Welcome to the WM RFCA Newsletter
February 2025
Multi-million pound Cadet Centre being built in Stafford
Ground has been broken and work started on a new Joint Cadet Centre in Stafford.
Our Association is leading on the project which will provide new training facilities for the following units from Staffordshire and Birmingham (North Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF): HQ Company, C Company (Stafford) unit, Corps of Drums. From the Royal Air Force Air Cadets the following units will move to the site: 395 (Stafford) Squadron, Aerospace Ground School and Wing Activity Centre.
The sustainable new build will contain two large classrooms, smaller break out rooms, offices and stores, with the project due for completion in summer 2025.
1500th Armed Forces Covenant signed
We are pleased to announce that our region's 1500th Armed Forces Covenant signatory as NESO, the National Energy System Operator. The Covenant was signed on 9th December at NESO's headquarters in Warwick.
Fintan Slye, Chief Executive of National Energy System Operator, said: “To have signed the Armed Forces Covenant is extremely important to NESO. We are delighted to hear we are also the 1500th signatory of the AFC.
“At NESO, and across the energy industry, we employ many veterans and Reservists and benefit immensely from the skills that colleagues with military experience have developed from their time with the Armed Forces. We are incredibly proud of the longstanding contribution they make to our workforce and also the important role our SeRVe Employee Resource Group plays in supporting the veterans, Reservists, cadet leaders and their spouses and families here at NESO.”
Reserve Centres go green
Eight Army Reserve Centres in our region are helping to reduce their carbon footprint after the installation of new EV Chargers at their sites.
The project, managed by our Estates team and overseen by our Estates Officer Soft FM, saw secure plug-in charging stations installed at each centre to charge the unit’s official military vehicles and white fleet.
Read more about this green project.
Regiment succeeds in Nordic Skiing Championship
Midlands based 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps joined the annual Royal Logistic Corps' Nordic Skiing exercise from 23rd November to 19th December 2024. This time the event was hosted in Obertilliach in Austria, which is known for its world class biathlon stadium and traditional Austrian culture.
The first two weeks saw the team training hard and fine tuning technique whilst their two novices enjoyed their introduction to Nordic Skiing. The team worked extremely hard earning their rest day which involved taking part in Austria’s Christmas tradition; the annual ‘Krampus run’. The region plays host to wild ceremonies in early December as local men chase you through the streets dressed as fearsome half-goat half-demon monsters with bells on their back. It was a great experience to be a part of and some Krampus were friendly with one deciding to join Corporal Moloney and Private Arundell for dinner.
Army Reserves take to the slopes
Our Association provides funds in support of adventure training for Reserve and Cadet units and one of the latest trips we have supported is the 37 Signal Regiment’s annual skiing expedition.
Exercise Dragon Sorbet is the Regiments’ annual skiing expedition to Kirtchdorf, Austria. This year, twenty five personnel participated in both alpine and ski touring.
The main body deployed from Birmingham on 18 Jan on arrival the weather was superb with bright blue skies and clean pristine snow. Ideal conditions for both alpine and ski touring.
New Cadet unit launched at The Hereford Academy
Launched in September 2024, The Hereford Academy Combined Cadet Force's (THA CCF) newly formed Royal Navy section currently has 30 eager Cadets supported by five staff members.
Tackling high rope and obstacle courses, archery, pioneering, camping and a STEM day at RAF Marham with 617 Squadron have been some of the highlights so far.
Rounding off 2024 on a high note, the CCF held their Pass-out parade with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mr Edward Harley CBE, as the Inspecting Officer. Showcasing their drill display they treated Senior Officers from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force, VIPs, family and friends, to a taste of their skills.
Halesowen Army Cadets inspire students
Students at The Earls High School have been diving into new experiences thanks to an exciting short course run by the Halesowen Detachment of Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force (ACF). The initiative, designed to connect young people with the ACF, has given students a hands-on introduction to the diverse activities available through the Cadets, helping them develop valuable skills and confidence.
A very merry cadet Christmas
In December Shropshire Army Cadet Force hosted their much anticipated annual Christmas Camp. An impressive 237 Cadets and 41 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) came together over the weekend to celebrate the festive season as a county.
As well as festive fun and a Christmas lunch the celebrations provided an opportunity to honour the dedication and achievements of several CFAVs with promotions and awards.
January has seen a new influx of CFAV's with B Company welcoming six Potential Instructors and one Non-Uniformed volunteer.
Armed Forces Covenant January Brunch
In January one of our Regional Employer Engagement Directors, Darren Knight, ran two events providing an introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and the opportunity for some organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and make a public pledge.
Both events welcomed a variety of speakers, including Darren Knight with an overview of the AFC and Lieutenant Colonel Davies speaking about the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine and the role that they play in supporting injured military personnel. Lt Col Davies was also the representative for Defence and signed all of the Armed Forces Covenants.
The first event was held at 202 Multi-Role Medical Regiment in Birmingham with an additional presentation from a Reservist at Kings Heath based 202 (Midlands) Multi-Role Medical Regiment who is currently mobilised, about how their civilian employer has supported them. Acivico, Baily Garner, EBC Group and Keys Group all made their public signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
The second event was held at 237 Support Squadron, 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps in West Bromwich with additional presentations from Captain Johnstone and Second Lieutenant Husain from 237 Squadron, Stuart Currill from MAC Surfacing Limited. This event saw three new Armed Forces Covenant signings from the Macari Foundation, Bridgewater Home Care Sandwell and TDR Heavy Haulage.
Both events were topped off with a brunch for all attendees prepared and cooked by veteran-owned 2 Much Passion CIC.
Veterans Work report
The Veterans Work collaboration (Deloitte, The Forces Employment Charity and Forces in Mind Trust, supported by TheDriveProject) surveyed over 1,400 veterans and employers, to reflect on the many positive changes that have been made in veteran employment and assess what still needs to be done to improve the veteran employment experience.
* Veterans excel in three skills that employers believe are crucial for the future of work: planning and organisation, problem-solving and adaptability, and teamwork.
* Even with advancements in AI, employers recognise that human skills like empathy and teamwork remain crucial for business success, and veterans excel in these areas.
Shropshire Armed Forces Covenant Outreach
In early December Shropshire's Armed Forces Outreach held a Christmas gathering event where five organisations made a promise by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
Thank you to Radbrook Green Surgery, Wem Town Council, Hatfields, Genren and Shropshire Cricket Board.
The Covenants were co-signed by Group Captain Andy Barron from RAF Shawbury.
Dates for your diary...
6th March 2025 - International Women's Day
Join us to hear inspirational women from our local business and military sectors, with a lively panel discussion to explore how we can #AccelerateAction together. A networking lunch is included!
Time: 10am - 2pm
Location: HMS Forward, Tilton Road, Birmingham B9 4PP
Please RSVP by 14th February 2025
to wm-events@rfca.mod.uk
confirming your attendance and Vehicle Registration Number.
26th March 2025 - Regional Briefing
We are holding a technology and innovation focused briefing with a selection of speakers from the Armed Forces community.
The event is being held from 4pm on Wednesday 26th March in Worcestershire.
If you are interested in finding out more about the event please email wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk.
With over 25 Reserve centres available to hire across our six counties we are open and available for new bookings.
You can view our properties at www.alternativevenueswm.co.uk
To contact the Alternative Venues Team please email wm-av@rfca.mod.uk
