Latest News

Cadet Halford aims to reach the top

Cadet Thomas Halford from 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron Air Training Corps has got his hiking-boots on, and is in the middle of an endeavour to climb Mount Everest. There are no ice-axes or Sherpas in sight, because he decided to do this during the lockdown period by climbing his stairs to raise money for a charity close to his family’s heart – The…

Youngest qualified Aerospace Instructor graduates

Cadet Corporal Zain Aslam, aged 16, from 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, graduated from this year’s Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC). QAIC is the Royal Air Force Air Cadet’s premier aerospace course. Aimed at senior cadets, the challenging syllabus requires a high level of commitment.  The course, now in its twelfth year, aims to provide youngsters from across the…

Lockdown activities: Cadet Force focus

In mid-March it was deemed that alongside many other organisations across the UK, face-to-face cadet activities would need to cease in line with social distancing measures in our Covid-19 response. The question that arose was: how do you maintain the spirit, activities and social side of an organisation if you can’t meet face-to-face? The Cadet Forces are a prime example of organisations who…

West Midland RFCA’s virtual celebration and commemoration for VE Day 75

In the lead up to the 75th anniversary of VE Day our Employer Engagement team invited employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to a special virtual talk on Thursday 7th May. Being unable to host any face-to-face events to celebrate and reflect on VE Day, the team decided to take the plunge and host our first virtual event. After welcoming remarks…

Security firm pledges international support to Armed Forces

A security firm has become the first company in the West Midlands to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in this financial year. Evolve Security Risk Management Consultants have offices in the UK, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.  They have worked with various Government departments, the Police and a wealth of private sector clients around the world, offering an extensive array of…

Victory in Europe Day 75th Anniversary

What is Victory in Europe (VE) Day? VE Day falls on the 8th May and marks the time the fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end in World War II.  This year in 2020 we are marking the 75th anniversary since the guns fell silent. On 8th May 1945, the Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio…

A great time to show your support by signing the Armed Forces Covenant

The Coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of many groups in society, a shift in our attitude towards care workers, delivery drivers and shop workers, and many others.  This also has brought home the role the Armed Forces plays in the modern world.  Although it’s not always seen or heavily reported on, the role of our soldiers, sailors and air personnel has always…

Birmingham University Officer Training Corps hit the slopes

Earlier this year 43 Officer Cadets from the Birmingham and East Midlands University Officer Training Corps embarked on Exercise Dragon Slim in Tignes, in the French Alps. During their week-long stay in Tignes they took part in a mixture of alpine skiing and ski touring, and had the opportunity to complete their Ski Foundation Courses Level 1 and 2 according to their skills…