L Teare

Armed forces provide support to public services in coronavirus outbreak

The Defence Secretary has announced a COVID Support Force to assist public services with the response to the coronavirus outbreak.  As of 23rd March, there are 250 personnel deployed to assist civil authorities with the response.  They form part of 20,000 armed forces personnel currently stood at readiness to take part. The armed forces have contributed dozens of specialist military planners to Local…

Celebrating the success of the Cadet Expansion Programme

The Government’s Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) has successfully delivered the ambitious target of 500 parading schools across the UK, six months earlier than the proposed timeline. Originally launched in June 2012 by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, the programme aimed to deliver 100 new cadet units in English state-funded schools by September 2015. Following its initial success the Government committed to…

Employers set their sights on top Defence awards

Our Association’s Employer Engagement team delivered two separate Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Workshops during January for those employers who submitted expressions of interest for the silver and gold level awards under the scheme. This years’ workshops were kindly supported by Bryan Alexander from the Career Transition Partnership, Inspector Lucy Sewell from Warwickshire Police and Stephen Lees from Jaguar Land Rover.  Both organisations are…

Almarose Hotels & Resorts sign Armed Forces Covenant

Hotel management group Almarose Hotels & Resorts has formally pledged its commitment to support those who have served or are currently serving within the Armed Forces. Backed by the government, the Armed Forces Covenant relies on the people, communities, and businesses of the UK to actively support it in order to make a difference. The official pledge recently signed, means Almarose promise to…

37th Signal Regiment hit the slopes

Exercise Dragon Sorbet is 37th Signal Regiment’s annual skiing expedition to Kirtchdorf, Austria.  This year thirty-one personnel participated in both alpine and ski touring, with the to aim to complete the Ski Foundation Level 1-3 courses depending on varying abilities. Upon arrival to Gasthoff Neuwirt in Kirtchdorf, the team wasted no time in descending into the village to collect skis and boots.  The…

Coventry City Football Club formally sign the Armed Forces Covenant

Coventry City Chief Executive Dave Boddy joined Royal Naval Reserve Commander Phil Sparke on the pitch to sign the Armed Forces Covenant at half time during their club’s match against Portsmouth Football Club. In October 2019, Coventry City FC became only the second major club in the West Midlands to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.  In doing so, they committed written pledges of…

Army Reservists embark on Danish training exercise

The Reserve Forces support the Defence capability of the Regular Forces across the UK.  They play a vital role in countering security threats and keeping our nation safe, whilst supporting our communities at home.  Reservists also play a huge role in helping to support international allies and military exercises, and providing humanitarian efforts abroad. Members of Redditch-based Army Reserve unit, 37th Signal Regiment,…

RAF Association launches free mental wellbeing courses

The RAF Association is taking positive action today to help the happiness of the RAF family – by announcing the launch of a new, free UK-wide mental wellbeing training programme.  The courses are specifically designed for the needs of non-serving members of the RAF family and take a practical, down to earth approach. The training is available to: Partners, parents, siblings and children…

Volunteer scoops award for work with Royal Marines Cadets

A volunteer with the Royal Marines Cadets has picked up an award from his employer in recognition of his voluntary work. Acting Sergeant Dan Bradbury was carrying out an apprentice at KMF Precision Sheet Metal Ltd, based in North Staffordshire. As part of the programme their apprentices take part in an annual community challenge in which they are asked to take part in…