Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
January 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”
New Year, New Challenge?
If you’re looking to try something new this year, joining the Reserves or becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer could be a great option!
Both offer the chance to learn new skills, build confidence, meet great people and make a real difference in your community.
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
Southampton University Officers' Training Corps
“A student life less ordinary”
The Southampton University Officers’ Training Corps (SUOTC) offers a unique experience to university students looking to challenge and develop themselves, make life-long friends and get paid.
There are also excellent travel opportunities with Cadets recently attending their annual Ski trip, “Exercise Tiger Snow Stripes 2026”. From carving down the slopes of Val d’Isère to hot chocolates and proper team bonding, it was the perfect mix of challenge and fun.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like playing in a Military Band?
On Saturday 21st March 2026 the Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles are holding an Open Rehearsal at Edward Brooks Barracks, Shippon, Nr Abingdon from 10:30 to 15:30.
This is a great opportunity to find out more about joining the Army Reserve as a musician or bugler in a relaxed atmosphere. Ask questions and enjoy a day of music making …
If you’re interested, please apply to attend here
HMS KING ALFRED TAKE ON THE MOUNTAINS!
A group of Royal Naval Reservists form HMS KING ALFRED have stared the new year with once of the most exciting challenges the Reserves has the offer!
See earlier editions of this magazine as well as our other publications here
RESERVIST SPOTLIGHT: AS1 OLIVIA SMART
As an NHS Specialist in organ retrieval and transplant, AS1 Smart plays a vital role in saving lives, while her passion for football has seen her rise to become the captain of Leeds United Women’s Team.
In 2022, she joined the Royal Air Force Reserves, serving with the 4626 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. Her medical expertise as an Operating Department Practitioner complements her role in the RAF, where she contributes to critical operations…read more.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
LATEST NEWS
KINGS NEW YEARS HONOURS LIST 2026
The Kings New Year Honours List was published on Tuesday 29 December 2025 and the community across the South East was very well represented. Our congratulations go to the following individuals who were recognised on the list:
Awarded a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO):
- His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael George More-Molyneux.
Awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE):
- Colonel Alistair James Morris, Commandant, Sussex Army Cadet Force (one of only 12 awarded on the Army list)
Awarded an Member of the British Empire (MBE):
- Lieutenant Colonel David Leslie Hobbs, Reddam House Combined Cadet Force (formerly of Berkshire Army Cadet Force)
Awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM):
- Second Lieutenant Annette Foale, Berkshire Army Cadet Force
- Warrant Office Class 1 (RSMI) Shaun Pelling, HQ South East Cadets
Awarded a 3* Commendation:
- Major Claire Johnson, Ash Manor Combined Cadet Force
- Captain Mark Bourne, Sussex Army Cadet Force
Join March in March 2026 and make your challenge make a real difference to the thousands of veterans with complex mental health issues who need help.
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
WHY ARE CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEERS IMPORTANT?
Check out the full video here
VOLUNTEER CADET CORPS MARKS 125TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026
The Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC), one of the United Kingdom’s oldest uniformed youth organisations, will proudly mark its 125th anniversary in 2026, celebrating more than a century of service, discipline and youth development.
Founded on 14 February 1901 at the Mission Hall on Prince Albert Street, Portsmouth; the Volunteer Cadet Corps was established to provide young people with structure, leadership skills and a strong sense of civic duty.
Today, the Volunteer Cadet Corps continues to offer young people unique opportunities to develop practical skills, confidence and leadership in a disciplined yet supportive environment. With strong links to maritime and defence traditions, the Corps remains firmly embedded in the communities it serves…read more.
DOES YOUR ACF DETACHMENT NEED SUPPORT WITH CFAV RECRUITMENT?
If you are struggling to recruit cadets or CFAVs in your area, Army Cadets UK can help! From social media campaigns to leaflet drops, click here to apply.
See earlier editions of this magazine as well as our other publications here
CFAV SPOTLIGHT: LIDIA POCOCK
“In my spare time, I put on a different hat with Berkshire Army Cadet Force. And while I’m still not teaching children (apart from those rare and glorious moments on summer camp), I am very much in a classroom…
…It’s about giving people who already have a passion for working with young people the confidence, skills, and understanding to do it brilliantly — and safely. Between sessions, I also slipped into my main ACF role as County Media Officer, capturing moments that matter. Celebrating the commitment of our CFAVs and the achievements of our cadets. Telling their stories, so others can see the extraordinary things that happen quietly, week after week.” read more about Lidia’s experiences here.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE MATTHEW BACON BURSARY NOW OPEN!
Help your cadets develop important life skills with a grant from the Matthew Bacon Bursary Fund! 
The bursary was set up in memory of Major Matthew Bacon, a former Surrey ACF cadet, who was also an officer in the Intelligence Corps. Matthew was killed whilst on tour in Iraq in 2005.
Matthew was a keen participant in many types of adventurous training, which formed an important part of his life. His parents set up a bursary in their son’s name to celebrate his life. They chose the Outward Bound activity because they knew how much adventurous training developed Matthew during the time he was a cadet…find out more and apply here.
NEW COMBINED CADET FORCE CONTINGENT IN KENT
Congratulations to Sandwich Technology School on the opening of their new CCF contingent, in conjunction with St Lawrence College.
Pictured (right) the very first cadets set off for St Lawrence College to get their kit and have a site orientation. This marks a historic moment for STS as they have never had a CCF before and a fantastic opportunity for their students with the huge benefits associated with being a member of a cadet force.
This latest opening brings the total number of contingents in the South East to 108! You can find out more about the CCFs in our area on the dedicated page here.
This year’s National Transition Event which takes place on Monday 2nd March at Silverstone. This year the team are delighted to invite:
- Cadets 16-18 to attend with a parent/guardian
- Cadet Instructors aged 18-20
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
BJF GROUP SUPPORTS LOCAL CADETS AND VOLUNTEERS
As part of thier ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities in which we work, Silver Employer Recognition Scheme awards holders, BJF Group, recently delivered a social value project at the Tenterden Army Cadet Force (ACF) Hut. The Hut plays an important role in supporting both Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), so ensuring the building remains safe, functional, and welcoming was a key priority.
Rod Gray – Deputy Chief Executive (East) & Head of Cadets and Youth here at SERFCA added “It was fantastic when we were approached by BJF Group to conduct some infrastructure work at the ACF Detachment in Tenterden. Supporting local Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, especially by a local company that advocates the cadet organisations, is much appreciated. BJF understand the great benefits and opportunities this delivers to our young people, and they actively promote the recruitment of CFAVs within their organisation. The Cadets have benefited greatly from the work completed by BJF Group. A big thank you from SERFCA, the Cadets and CFAVs.”
The works included repairing a damaged door, adding a new polycarbonate sheet above the porch where the old one was damaged, and replacing several areas of rotting flooring within the Hut. These repairs improve the condition of the facility and help maintain a safe environment for the young people and volunteers who rely on it throughout the year…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:
DITTON ARMY RESERVE CENTRE
A well located, imposing building with plenty of space for a whole host of activities, along with:
- Capacity for up to 200 people
- Short or long term hire
- Secure car parking
- 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:
- Cadet Stores Assistant – Buckinghamshire Army Cadet Force: 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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