Cadets

World Record burpee challenge attempt three – and four!

In our April newsletter, we introduced you to Corporal Mark Bailey, a Reservist with 116 Provost Company, 1 Royal Military Police, and a dedicated volunteer at The Ferrers School. Mark is on a mission to attempt to break four fitness world records and raise £10,000 for the Combined Cadet Force Association. Since our introduction Mark has completed his first two world record attempts….

Making a splash in Malta

Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) from Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force swapped their boots for flippers during an unforgettable trip to Malta over the May half-term. The group took part in Exercise Malta Splash, a week-long adventure that saw them earn their PADI Open Water Diver qualification – an internationally recognised scuba diving certification. Training was based…

Fire Service and Cadet Volunteer speak from experience

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) employ a number of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and Reservists and are proud to be able to support them, commenting: “Armed Forces personnel make significant personal sacrifices to protect national security and uphold peace. Supporting them is a way to honour their commitment and bravery and reflects our commitment to the community.” HWFRS have…

Volunteering with the ACF: meet SSI Roberts

During Armed Forces Week we celebrate and recognise the vital contributions of the Armed Forces community to our society. We had the opportunity to speak to Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Matthew Roberts, a Detachment Commander with Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF), to learn more about the positive impact volunteering has had – both on the young people he…

“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…