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193 organisations awarded gold for support to the Armed Forces

Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, as they are announced as this year’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holders. A record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting…

Silver West Midlands employers announced

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are very pleased to announce that 26 organisations in their region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2023. This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and Cadets. Silver award holders must demonstrate a number…

From soldier to cadet staff: why supporting the Army Cadets can be a rewarding experience

During Armed Forces Week we are celebrating the dedication and service of our Armed Forces community. Whilst many personnel have stories to share from serving in a military or volunteer capacity, it’s not often we hear from someone with a wide range of both military and cadet experiences. We spoke to Captain Kenny Frith who has been a Cadet Administrative Assistant (CAA) for…

Interview with an Armed Forces friendly employer

Recent Armed Forces Covenant signatory, The Camping and Caravanning Club, spoke to us about why and how they want to support the Armed Forces community. Can you tell us about your organisation? The Camping and Caravanning Club is a not-for-profit organisation which has grown to over 740,000 members over the last 122 years. We love tent, caravan and motorhome camping and we want…

Reservist succeeds in sport with the Army

To celebrate Reserves Day we spoke to Sergeant Karim from 116 Provost Company, 1st Regiment Royal Military Police about her journey as an Army Reservist and her involvement in sport within the Army. Sergeant Karim is currently a Regimental Mentoring Support Officer (REMSO) responsible for the running of recruitment events, the recruitment application process for civilians who want to join the unit, and…

Khalsa Cadets celebrate a successful year

The concept of cadet units in schools dates back over 160 years, with the original units focussed on Army activities with public schools and universities.  This evolved, in 1948, to the Combined Cadet Force creating a modern, inspiring programme for cadets from all three services.  There are now hundreds of units launched in state-funded schools across the UK. Our Association is proud to…

CCF cadets attend Snow Camp

Snow Camp is a national youth charity that uses snowsports to drive social mobility.  It operates a three tier programme.  The entry stage is First Tracks, a two day course at a local dry slope or indoor snow facility.  The intermediate stage is Graduate, this takes place over six Saturdays or Sundays in the autumn term.  The final stage is Excel, this runs…

RAF Reservists mobilise with Typhoons

What a way, to start your RAF Reserves journey with 605 Royal Auxiliary Squadron… Upon successful completion of her Phase 1 Recruit Training, Air Recruit (AR) Jackson was given the opportunity to mobilise in support of Exercise RED FLAG. A large RAF detachment of over 300 personnel arrived in the United States to take part in Exercise RED FLAG, a major exercise that…

Midlands Reserve unit trains with Canadian Army

In March 2023 nine British Army personnel from 37 Signal Regiment were deployed on a two week training exercise to Labrador in Canada as part of a Canadian 5 Division annual Arctic Company Response Group (ARCG) validation activity. Giving them the opportunity to operate in cold weather conditions and practice battle task standards such as offensive patrolling and urban operations. The initial journey…

A climb for charity!

University Royal Naval Unit Birmingham (BURNU) have demonstrated their commitment to supporting local causes by selecting Fisher House UK as its beneficiary for the year. Fisher House provides military patients and their families with a “home away from home” whilst their loved ones receive hospital care. This invaluable service provides accommodation to both serving personnel and veterans and offers financial and logistical support…