regimental…

Coventry City Football Club formally sign the Armed Forces Covenant

Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy joined Royal Naval Reserve Commander Phil Sparke on the pitch to sign the Armed Forces Covenant at half time during their club’s match against Portsmouth Football Club. In October 2019, Coventry City FC became only the second major club in the West Midlands to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.  In doing so, they committed written pledges of…

Halfords nominated for Award at ‘The Millies’

The Sun Military Awards, also known as ‘The Millies’, is a star-studded event, with the world’s media focusing on the dedication and commitment of our Service men and women. This year, the well-known cycling and motoring business, Halfords, was nominated for an award in the Support to the Armed Forces category. Exactly a year to the day of the Awards ceremony, Halfords signed…

Army Reservists embark on Danish training exercise

The Reserve Forces support the Defence capability of the Regular Forces across the UK.  They play a vital role in countering security threats and keeping our nation safe, whilst supporting our communities at home.  Reservists also play a huge role in helping to support international allies and military exercises, and providing humanitarian efforts abroad. Members of Redditch-based Army Reserve unit, 37th Signal Regiment,…