Reserve Forces

Midlands based employers receive coveted Ministry of Defence Award

Twenty six employers from the West Midlands region have been presented with their Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards. The West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association’s awards took place on Tuesday 26th September, at the National Memorial Arboretum. The ERS awards were launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The…

Parade and pageantry to celebrate 85th anniversary of RAF Cosford

A parade took place at RAF Cosford in July to celebrate the 85th anniversary of RAF Cosford – which also saw No.605 (County of Warwick) Squadron receive a new Standard, while No.2 School of Technical Training was reformed. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, was the parade’s reviewing Officer, and musical accompaniment was provided by The College…

Army Reservists benefit from trip to Ypres

In June, 28 members of 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery travelled to Ypres, Belgium for Exercise NORTHERN ASTERIX. Over the course of two full days, Reserve soldiers from the North-West and Midlands, travelled around the Ypres Salient studying the events during, and leading up to, the Third Battle of Ypres. The Battlefield Study aimed to cover five key topics. These included understanding the role…

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…

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…

Reservists successfully reach Everest Base Camp

Fourteen members of 37th Signal Regiment set off on an expedition of a lifetime to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. After pre-deployment training to focus on mountain fitness, first aid and navigation in Wales at Capel Curig, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia) and Moel Siabod, the group flew into Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Packing three weeks of expedition kit into 15kg duffel bags and…

‘Going For Gold’ event launches in the West Midlands

On 2nd March 2023, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association held its first-ever ‘Going for Gold’ event at DRPG’s studios in Worcestershire. Emphasising the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the event aimed to encourage and recognise over 90 corporate organisations, from across their region, that support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Creative…