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…
Kitchen kitted out in time for Remembrance Sunday
Reservists at 225 Field Squadron, Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, like many other military units across the UK, had a busy Remembrance Sunday. With their Reservists due to return from a training exercise and also take part in Oldbury’s Remembrance Sunday Parade on the same day, a cooked breakfast and a curry lunch at their Oldbury Army Reserve Centre was on the itinerary to…
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…
Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust officially launched
Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust was officially launched at a special evening event held at RAF Shawbury. The Trust welcomed over 100 people from a variety of areas including local and civic dignitaries, businesses, the military and Shropshire Army Cadet Force, all with one aim in mind: to support Shropshire’s Army Cadets. The primary function of the Trust is to raise funds to…
Gold standard employers celebrated
On 23rd October 2024 fourteen organisations from across the wider West Midlands area attended an awards ceremony in Shropshire to receive their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards, recognising their exceptional level of support to the Armed Forces community. Held at Lilleshall House and Gardens in Shropshire – home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s…
Volunteering with Cadets – a way of life
The word ‘Cadets’ evokes fond and happy memories to so many people, and for some, the Cadet Forces become a huge part of their lives from childhood and throughout adulthood. We spoke to Colonel Nigel Sarling, whose passion for the Army Cadet Force (ACF) has taken him on a 48 year adventure (so far) from Cadet to Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and most…
Reserve Soldier recognises the benefits of Service
Private Hervin Francis, a Reserve Soldier from Telford, first visited the UK from Jamaica in 1994 aged 15, as a reward from his grandmother (who lived in UK) for doing well in school. He enjoyed the UK so much he decided to stay and soon moved to Telford where he attended Sutherland School in Trench. He later studied Engineering, Mechanical engineering and Leisure…
