Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
July 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
Sussex Wing Air Cadet Wins Prestigious National Award
Cadet Warrant Officer Bethan Holmes, of 1015 (Horsham) Squadron, has been awarded the prestigious Dacre Sword award, one of the highest honours available to a Cadet in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
The Dacre Sword is presented annually to the Cadet who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and personal development, commitment and service to the organisation. Bethan was selected from outstanding candidates across the UK, recognising years of dedication and consistently setting the highest standards for herself and those around her. …read more.
20 SOUTH EAST EMPLOYERS RECEIVE DEFENCE EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME GOLD AWARD
We are delighted to announce that 20 organisations from across the South East have been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for 2026. Nationally, 162 have been awarded. Congratulations to all...read more.
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.
- Visiting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at Beaurains and renewing a cap tally at the Royal Naval Division memorial at Gavrelle.
- Exploring the Lange Max site in Belgium (the world’s biggest gun of its time) and the cruiser HMS VINDICTIVE.
- Participating in the Menin Gate Remembrance Ceremony, the team laid two wreaths and stood proud as the senior military unit. Well done to two of the Medics, CPO Lockyer and CPO Smith – during the Menin Gate ceremony, they quickly sprang into action to treat an unwell member of the public and prepared the scene for emergency services.
- A final stop at Essex Farm—where John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields“—before heading back to the UK.
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.
EXERCISE HIGH WIRE
On the opening activity day of Exercise High Wire, eight students from Oxford University Air Squadron stood below the cliffs above Cortina d’Ampezzo, expecting a chairlift to carry them towards their route. The students met their first challenge – the lift was closed. Thus began an expedition of challenge, testing, and triumph.
Their objective was to use the Dolomites’ via ferrata routes to develop confidence, leadership, resilience and teamwork in an environment that has very few equivalents in the United Kingdom.
Over the course of the Exercise both the physical and historical stakes were raised and the students were faced with something very different from anything most of them had experienced before.
Click here to find out more about the Exercise and the other challenges faced along the way.
EXERCISE DRAGON STEELBACK KILIMANJARO
“Wow” is the translation of Kilimanjaro’s famous summit peak, Kibo, and it didn’t disappoint.” Members of 158 & 162 RLC recently took part on Exercise DRAGON STEELBACK, an expedition to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
From lush rainforests to views above the clouds, this was truly a once in a lifetime experience for the group. …read more.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
BERKSHIRE’S CADETS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
THE MARIST SCHOOL CCF VISIT HMS WARRIOR
Army Cadets and CFAVs from across the Battalion, took part in the Turning of the Pages Ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral. This important service remembers those from Oxfordshire regiments who gave their lives in conflict, including the Queen’s Own Oxfordshire Hussars, the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, the Royal Green Jackets, and the Rifles. WOKING SEA CADETS SHOWCASE SKILLS AT ROYAL NAVAL PARADE
Woking Sea Cadets welcomed civic leaders, parents and supporters to their Royal Naval Parade on Monday, 20 July, at the unit’s headquarters in Goldsworth Park.
Held every other year, the Royal Naval Parade provides an opportunity for cadets to demonstrate the skills, confidence and leadership they have developed through training, while maintaining the ceremonial traditions of the Royal Navy.
Following a formal inspection of the Ship’s Company, guests toured the unit to watch cadets in action, including seamanship demonstrations such as navigation and knot tying, together with waterborne activities on Goldsworth Lake, where cadets train in sailing, rowing and kayaking….read more.
COMBINED CADET FORCE SUMMER CAMP 2026
The Headquarters South East Cadet Training Team Summer Camp 2026 was held at Lydd Camp from 20 June to 10 July 2026 and marked a significant milestone as the first jointly delivered summer camp between HQ Southeast (HQSE) Cadet Training Team (CTT) and London District (LONDIST) CTT. The collaboration proved highly successful and provided an extensive and rewarding training experience for cadets and adult volunteers alike.
Across the three-week rotation, approximately 1,640 cadets attended, with 1,009 CFAVs from the HQSE region participating in the camp.
A key highlight of the camp was the two-day Fieldcraft package conducted at Rype Village and the Dibgate Training Area. Cadets participated in a range of challenging and engaging activities, including STIBUA operations, weapons, shotgun training, paintballing, and survival skills training. These activities enabled cadets to develop teamwork, leadership, problem-solving skills, and resilience in realistic training environments. …read more
HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WGHT ARMY CADETS INSPIRE THOUSANDS AT NATIONAL ARMED FORCE DAY 2026
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force proudly showcased the very best of youth development and community engagement during the national Armed Forces Day celebrations, held in Aldershot from 25–28 June 2026.
Following months of planning and preparation, cadets, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and permanent support staff delivered an impressive Army Cadet Force presence throughout the four-day event. Visitors were welcomed to a recruiting stand, challenged themselves on the county’s popular mobile climbing wall and tackled the inflatable obstacle course, with thousands taking part across the weekend.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
SOUTH EAST SILVER EMPLOYER RECOGNITION AWARDS 2026
On Wednesday 1 July 2026, we were proud to celebrate our Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award recipients in the stunning surroundings of Admiralty House at HM Naval Base Portsmouth.
Following the presentation of 34 new Silver Awards, guests were treated to a spectacular performance by the Royal Marines Band, with musical entertainment during the reception provided by the talented RAF Salon Orchestra. Our sincere thanks to both groups for making the evening truly memorable.
VIEW THE FULL VIDEO FROM THE AWARDS HERE
THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY & UNITED KINGDOM FUSION ENERGY SIGN THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT
The SERFCA Engagement team had the pleasure of working with both United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and United Kingdom Fusion Energy (UKFE) to complete the signing of their Armed Forces Covenants within the offices of UKAEA located within the Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire.
Justin Kingsford, Chief Operating Officer at UKAEA said, “We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming our commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families. As a veteran myself, I recognise the strong cultural connection between the Armed Forces and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Both are mission-driven organisations, united by a commitment to serve something greater than ourselves.” …read more.
The guests were welcomed by Lt Col Huw Williams RM, Principal Director of Music, with Capt Dan Button RM (SO3 Band) and Colour Sgt Phil Hobby RM (Ops Mgr and Commitments Co-ord).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:
BEXHILL JOINT CADET CENTRE
The Joint Cadet Centre has had substantive refurbishment including:
- Installation of brand new fire alarm system and fire doors.
- Full repair and refurbishment of the first floor facilities following a major roof leak.
- New Drill Hall Floor.
- Classroom refurbishment
- Full refurbishment of toilets and kitchens.
- Repair/renewal of rainwater goods to make the building wind and water tight
- Installation of new side gate and metal external doors.
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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