Cadets

“Being a volunteer with the ACF is a very addictive hobby”

For Volunteers Week we’re shining a spotlight on volunteers from across our region, sharing their inspiring contributions to our Cadet Forces. We interviewed SI Woodward, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer at Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force, to hear his motivations for volunteering, and the fantastic benefits it brings to both volunteers and the young people who join. Why did…

Volunteers Week interview: meet SMI Cartlidge

For Volunteers Week we’re shining a spotlight on volunteers from across our region, sharing their inspiring contributions to our Cadet Forces. We interviewed SMI Steven Cartlidge, a Training Officer at Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force, to see what drives his passion – and how you could be encouraged to to start your own volunteering journey. Why did you decide…

Cadet excels in specialist training course

A Cadet from Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force embraced the unique opportunity to attend the Cadet Signaller training course in Blandford. Cadet Sergeant Thomas McKenzie was fortunate to be selected to attend the course, and successfully complete the programme. Demonstrating an outstanding performance, Thomas was further recognised for his excellence by being awarded The Royal Signals Institute “For Excellence”…

Refurbishment improves experience for Cadets

   Two Cadet centres in Sutton Coldfield have received a fresh makeover thanks to a refurbishment project led by our Estates team. The buildings, home to the Sutton Coldfield Detachment Army Cadets and 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, saw tired exteriors and interiors upgraded and modernised, and the internal and external structures of the building refurbished. Overseen by our Estate Manager,…

Going for Gold 2025: Championing Forces-Friendly Employers

This year’s Going for Gold 2025 event invited forces-friendly employers to explore how they can climb the ladder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). Held at DRP Group’s creative Studio 212 in Hartlebury, the event was a vibrant celebration of collaboration between businesses and the Armed Forces. In partnership with DRP Group, we delivered an action-packed day full of inspiring experiences, hands-on…

Celebrating International Women’s Day

In early March we hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day event at HMS Forward, bringing together local organisations, military personnel and community networks to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in our Armed Forces and business communities. The day focussed on championing the achievements, skills and lived experiences of women, while opening up space for powerful conversations around gender equality and women’s issues….

Inspiring future leaders: Cadets explore career pathways

Cadets from Warwickshire and the West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force recently took part in a Cadet Careers Fair at Bramcote Cadet Training Centre, designed to open doors to future opportunities. A wide range of forces-friendly employers came together to highlight potential career paths, training options, and offer valuable CV advice. The event allowed the Cadets to engage directly with the employers,…

New Royal Navy section launched at The Hereford Academy

A residential adventure training course and getting up close to F35 Lightning II Aircraft at RAF Marham are just two of the exciting opportunities that Cadets from The Hereford Academy Combined Cadet Force (THA CCF) have recently enjoyed. Launched in September 2024, the Academy’s newly formed Royal Navy section currently has 30 eager Cadets supported by five staff members. Tackling high rope and…

A very merry Cadet Christmas

In December Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) hosted their much anticipated annual Christmas Camp. An impressive 237 Cadets and 41 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) came together over the weekend to celebrate the festive season as a county. Unfortunately with the arrival of Storm Darragh, the volunteers had to swiftly amended the weekend’s plans to replace the blustery outdoors with safe and enjoyable…

Army Cadets inspire students through school partnership

Students at The Earls High School have been diving into new experiences thanks to an exciting short course run by the Halesowen Detachment, Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force (ACF). The initiative, designed to connect young people with the ACF, has given students a hands-on introduction to the diverse activities available through the Cadets, helping them develop valuable skills and confidence. Over several…