Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
November 2025
Our Vision
“To be an enduring and essential pillar in the delivery of support for the well-being of the Reserves and Cadets and, through our effectiveness and our position in the regions, to be the independent body that represents their interests and promotes understanding between the Armed Forces and civil society”
LATEST NEWS
REMEMBRANCE
Well done to all of the Cadets and Reserves from across the South East who took part in numerous Remembrance events this month, as well as those who sold poppies in aid of Royal British Legion raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.
Pictured are reservists from the Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment who played their annual regimental remembrance service at the Supreme Court where wreaths were laid at the Middlesex War Memorial on behalf of the Regiment and Court. Reservists from HMS KING ALFRED took part in a Festival of Remembrance as well as the Remembrance Sunday parade at the Southsea War Memorial, paying tribute to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
4624 (Movements) Squadron - RAF Reserves
Based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, 4624 Squadron is the RAF’s specialist Reserve Movements Sqn. The team accepts, prepares and loads cargo and passengers for worldwide travel on RAF air transport, coalition and charter aircraft.
Reservists serve on a part-time basis, working alongside Regular RAF personnel on main bases and in mobile teams around the world. Many members bring previous Regular RAF experience, with new joiners training and working alongside them to support operations.
To find out more click here
PORTSMOUTH SOLDIERS ATTEND LADY MAYOR’S SHOW
A number of Reservists from 295 Battery Royal Artillery, 106 Yeomanry Regiment Royal Artillery attended the Lady Mayor’s Show in London 🇬🇧.
The 2025 Show had over 7000 participants from all over the world in a procession more than three miles long.
It was a fantastic day showcasing their air defence equipment and the dedication, teamwork and professionalism of their soldiers to thousands lining the streets…see more.
World Record Attempt in support of Children in Need!
Major William McKean from A Company, 4 PWRR (Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment) recently took part in a world record attempt for “Most electrical energy generated by pedalling on static bicycles for 24 hours.”
The team smashed their original fundraising target of £10,000 with donations still coming in. If you would still like to donate, they are looking to close the page on the 30th November, so be quick!
Click here to donate now Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre ‘100k Watt Challenge’ BBC Children In Need
Congratulations to 165 Port & Maritime Regiment, Royal Logitics Corps who won the overall Reserve Unit Sport Trophy, Sponsored by SAAB 🏆
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
🎄🚶♂️ We’re walking home for Christmas! 🚶♀️🎄
Here at SERFCA we have a team coming together on Friday 12 December to take part in Walking Home for Christmas, supporting Walking With The Wounded.
This annual initiative raises vital funds to help veterans rebuild their lives through employment, mental health support, and community projects. Every mile walked, and every donation, makes a real difference.
If you’d like to support our team, you can follow our progress here:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4abNesV
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
DEMAND FOR PROMOTION SHOWS VALUE OF SEA CADETS
Thirty ambitious Leading Cadets stepped up to the challenge of the Southern Area Petty Officer Cadet (POC) Board on 22 November 2025 at Farnham Sea Cadet Unit. POC is the highest rate that they can achieve in Sea Cadets. They get tested on their personal drill and drill instruction, leadership, and teaching skills as peer educators and must impress at an interview with the Board President.
Commander (SCC) Ray Mitchell GCGI RNR, Senior Staff Officer for Southern Area Sea Cadets, acting as a Board President, said: “Despite it not being a requirement for cadets to attain the rate of Petty Officer Cadet, most aspire to become one. This is apparent due to the high uptake of places on the Board and the demand for qualification courses to enable them to progress. A high proportion of these are National Governing Body Awards which not only benefit them in the Cadets but are useful skills in their chosen careers and later life—they can make the difference when being interviewed for a job.”
Behind these achievements stand the dedicated volunteers who ran the Board and who have helped prepare cadets in their units throughout the year…read more.
SHOREHAM DETACHMENT HOST WEST SUSSEX FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE
Monday 17th of November was an unusual parade night for No 13 (Shoreham by Sea) Detachment of Delta Company, Sussex ACF, as they hosted West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service for a realistic fire training exercise at their Detachment location.
Building on the existing excellent working relationship with Shoreham Community Fire Station, the Cadets were tasked to provide casualties and a realistic scenario for crews from various stations in West Sussex to practice their skills on…read more.
ORIENTEERING ADVENTURE: YOUTHS IN SURREY TRAINED BY BRITISH ARMY ORIENTEERING CLUB
The Hawley Military Training Area was filled with the sounds of excitement and discovery as over 75 uniformed young people gathered for a unique day of navigation and orienteering training. Hosted by the British Army Orienteering Club, the event provided a hands-on introduction to essential navigational skills, seamlessly blending education with adventure in a memorable setting.
Instructors from the British Army Orienteering Club coached Cadets, Scouts, and
Girl Guides from across Surrey through the fundamentals of navigation and orienteering. The activities covered a range of skills, from basic map reading and compass use to tackling challenging timed courses laid out across Hawley.
A highlight of the day was the hot lunch, generously provided by Headquarters South East in the form of genuine army ration packs—the very same supplied to regular army personnel in the field. For many participants, it was their first experience heating up a meal and sampling an authentic general-purpose ration pack…read more.
Check out the video from the event here.
CADET FORCES MILITARY EQUITATION COMPETITION 2025
Congratulations to Cadet Oliver-Jones from 2374 (Ditton) Squadron Air Training Corps who placed 2nd overall. This prestigious event in conjunction with The Light Cavalry Honourable Artillery Company.
The aim of the event is to provide an introduction to military equitation and to assess how a rider adapts to riding an unfamiliar horse, how competently they ride and their ability to deal with any horse issues that may arise. Competitors were assessed in a number of areas, including their riding position and control of and affinity with the horse.
Here’s was she has to say about her fantastic achievements:
“This was my second year doing the competition and I had a really good time. I got to improve my skills and managed to place 2nd overall. It’s a really enjoyable experience where you get to learn a lot of new things and basically do drill on horses!”
We are delighted to announce that following their sponsorship of the Best Tri-Service Cadet in Sussex Award this year, Cadet Direct have agreed to sponsor the Tri-Service award for Surrey, Oxford, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as Sussex in 2026.
Cadet Direct specialises in supplying the Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, Air Training Corps and Sea Cadet Corps with uniforms, cadet badges and equipment. Find out more about the organisation here.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
THAMES VALLEY ‘PARTNERING WITH DEFENCE’ EVENT
SERFCA and Thames Valley Police hosted a successful Employer Engagement Event on 24 November at the Thames Valley Police Training Centre in Reading. Guests began the evening with a tour of the Police Dog Section, including a demonstration by a trainee dog named after veteran Ben Parkinson MBE.
Chief Constable Jason Hogg opened the presentations, followed by updates on local Army Reserve and RAF units from Lieutenant Colonel Victoria Eaton and Squadron Leader John Burgess. Staff also heard personal insights from Major Lewis Harratt and Steve Clements, who shared their experiences as a Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer within Thames Valley Police.
Five organisations signed the Armed Forces Covenant during the event: BAM Engineering Ltd, Duffy Logistics Ltd, Kim Driver Training Ltd, Qualitas Healthcare, and Thames Valley Police (re-signing).
The evening concluded with a sponsored meal, a visit to the Thames Valley Police Museum, and opportunities to speak with local Reserve and Cadet Force representatives…read more.
EMPLOYERS VISIT TO RNAS YEOVILTON
On Wednesday 19th November several South East Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holders were invited for by our counterparts across the border, Wessex RFCA, and 6 Regiment Army Air Corps to attend a business breakfast at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton (HMS HERON).
Now in its second year, this event has become a well-regarded opportunity for defence supportive employers to gain a rare behind-the-scenes perspective of a major military establishment…read more.
Check out our latest information leaflets specifically for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers that detail:
The Armed Forces Covenant
The Employer Recognition Scheme
Why it matters to them and what they can do for support.
Info for CFAVs ⤵
Info for Reservists ⤵
You can download the full PDF versions on our publications page.
HAS YOUR ORGANISATION SIGNED THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT?
ESTATES
Providing the best place to work and train
ALTERNATIVE VENUES
Alternative Venues South East has a range of interesting buildings in an area stretching from Oxfordshire to Kent. They include 19th Century Houses and modern state-of-the-art training facilities, all of them large well-equipped Army Reserve Centres and Cadet detachments – ideal for business, sporting, training and social activities. Most of the venues are available seven days a week and all of the Army Reserve Centres have professional catering facilities and secure parking.
VENUE OF THE MONTH:
ABINGDON ARMY RESERVE CENTRE
If you are looking to hire a venue for training, meetings or even large parties in Oxfordshire, Edward Brooks Barracks in Abingdon is an ideal venue for you. Located off the A34 and Abingdon Airfield this Army Reserve Centre is in a prime location.
The ARC offers a number of large lecture/ conference rooms with air conditioning and spacious classrooms. In addition there is a modern fully fitted and a well-equipped bar including a pool table and other leisure activities. The ARC is also fully equipped with disability ramps and lifts for access.
MANAGING THE VOLUNTEER ESTATE, RESERVE AND CADET BUILDINGS
JOB VACANCIES
Our staff are employed as Crown Servants, with flexible working arrangements offered. We also offer generous benefits and a supportive atmosphere. Our latest vacancies include:
- Cadet Administrative Assistant – The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force
- Cadet Administrative Assistant – Sussex Army Cadet Force
- Cadet Administrative Assistant – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force
Follow us on Indeed to be alerted of new vacancies.
If you’re thinking of joining our team, find out more About Us and what we’ve been working on in our Latest News
LATEST PUBLICATIONS
ENJOYED THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER?
Keep up to date with our latest news as it happens through our social media pages below