Reserve Forces

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…

Army Reservist releases first single to help Combat Stress

A reservist Army officer, who is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, released her first single at the end of February. Lieutenant Colonel Thao Nguyen, of Birmingham-based 202 Field Hospital, has recorded a song, Trapeze, about mental resilience. The single was released across social media, including iTunes and Spotify, with proceeds going to Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity that helps military veterans deal with…

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…

One Army in Action: Reservists mobilise for operational tour

Army Reservists made history by mobilising for the British Army’s largest ever deployment of the Army Reserve in a single, formed unit under its own command. Approximately 240 Reservists from 7 RIFLES and 5 FUSILIERS have been mobilised for the British Army’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission on Cyprus.  Their first parade as a formed battlegroup saw them swap their regimental…

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…

Halfords nominated for Award at ‘The Millies’

The Sun Military Awards, also known as ‘The Millies’, is a star-studded event, with the world’s media focusing on the dedication and commitment of our Service men and women. This year, the well-known cycling and motoring business, Halfords, was nominated for an award in the Support to the Armed Forces category. Exactly a year to the day of the Awards ceremony, Halfords signed…

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…