West Midland RFCA

Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military child is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of Service children and their families, and their perceived resilience and achievements. Originally launched in the US, month of the Military child is now growing momentum in the UK. It is led by the Education Policy Team (EPT), and has the backing of the Ministry of Defence, wider government and a…

Royal Naval Reserve take part in Ski Champs

14th January 2024 saw the start of this year’s Royal Navy Snowsports Festival – the Royal Navy’s annual sporting event for alpine and telemark skiing, as well as snowboarding. Representing HMS FORWARD in Birmingham, a small group from the Royal Navy Reserves Medical Branch signed up and Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Vincent tells us how they got on. “We were a mixed bunch, ranging from…

West Midland RFCA Board member, Dr Catherine Baxter, receives MBE

One of the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association’s (RFCA) Board Members and former Harper Adams University Secretary, Dr Catherine Baxter, will be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to higher education, as announced in the New Year’s Honours List. Dr Baxter’s honour marks a career working across a diverse range of educational institutions, including…

Hard facilities management services for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MoD Built Estate contracts

Following the conclusion of the Volunteer Estate Value for Money Study, it has been agreed that Hard Facilities Management services for the Volunteer Estate will in the future be delivered by the MOD Built Estate contracts. These contracts cover key maintenance work, repairs, servicing and Hard Facilities Management, across the Volunteer Estate to enable Reserves and Cadets to continue to work and train….

Gold standard employers honoured for supporting Armed Forces

Fourteen organisations from across the wider West Midlands area attended an awards ceremony in Shropshire to receive their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards, recognising their exceptional level of support to the Armed Forces community. Held at Lilleshall House and Gardens in Shropshire – also home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre…

WM RFCA supports Exercise Dragon Barbarian Nepal

Our Association actively promotes and supports the Reserve Forces and Cadets in our region, including the maintenance and upkeep of the Reserve and Cadet estate, advocacy and support through employer engagement and wider engagement, and the provision of the full-time staff at our regional Army Cadet Force Headquarters.  A small part of our role is also to provide grants and funding towards training…

Shropshire Army Cadets recognised for actions and achievements

It’s been a busy few months for Shropshire Army Cadet Force – including two instances of their cadets and staff helping out in medical emergencies, and a first time entry to a national rifle competition! Read on to find out more… Cadet attends national Imperial Meeting Competition With funding support from our Association, Cadet C/Sjt Izzy McAree was given the chance of a…