Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
July 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
SUMMER CAMPS ARE HERE!
Arguably the most anticipated event of the Cadet calendar year is the Annual Summer Camp!
This year got off to a flying start with Cadets from Combined Cadet Forces heading to Longmoor Camp. Over the course of three weeks, youngsters from Schools across the South East took part in a dynamic and physically demanding programme designed to push their limits and broaden their skills.
Despite the rising temperatures during the camp that necessitated brief pauses in the schedule, the event ran smoothly thanks to the unwavering dedication of the Cadet Training Team and the invaluable support of adult volunteers. WO1 Welsh and his team delivered an exceptional programme, leaving cadets eager to see what next year’s camp has in store.
See all the photos from the camp here.
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
94 (BERKSHIRE YEOMANRY) SIGNAL SQUADRON
Part of 39 Signal Regiment, the Squadron provide Communications Support to 1 Signal Brigade (1 Sig Bde) in support of Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) NATO, whilst ensuring capable and motivated soldiers through varied, technical and imaginative training.
RESERVIST SPOTLIGHT: AIR SPECIALIST CLASS 1 GABRIEL BALUYUTBy day, Gabriel is a dedicated Physician Associate working in General Practice and a Clinical Veteran Lead, currently involved in humanitarian efforts supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Blackpool.
He also serves as a Medic in the RAF Reserves, delivering critical pre-hospital emergency care and training to be fully deployable for future RAF missions at home and abroad. Gabriel attested in early 2023 alongside his sister, Princess, making their journey even more special.
Outside of medicine, he proudly represented the RAF in Volleyball championships this year, embracing the teamwork and spirit that come with service. Gabriel’s passion for emergency and trauma medicine drives him to serve both his community and country with skill and dedication.
Read more about his experiences here.
SERFCA PROVIDES FUNDING SUPPORT
Here at SERFCA we are dedicated to providing support to the Reserves. This includes giving funding to units that need new equipment for recruiting or even welfare grants towards adventure training, which builds both confidence and camaraderie.
We were delighted to assist a number of South East Squadrons from 151 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps with equipment for the outreach events they will be attending this summer.
These events play a key role in raising public awareness of the Reserves, showcasing their skills, and attracting new recruits.
By helping to equip these Squadrons, we’re proud to contribute to their efforts in strengthening community engagement and promoting the valuable work done by Reservists.
EX TALISMAN SABRE 2025- 19 nations = 35,000 personnel
- 5,500 flight hours =
2000 sorties - And 3 Reservists from RAF Brize Norton 4624 Sqn.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
SOCIAL MEDIA
Know Your Audience to Boost Engagement!
When you know who you’re talking to, you can create content that speaks directly to their interests, needs, and emotions—making it more likely they’ll engage, comment, or share. Use insights to guide your strategy.
Quick Tips:
- Use analytics to track location and engagement times
- Build audience personas to tailor your messaging
- Ask questions and use polls to understand needs
- Monitor comments and DMs for patterns
- Segment your content for different audience types
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
ROYAL NAVY CADETS JUNIOR LEADERS FIELD GUN 2025
Some will remember the amazing spectacle of the Inter Command Field Gun competition at the Royal Tournament in Earls Court which had its final run in 1999. But Field Gun continues, with the Royal Navy Royal Marine Corps (RNRMC) Field Gun Competition held annually at HMS COLLINGWOOD with Teams of volunteers from across the 3 services. Over the last 10 years we have also developed a Junior version; Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition (JLFG) which incorporates elements of the naval ethos into our people and is designed to build the camaraderie and Fighting Spirit of our future Leaders within the Naval Service (NS). The competition is for 16 – 24 year olds with no previous Field Gun experience.
This year saw 15 teams compete from across the military, cadets, education and training spheres…read more.
BLUE LIGHTS & BIG INSIGHTS: SUSSEX POLICE VISIT ARMY CADETS
No7 Chichester Detachment, Sussex Army Cadet Force had the honour of hosting Sussex Police’s Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) team for an engaging and educational evening.
Cadets got hands-on experience with specialist equipment and learned about the high-stakes role of armed officers in protecting the public during critical incidents.
The session, led by two highly knowledgeable and approachable officers, offered an inspiring glimpse into the demanding world of armed policing. Detachment Commander Second Lieutenant Cook praised the visit as “inspirational and informative,” highlighting the value of real-world insight in shaping future careers.
CHAMPION CADETS IN BERKSHIRE ARMY CADET FORCE
Cadets in The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force have made the county proud once again. Cadet Sergeant Major Dew and Cadet Sergeant Major Opoku-Anokye, both from Berkshire Army Cadet Force, recently competed in the Champion Cadet competition at the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park.
This annual event brings together top cadets from across the UK. They are tested in a range of military and leadership skills. These include fieldcraft, drill, first aid, navigation, and physical fitness.
It’s a demanding week that challenges cadets both mentally and physically…read more
CADETS SHINE AT SOUTHERN AREA PADDLESPORT REGATTA
On Saturday 26 July, around 100 Sea Cadets from across Southern Area’s Districts gathered at the Wokingham Waterside Centre near Reading in Berkshire to compete in their annual Paddlesport regatta. It was a full day of competition, with cadets taking part in numerous paddle events, including flat water racing (sprint and time trial), cross stream, and kayak polo.
Adult volunteers arrived at the venue early to set up the course on the calm waters of the River Thames. As always, the focus is on safety and safety boats were deployed on the river. Other roles included managing the District teams, administering the Regatta, refereeing the events, and providing the very important catering and refreshments…read more
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
GOLD EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME AWARD WINNERS 2025!
We are delighted to announce that 16 organisations from across the South East have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) GOLD Award for 2025.
Colonel (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE DL, Chief Executive of SERFCA, adds; This is outstanding news! We are delighted to see that 16 organisations in the South East have been awarded the prestigious Gold level in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. They have all shown great advocacy for the Defence-Employer relationship, helping to support Reserve service, Regular personnel, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and the military ‘family’. All richly deserved!”
Anthony Young, CEO of Bridewell said, “At Bridewell, we are deeply proud of our armed forces community and committed to providing them with an environment where they are supported and feel they can belong. Being awarded ‘Gold’ under the Employer Recognition Scheme attests to this ongoing commitment, as well as the great work being done by the members of our Defence and Emergency Services Network.
Many members of the network are currently in service, veterans or supporting the cadets, and we are continually impressed with their professionalism, drive and experience. The armed forces community are essential to Bridewell’s mission, and we will continue to support them and advocate on their behalf wherever we can.”
The full list of successful golds can be found through following link.
ULYSSES TRUST SIGN ARMED FORCES COVENANT
The Ulysses Trust conducted an Armed Forces Covenant signing on board HMS Victory by kind permission of the commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Steve Cass. The covenant was signed on behalf of the Trust by Chief Executive Polly Marsh DL and by Second Sea Lord Sir Martin Connell, KCB CBE in the Great Cabin.
The Trust provides funding assistance to challenging expeditions and adventurous activities involving members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces and Cadet Forces of the UK.
Founded in 1992, the charity has raised over £3.6M to support over 42,000 individuals to participate in over 3,030 expeditions – from sailing in the Solent and walking in the Brecon Beacons to climbing Everest and crossing the Antarctic....read more.
HAS YOUR ORGANISATION SIGNED THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT?
ESTATES
Providing the best place to work and train
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE REFURBISHED BEXHILL JOINT CADET CENTRE!
The opening of the newly refurbished Bexhill-on-Sea Joint Cadet Centre was officially opened by Mr Andrew Blackman His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex on Thursday 17 July.
14 (Bexhill on Sea) Detachment Sussex Army Cadet Force and 2262 (Bexhill on Sea) Squadron RAF Air Cadets will share the Joint Cadet Centre. The ACF Cadets were relocated to St Leonard’s Joint Cadet Centre and RAF Air Cadets relocated to Battle Church whilst refurbishment was completed.
Our thanks to the contractor SMG Building Solutions Ltd (Medway) for
their hard work and support, a massive thank you to HQ RAF Air Cadets for their funding supported by the South East Reserve Force’s and Cadets’ Association and the Royal Sussex Regiment Association for the restoration of the Cap Badge.
Cadets will now have the opportunity to learn important life skills through their Cadet Force training, Comradeship, Teamwork and Self-discipline, whilst learning to become valuable members of society, whatever career they choose to follow. The qualifications they gain during their training and through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme will show potential employers that they can be a great asset to their business.
None of this would be possible without the effective oversight, patience, dedication and leadership of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. See the full gallery here.
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.
Ideal for corporate away days, training, school trips, and film production, it features overnight accommodation for up to 181 guests, a canteen, training rooms, a climbing wall, and outdoor space.
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.
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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