Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
August 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
The latest edition of Cadet Link is here!
Discover the incredible stories happening across the Cadet Forces! From inspiring volunteer stories and standout cadet achievements to exciting updates and unforgettable moments, this is your inside look at the amazing impact our community is making.
Read it now: Cadet Link Summer 2026
Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey visits Surrey Army Cadet Force’s Annual Camp
His Majety’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, visited Surrey Army Cadet Force’s annual camp on Wednesday 5th August, taking the opportunity to meet cadets and see some of the training and activities taking place read more.
BFBS ESPORTS GRAND FINAL – 27 SEPTEMBER 2026
The UK Armed Forces’ flagship Esports competition culminates in London this September and will showcase gaming, military innovation, and Defence engagement alongside the Grand Final. Watch the livestream by visiting bfbsesports.com
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
UNIVERSITY OFFICER TRAINING CORPS
University students who join the University Officer Training Corps will have the opportunity to undertake Reserve Officer training modules designed to fit around their degrees. This will teach you everything from how to wear a uniform correctly to the ability to lead others in stressful situations. The UOTC provides a standard of experience and training that is well respected within the Army, and highly sought after by numerous civilian employers.
The UOTC also develops leadership through Sport and Adventurous Training. Each unit has teams for most major sports and in Adventurous Training, you can experience everything from kayaking to rock climbing.
679 SQUADRON COMMEMORATES MINDEN DAY
MEET A ROYAL NAVAL RESERVIST – CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SMITH, HMS KING ALFRED
Chief Petty Officer Smith is an Operating Department Practitioner serving both the NHS and the Royal Naval Reserve.
Earlier this year, CPO Smith mobilised on Exercise Harespring alongside the Royal Marines Reserve, undertaking Cold Weather Warfare training. The course equips personnel with the skills needed to operate effectively in extreme cold environments, including training in telemark skiing. Through this exercise, he gained qualifications that will enable him to deploy with the Commando Forward Surgical Group on future operations.
Outside of work, CPO Smith is passionate about mountaineering and spending time in the great outdoors. Inspired by a Royal Navy Winter Mountaineering Expedition, he has completed several HM Armed Forces mountaineering qualifications. For CPO Smith, mountaineering is about more than enjoying spectacular views; it is an opportunity to embrace challenging terrain, build resilience under pressure, and develop qualities that help make him a stronger sailor, leader, and healthcare professional.
If you’d like more information on RNR careers, click here.
RESERVISTS SUPPORT CRITICAL RELOCATION FROM RAF BRIZE NORTON TO BOSCOMBE DOWN
Due to the temporary closure of the runway at RAF Brize Norton for maintenance work, 30 Reservists from No. 4624 Movements Squadron, RAuxAF, played a vital role in supporting the relocation of Air Mobility Air Wing squadrons and 1 Air Mobility Wing Movements operations from RAF Brize Norton to MOD Boscombe Down.
Reservists contributed significantly to the Air Mobility Air Wing out-load and the transition phase of the Air Movements Squadron. Twelve personnel assisted the Station Mobility Support Flight in deploying 1.2 million kilograms of squadron equipment by road, loading 339,500 kilograms of freight onto 62 forty-foot trucks—accounting for one-third of the total out-load—within just 10 days.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
By Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Rod Gray MBE, Deputy Chief Executive (East) & Head of Cadets and Youth, South East Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association
Wow, what a summer! As Head of Cadets and Youth it is an honour and huge privilege to support the Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers across the South East. The opportunity to visit the Cadet Camps during the summer is the highlight of my year and the culminating point of cadet training for our young people. Everywhere I visited, I witnessed happy and smiling cadets having immense fun in a safe environment supported by the brilliant Cadet Force Volunteers. I apologise in advance for not mentioning every activity enjoyed by cadets this summer. It is just fabulous to see the array of activities available…read more.
AIR CADETS TAKE ON VIERDAAGSE
TRANSFORMATION FOR CADET DETCHMENT
After a busy week of cleaning, redecorating and reorganising, 11th Wolverton Detachment, Buckinghamshire Army Cadet Force, detachment is ready for the next training year.
The work was made possible through a DHL Corporate Social Responsibility event, with the DHL Real Estate Solutions team spending the week helping to transform the unit.
Cadets joined in too, keeping the team fuelled with plenty of teas and coffees, while chatting with the DHL team about what they enjoy about Cadets and how this refurbishment will benefit the detachment.
MUSIC IN MOTION: A NEW CHAPTER FOR LaSER BAND
Royal Air Force Air Cadets London and South East Region is pleased to announce significant new contributions to the London and South East Region Band from two London Livery companies.
The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers is providing broad support including for example supporting instrument acquisition and training camps, while the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers is likewise supporting the broad aims with an added focus on the supporting digital inclusion aspects. Together, these grants represent a major boost for the Region’s music programme and the cadets who take part in it…read more.
WESSEX DISTRICT SEA CADETS SHINE AT NATIONAL COMPETITION
Cadets from across the Wessex District Sea Cadets came together on 21 and 22 August to represent their district at the Sea Cadets National Band Competition, held at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
The Wessex Sea Cadets band brought together talented cadets from Poole, Southampton and Warsash, who travelled to Greenwich to compete against seven other bands from across the country.
The cadets entered a number of categories, including the main band competition, solo bugler and solo drummer events. For the first time, Wessex also entered an original musical composition, written and performed to represent the district.
Their participation was the culmination of months of hard work, commitment and dedication. The results were:
- Best Dressed Band: 3rd place
- Solo Bugler: 1st place – POC Charlie, Poole
- Solo Bugler: 3rd place – POC Eleanor, Southampton
- Original Composition: 2nd place – POC Eleanor, Southampton
Congratulations to all the cadets who took part!
TWO PORTSMOUTH DIVISION RMR CADETS TAKE FLIGHT ON SILVER WINGS COURSE
Two cadets from Portsmouth Division, Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps attended the Silver Wings Cadet Naval Aviation Course at RNAS Yeovilton, alongside cadets from the Cadets In Schools RN-RM and Sea Cadets. The week was packed with aviation training and experiences, from FOD Plods with 727 NAS and refresher training in meteorology and navigation, to cockpit and escape drills, navigation assessments and pre-flight briefings.
Cadets also visited the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Underwater Escape Trainer, Airbase Fire Station and Navy Wings, before putting their skills into practice in the air! Flying circuits, completing a real-time navigation exercise and taking part in a full rotation of flights, aeros and manoeuvres, the cadets finished the week with a visit from the Executive Officer of Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, who presented them with their Silver Wings.
A fantastic achievement and an unforgettable week!
354 (DOVER) SQUADRON AIR TRAINING CORPS MARSHALL TROPHY WINNERS
Congratulations 354 (Dover) Squadron Air Training Corps on winning the Marshall Trophy! The Marshall Trophy recognises the most improved ATC squadron and celebrates sustained progress, development and achievement. The Marshall Trophy was presented to the ATC in memory of Sir Arthur Marshall OBE DL in 2008. A driving force behind the development of Marshall Aerospace.
This has only been made possible by the inspirational and motivational leadership of OC, Flt Lt Broom, and the amazing staff and cadets who support her. Commenting on the award, Group Captain Ben Wakefield, Senior Volunteer, said: “354 (Dover) demonstrated the breadth of development the squadron has achieved over the last couple of years, with a particular focus on getting the basics right before moving on to further experiential opportunities for their cadets demonstrating both the breadth of delivery and the impact it was having on their cadets.”
VOLUNTEER WITH ROYAL AIR FORCE AIR CADETS
The RAF Air Cadets relies on its cadet forces adult volunteers to support cadets and allow them to offer a wide-range of activities and opportunities.
Some of the benefits you can expect when you join include:
- learning skills in a range of areas including working in a team, organising activities and events, safeguarding and much more.
- develop leadership qualities through guiding activities for cadets and other volunteers.
- gain nationally recognised qualifications in areas like expedition leadership, first aid and ILM/City & Guilds accredited qualifications in leadership and management.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, find the squadrons nearest to you and submit expression of interest.
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY ABOARD HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH
SERFCA had the pleasure of taking some of our Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holders on an exclusive tour of the UK’s largest-ever warship at HM Naval Base Portsmouth.
Guided by Lieutenant Commander Jules Caithness, our guests explored the ship’s medical centre, hangar and bridge before heading onto the impressive flight deck and up to the top of the iconic ski ramp. It was an incredible opportunity to experience the scale and capability of this remarkable vessel.
A huge thank you to Lieutenant Commander Jules Caithness and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Claire Thompson OBE RN, for making this fantastic visit possible.
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:
FARNHAM ARMY RESERVE CENTRE
Located just on the eastern outskirts of Farnham, this large and impressive Army Reserve Centre is ideal for small to medium sized meetings and conferences as well as social events.
A notable feature is the tiered lecture room which seats 50 in comfort and is equipped with a modern audio visual system. There is also a classroom for 20, again equipped with the necessary presentation aides.
The large hall can take up to 120 seated and 150 standing – perfect for both business and social events.
There is also parking for up to 30 cars.
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.
- Surrey Army Cadet Force, Godalming – Stores Quartermaster
- SERFCA HQ, Aldershot – Administrative Officer
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.
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