L Teare

1500th Armed Forces Covenant milestone reached

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are pleased to announce their 1500th Armed Forces Covenant signatory as NESO, the National Energy System Operator. The Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The Covenant is a national initiative for governments, businesses, local authorities, charities…

Employers go behind the scenes at School of Technical Training

Businesses from Shropshire and Staffordshire were given a special ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse into the roles and work of No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Royal Auxiliary Air Force based at RAF Cosford. Hosted by No. 1 School of Technical Training and No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron, with support from Shropshire Council and our Association, the…

Breakfast with the Army

Canley Army Reserve Centre opened its doors to invite Coventry-based businesses to join them for a morning of breakfast networking. In partnership with the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, we explored the benefits of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, with the help of insights from our own Employer Engagement team. Keely Hancox, Operations Manager at the Chamber,…

Life as an Army Reserve soldier

Asking people why they joined the Reserve Forces always brings up different answers and motivations.  Annabel Pushman, a Reservist with 214 (Worcestershire) Battery 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, shares her perspective about what it’s like to be an Army Reserve soldier and the unique opportunities it has given her. “But, why?” Is often the reaction I receive when explaining to people what I have…

Grand opening of new Midlands Boat Station

Transforming young lives through watersports and community engagement The Sea Cadets in Birmingham proudly welcomed a member of the Royal Family to open their new boat station. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, officially opened the new Midlands Boat Station, located on the scenic banks of Edgbaston Reservoir, Birmingham. This new facility will play a pivotal role…

Summit Learning Trust visit Portsmouth for a tour of HMS Queen Elizabeth

A group of 30 Cadets and students from Cockshut Hill School, Lyndon School and Ninestiles, an Academy, all part of the Summit Learning Trust, recently had an unforgettable experience, courtesy of the Royal Navy’s Attract Team. At the end of September the group visited Portsmouth’s historic Naval base and toured HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier.  The visit offered them…

Army Cadets hit the mark at clay pigeon shooting competitions

Cadets from across Shropshire aimed high at the county’s Inter Services Cadet Clay Competition. At the start of June, teams from the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets competed for both team and individual titles, testing their precision at the Buller Clay Range in Donnington. A notable success for Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) included Cadet Hewitt from the Newport Detachment…