Latest News

‘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…

Summit Learning Trust pledges their support to the Armed Forces community

On the 7th March Summit Learning Trust hosted a collective Armed Forces Covenant signing event at Solihull Sixth Form College. A total of 10 Armed Forces Covenants were signed by Summit Learning Trust and all eight of their member academies, and South Birmingham SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training).  The event was organised by Summit Learning Trust in collaboration with our Association.  The Summit…

Amateur Army photographer wins the peoples vote in national competition

A photo taken by a Telford soldier whilst deployed in Mali has been revealed as the People’s Choice in a national photographic competition. Titled ‘Light them up’ the photo was taken by Lance Corporal Jamie Nolan (30) who serves in B Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry.  It triumphed over 20 photos to take the title in the documentary category of the British Photography Awards….

Exercise KRONOS HUNTER

In November Reservists from 37th Signal Regiment completed part of their Annual Continuous Training (also known as ACT) in both Cyprus and the UK, with key focuses on military training and range skills, with the bonus of some adventure training too. Their platoon of Reservists included a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including medical school students, prison officers, fire fighters and…

Poznan to Berlin – retracing the advance

Outside of military skills training, historical studies are important to the military, they can help understand tactics and provide opportunities for reflection. In the summer, Reservists from 37th Signal Regiment travelled across the Channel for a Battlefield Study to learn in-depth knowledge about the Soviet advance from Poznan to Berlin in 1945. Their five-day visit took them to key former military structures and…

West Midland RFCA welcomes 1000th Armed Forces Covenant signee

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are pleased to welcome City of Birmingham Rockets as the 1000th company, within the West Midland RFCA region, to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and pledge their support to the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2014 and is used across the country for businesses to…

Pave Aways signs Armed Forces Covenant

A Shropshire construction company has become the latest organisation to signal its support for serving and former armed forces personnel after completing the build of the UK’s first ever specialist orthopaedic centre for military veterans. Pave Aways, which handed over the Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre at the world-renowned The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RJAH) in Gobowen in…

Army Cadets enjoy adventure-packed week in Cyprus

Over the October half term 24 cadets from Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) travelled to Cyprus for a week of challenging outdoor adventure training. Mountain biking, diving, paddle boarding, mini-golf and trips to cultural sites filled their action-packed week designed to build confidence and courage, and increase their knowledge, teamwork and leadership skills. One of the highlights of the trip proved to be…

Orthopaedic Institute sign Covenant to support Armed Forces Community

The Orthopaedic Institute at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) have pledged their support for staff and volunteers who serve in military roles by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant, which has also been signed by the Oswestry-based hospital and the League of Friends Charity, represents a pledge of support to people who are serving in, or…

NHS Training in Partnership with 4 MERCIAN Army Reserves

Prior to the pandemic, 4 MERCIAN (a Midlands based Army Reserve unit) were running regular dedicated training weekends in partnership with the Army’s Field Hospital units to ensure Combat Medical Technician skills for Regimental Aid Post (RAP) capabilities, were maintained. Following an elongated period of suspension this has now been re-introduced and a robust training approach not only addresses their military role, but…