Latest News

Celebrating Gold Winners for Outstanding Support to the Armed Forces Community

More than 200 employers from across the UK – spanning FTSE 100 companies, emergency services, local councils and high street names – have been recognised with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for their exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community. The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence and…

37th Signal Regiment hit the mark

Congratulations to the 37th Signal Regiment shooting team who finished 3rd at the 1 (UK) Divisional Operational Shooting Competition (OSC). Taking place from 8th – 11th June at the Altcar Training Camp, the Regiment had notable team and individual achievements: 37th Signal Regiment A Team – 3rd overall and winners of the Short Range Rural Contact Assessment 37th Signal Regiment B Team –…

Top level changes for West Midland RFCA leadership team

A new leadership team is bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to our Association after the election of a new Chair and the appointment of a new Chief Executive. Over the summer, Major General John Crackett retired from the role of Chair after providing the Association with a successful five years of leadership and support. Taking over as Association Chair is Colonel Francis Acton….

French adventure for the Khalsa Academy CCF

Students and Cadets from the Khalsa Academy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Wolverhampton recently embarked on an unforgettable visit to France. They explored France’s rich culture, made (and sampled) famous French sweets and savouries, practised their language skills, and learnt about marine conversation and military history. A moving movement of the trip saw their students pay their respects to the fallen at the…

101 Battalion REME take part in flag raising and fairways action

Armed Forces Week In June members of Walsall-based 159 Theatre Support Company, 101 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) were invited to local flag raising ceremonies and events to celebrate Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day. Their Reservists attended a flag raising ceremony in Walsall led by one of the Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands and the Lord Mayor of Walsall….

Employers achieve Silver Award recognition for commitment to Defence personnel

Over 100 guests gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate thirty-six regional employers who have gained a prestigious award presented to them on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Hosted by the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA), the forces-friendly employers were presented with their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for demonstrating exceptional support towards…

Inaugural dinner is success for Shropshire ACF Trust

Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust held their inaugural Regimental dinner to highlight the work of the Trust, but most importantly Shropshire’s Army Cadets. The event, hosted at Venning Barracks in Telford, created awareness of the Trust to both corporate guests and the wider community. It was also an opportunity to advocate and encourage new volunteers to join the county and help to shape…

Gold winners awarded for outstanding support to the Armed Forces community

* The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises employers who go above and beyond in supporting Defence to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve or have served. * Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for employers who support the Armed Forces Community and uphold the Armed Forces Covenant. * The announcement supports wider Defence transformation under the Strategic Defence Review…

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…