Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
March 2026
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
Our 2025–2026 Annual Report is now live!
Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, appointed as our new President.
As President, Countess Howe will provide strategic direction, leadership and governance for the Association, while advocating for and promoting the efficiency and well-being of Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers throughout the South East region…read more.
For further details and to register your attendance, click the link here.
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
128 Divisional Support Company, 103 Battalion REME
There are many available roles which include:
- Recovery Mechanic
- Vehicle Mechanic
- Armourer
- Technical Support Specialist
- Metalsmith
- HR Specialist
- Combat Medical Technician
- Engineering Officer
- Driver
- Driver – Royal Engineers
- Chef
6 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS SKI EXPEDITION
Soldiers from across the Army Air Corps Reserve have spent the week on a demanding ski expedition designed to build Adventurous Leadership and Resilience Training (ALERT) — a core part of developing capability within the Reserve.
The team included everyone from complete beginners taking their first steps on skis to experienced AAC skiers pushing their skills further. Regardless of starting point, every individual challenged themselves, learned rapidly, and supported one another throughout the week.
As always, 
the strongest outcomes came from teamwork, communication and leadership. Experienced skiers mentored novices, while newer soldiers stepped up with confidence and resilience during more demanding serials. A fantastic example of how Adventurous Training develops the judgement, robustness and soldier first mindset that underpin the AAC Reserve.
RISING STARS IN 3rd BATTALION THE PRINCESS OF WALES’S ROYAL REGIMENT!
This month, members of the battalion attended Apothecaries Hall, London alongside the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants to celebrate rising stars across a range of industries.
As a military affiliation, 3 PWRR were proud to be in attendance to recognise excellence within our own ranks, awarding Best Recruit and Best Soldier.
Private Milligan C Coy (left in picture) was awarded Best Recruit, he has been with the battalion for just one year. In that time, he has successfully completed all of his training, including Foundation, Battle Camp, and the Combat Infantryman’s Course at ITC, all whilst balancing a civilian career. His commitment, determination and work ethic truly set the standard.
Private Scullion A Coy (right in picture), was awarded Best Soldier, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication over the past 12 months. As a member of A Company in Ashford, he consistently shows leadership among his peers and is a regular attendee at training nights and weekends.
Congratulations to both soldiers on these outstanding achievements — a credit to the battalion and the Army Reserve.
RAF RESERVIST SUCCESS ON THE SLOPES
RAF Reservist Air Specialist Class 1 Gardner recently attended the RAF Nordic Ski Challenge 2026.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
Connect with the Defence Community
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
CADET SUCCESS AT MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION
Cadets from across the South East recently put their skills to the test at the Headquarters South East Military Skills Competition 2026. KENT WING’S BEST FEMALE CADET – HER JOURNEY
Cadet Warrant Officer Imogen Freelove’s journey through Kent Wing highlights the transformative impact of the cadet experience. Since joining in 2021, she has developed from a quiet newcomer into a confident leader, achieving a range of impressive milestones including a gliding scholarship, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, and service as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet.
Her dedication has led to selection for prestigious opportunities such as the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme and an international exchange in Australia. Now recognised as Kent Wing’s Best Female Cadet, Imogen’s story reflects the confidence, resilience and ambition fostered through the cadet programme.
Read her full story here.
Win Tickets to the 2026 King’s Birthday Parade
Do you know of an ACF cadet or adult volunteer who’s overdue for some recognition?
Nominate them to win a trip to London!
ACCT UK is awarding five cadets or ACF adult volunteers with pairs of seated tickets, travel and accommodation to attend the King’s Birthday Parade on Saturday 13 June 2026.
Each winner and their guest will also be invited to attend the ACCT UK Excellence Awards at lunchtime on Friday 12 June 2026 (also in London).
Make your nomination by 6pm on Friday the 1st of May 2026 by clicking the link here
FIRST AID TRAINING FOR SUSSEX ACF VOLUNTEERS
A MOMENT IN HISTORY FOR THE ROYAL COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE ARMY CADETS!
Earlier this month, the Cadet Executive Officer from Berkshire Army Cadet Force, Major (Retired) Eamonn Charles Coogan MBE was visited by Mrs Elisabeth Greeves, daughter of Colonel Francis W Stanbrook MBE MC – former Commandant of the Royal County – who wished to present the County with her late father’s photograph collection.
Read more about it here.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON AT ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY SANDHURST
Earlier this month, our Employer Engagement team hosted a group of South East Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award holders at the 9th annual SERFCA Leadership Luncheon at Old College, RMA Sandhurst.
Award Association by SE GAA representative Canon Peter Bruinvels.SERFCA PARTNERING WITH DEFENCE EVENT
SERFCA Employer Engagement Activity Snapshot 
A staple event in the Employer Engagement Team’s calendar is the Partnering with Defence “Meet the Unit” and Business Networking evening at Blighmont Army Reserve Centre.
Attendees were welcomed with a briefing from Colonel Richard Smith, Assistant Commander at Joint Military Command Headquarters South East, followed by insightful presentations from a Reservist and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer. The speakers included Gunner Matt Cresswell from 457 Battery, 106 Regiment Royal Artillery and Sergeant Instructor Roger Willoughby of Andover College Combined Cadet Force (partnered with Winchester College CCF) who shared their personal experiences of service and volunteering. The event also showcased a wide range of local units, whose representatives engaged with employers, answered questions, and highlighted their capabilities.
We were also delighted that the evening provided International College Portsmouth to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
EQUINIX SUPPORTS ARMY CADET FORCE WITH DONATION
The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force has received a generous £500 donation from Equinix to support the delivery of the Cadet Experience. The funding will help ensure that young people from less fortunate backgrounds can fully participate in the upcoming Annual Camp.
Annual Camp 2026 aims to provide cadets with enthusiastic and meaningful training in a safe environment, tailored to their Star Training Level. The programme is designed to ensure cadets not only enjoy their experience but also have the opportunity to achieve success across a range of subjects within the APC syllabus.
Commenting on their support to the Cadets at the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force, Rashmi Mohindra, Talent Acquisition Manager, EMEA at Equinix added: “Equinix is proud to support the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force, investing in skills that help young people build confidence, resilience, and leadership. This reflects our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces community and our Gold status in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.”
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:
BRAMLEY CADET TRAINING CENTRE
Based in the village of Bramley just off the M3, this is an ideal venue for conferences or training.
- Multiple training rooms and classrooms.
- Dormitory style accommodation also available.
- Vast outdoor area suitable for a number of activities, including filming (previously used for TV dramas including Midsummer Murders!)
- Affordable pricing
Interested in hiring this venue? Get in touch today!
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. Follow us on Indeed to be alerted of new vacancies:
- Surrey Army Cadet Stores Assistant – Surrey ACF HQ, Godalming: find out more
- Temporary CAA (Logistics) for Berkshire Army Cadet Force (Maternity Cover) – Reading: find out more
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
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