Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
June 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
ARMED FORCES WEEK 2026
Armed Forces Day in Aldershot
SERFCA was proud to support this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations in Aldershot, the home of the British Army.
The event brought together serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans, Cadets and members of the local community to celebrate the Armed Forces and recognise their contribution.
Throughout the day, the SERFCA team engaged with visitors, promoting the opportunities available through the Reserve Forces and Cadet Forces while celebrating the vital role they play across the South East.
On Reserves Day, we were pleased to join Rushmoor Borough Council in recognising the dedication and contribution of our Reserve Forces.
SERFCA Chief Executive, Col (Retd) Patrick Crowley, and Head of Engagement, Gp Capt Keith Lane (Retd), attended the event on Wednesday 24 June at Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum, which celebrated the invaluable role Reservists play in supporting our nation’s defence while balancing civilian careers and family life.
DEFENCE INVESTMENT PLAN
The UK Government has published its Defence Investment Plan today (30 June), setting out nearly £300 billion of defence funding over the next four years to modernise the Armed Forces, invest in new technologies including drones and AI, strengthen the UK’s nuclear deterrent and support thousands of skilled jobs across the defence sector. Read more here.
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
CHECK OUT THE FULL VIDEO HERE
7644 Squadron RAF Reserves
7644 Squadron deploy around the world planning and delivering media operations as part of national and coalition operations. The Squadron provides media and campaign support in the UK and overseas to the RAF and wider UK Defence.
Personnel are recruited nationally and join either 7644 Squadron at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire or are based in detached flights with RAuxAF squadrons throughout the UK.
Available roles include:
Media Operations Officer
Media Operations Specialist
Interested? Find out more: click here
🎶 You’re invited to an evening of networking and military music.
Join the Band and Bugles of The Rifles at Radley College, Oxfordshire on Saturday 18 July for an exclusive evening bringing together employers and business leaders from across the Thames Valley.
Whether your organisation already supports the Armed Forces community or you’re interested in finding out more, this free event offers the opportunity to:
🤝 Network with fellow employers and business leaders
🎖️ Meet representatives from The Rifles and the wider Armed Forces community
🎺 Enjoy a spectacular concert from the renowned Band and Bugles of The Rifles
📍 Radley College, Abingdon
🕕 Networking from 6.00pm
🎼 Concert begins at 7.30pm
🎟️ Free to attend (booking required)
Spaces are available by invitation, so if you’d like to attend, reserve your tickets via the Eventbrite link here.
Could you see yourself serving in the Army Reserve?
Join one of 266 Port Squadron’s upcoming Open Evenings and discover what life in the Army Reserve is really like.
📍 Southampton Open Evening
Blighmont Army Reserve Centre, Millbrook Road, Southampton SO15 0AJ
📅 Wednesday 5 August 2026
🕖 From 7pm
📍 Newport Open Evening
Newport Army Reserve Centre, Drill Hall Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5AA
📅 Wednesday 5 August 2026
🕖 From 7pm
Meet current Reservists, tour the facilities, and get your questions answered.
EX OXBRIDGE
Officer Cadets from Oxford and Cambridge University Officer Training Corps came together for our annual Oxbridge event with a slight twist this year.
Rather than a weekend sports competition, OCdts were invited to take part in a week’s exercise focusing on platoon attacks and Fighting in Built-up Areas.
One of the top highlights of the week were OCdts being infilled by a Chinook into a platoon attack followed by a CAS-EVAC to finish their green phase. The following days OCdts were using simunition for practicing building clearances and had a drone demonstration from the Welsh Guards.
This was an incredibly opportunity for OCdts to get to know each other across the two UOTCs, learning new skills refining their training so far.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
ARMED FORCES BRIEFINGS
This month, we were delighted to host five Armed Forces Briefings across the South East, bringing together senior military leaders, Members of Parliament, employers, local authorities and partners from across the region.
As the South East’s only tri-Service briefing programme, these events provide an important opportunity to share the latest developments from Defence. This year’s briefings included updates on the Strategic Defence Review and the future direction of UK Defence.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, to the Army Engagement Group for their continued support, and to the Reserve and Cadet units whose engaging displays helped make each event such a success. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year.
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
CHECK OUT THE FULL VIDEO HERE
VOLUNTEER CADET CORPS: CADET FEST!
On Saturday 13 June 2026 the Volunteer Cadet Corps, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest uniformed youth organisations, celebrated their 125th year anniversary by hosting Cadet Fest at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
The vibrant festival was bursting with energy and pride, and brought together cadet units, families and visitors for a day full of discovery and excitement!
Throughout the day, the arena came alive with thrilling live demonstrations, including cadet bands, precision drill displays, high-energy physical training showcases and the ever-popular Field Gun competition. Each performance highlighted the teamwork, discipline, hard work and dedication that defines the cadet experience…read more.
SURREY ACF TEAM TRIUMPHS AT PRESTIGIOUS CAMBRIAN PATROL 2026
The Surrey Army Cadet Force team travelled to Sennybridge, Wales to compete in the prestigious Cadet Cambrian Patrols, competing against 19 teams from across the United Kingdom representing both ACF Counties and CCF contingents.
The demanding exercise tested cadets across a wide range of military and leadership skills drawn directly from the Army Cadet Syllabus. Throughout the weekend, teams tackled challenging stands including Signals, Fieldcraft, and First Aid, alongside a series of other practical and tactical assessments designed to challenge cadets to their limits…read more.
A generous £1,000 donation from Chevron Traffic Management will help support the work of Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force and create new opportunities for local cadets.
Representatives from Chevron Traffic Management visited the county this month to mark the beginning of what is hoped will be a long and successful partnership. As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and supporters of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the company is also exploring opportunities to support cadets through skills development, career guidance and future employment pathways.
The partnership highlights the positive impact that employers can have in supporting young people and the wider Armed Forces community.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
34 SOUTH EAST EMPLOYERS RECEIVE DEFENCE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME SILVER AWARD
We are delighted to announce that 34 organisations from across the South East have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2026. Nationally, 331 have been awarded. Congratulations to all.
Group Captain Keith Lane, Chief of Staff and Head of Engagement at the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, adds: “Congratulations to all 34 South East regional winners of the 2026 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. This recognition reflects your outstanding commitment to Defence and the wider Armed Forces community. Your support for Regulars, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Service spouses, veterans and cadets makes a genuine difference, helping them thrive both within Defence and in the civilian sector. Thank you for your continued partnership, support and dedication.”...read more.
ISLE OF WIGHT EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT EVENT
We were pleased to welcome employers from across the Isle of Wight to our Defence Employer Engagement event at Newtown Range and Jersey Camp this month.
The event gave local businesses the opportunity to hear directly from Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military leaders about the skills, experience and value the Armed Forces community brings to employers and local communities. We were also delighted to see three organisations sign the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming their commitment to supporting Service personnel, veterans, Reservists and Cadets.
A special thank you to Wightlink for their support in helping transport Service personnel to the event, enabling valuable connections between Defence and local employers.
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:
OXFORDSHIRE CADET TRAINING CENTRE
Located just off the M40 and close to Bicester Village, this versatile training venue is set in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Facilities include a lecture theatre (seats 42), classroom, hall, bar, and recreation room — perfect for both daytime sessions and evening relaxation.
Available for:
- Filming
- Training
- Corporate Events
- Private Functions
Meetings
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.
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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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