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Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, bringing you stories from across our region.
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Month of the Military Child is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of Service children and their families, and their perceived resilience and achievements.
Originally launched in the US, Month of the Military Child is now growing momentum in the UK. It is led by the Education Policy Team (EPT), and has the backing of the Ministry of Defence, wider government and a multitude of supportive stakeholders.
Find out more about the Month of the Military Child. |
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West Midland RFCA holds Regional Briefing
In February we held our annual Regional Briefing, which this year was held at the Army Reserve Centre in Kings Heath, Birmingham.
The event welcomed regional updates and the opportunity to hear from members of some of our Reserve units - 202 MMR and Royal Marine Reserves - alongside Cadets from the Army Cadet Force and RAF Air Cadets and an ERS Gold employer, Cadent Gas.
We would like to thank everyone who presented and all of our guests for attending.
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Celebrating women in the military for IWD
In early March we held our first International Women's Day (IWD) event, held at the Army Reserve Centre in Oldbury.
The event was open to all and welcomed Zoe Bennett BEM as host with a panel of four answering questions, three from the Army Reserve and one RAF Veteran.
All of the panelists had their own unique story and journey of being a female member of the Armed Forces, which can be seen in this video.
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Team member spends night under the stars for charity
Swapping our home comforts for a night outdoors under canvas may not be an idea that appeals to everyone.
Graham, one of our Regional Employer Engagement Directors, did just that, pitching a tent to sleep outdoors and raise vital funds for a military charity.
Organised by the Royal British Legion Industries charity, the Great Tommy Sleep Out runs annually each March to fundraise for the estimated 6,000 veterans across the UK who are homeless.
Read more about why Graham took part.
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Ex Tartan Longbow
Three Soldiers from 214 (Worcestershire) Battery, 104th Regiment Royal Artillery were deployed to Salisbury Plain in February, for two weeks in direct support of 19th Regiment Royal Artillery - The Scottish Gunners.
Bombardier Brown and Lance Bombardier Pushman took on the Regimental Fire Support Team Concentration. Physically and mentally demanding, the concentration involved loaded marches and a number of stands challenging the Fire Support Team's military skills and knowledge.
Gunner Humphreys deployed on a Gun Sub, battling the mud wind and rain. He took part in dry tactical training, learning how to tactically deploy and work with the equipment. Week two saw the Gun Group shift to Live Technical Firing and included the highlight of his Exercise - Direct Fire.
All three of 214 (Worcestershire) Battery's soldiers returned battle weary, but fully enjoyed the opportunity and experience working alongside the Regular Army.
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Army Reserves run event week for local community
Employers from across Shropshire gained a special ‘behind the wire’ insight into their local Army Reserve Centre in Dawley Bank.
Home to D (Shropshire) Squadron The Royal Yeomanry, forces-friendly employers were invited to spend the day at the centre as part of the squadron’s wider engagement week.
Read more about the event and AFC signings.
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8 RIFLES embark on ski exercise
Ex Northern Frosted Sword 5 took place in the French Alps in January. 8 RIFLES delivered the Exercise which saw a total of 36 Riflemen and Officers travel to the Val Thorens ski resort and conduct alpine ski activities in the hugely popular 3 valleys area. Les Trois Vallee’s boasts to provide the worlds largest ski area with a vast network of 600km of ski runs which suits all abilities from novice to advanced skiers alike.
Read about how they got on.
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Successful start to 2024 for No.605 Squadron
Reservists from our only West Midlands based Royal Auxiliary Air Force at No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron have had a busy start to 2024.
As well as helping to support a number of community events, International Women’s Day, West Midland RFCA events and military match days, we caught up with the squadron to learn more about their activities...
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Army Cadets complete The Great Tommy Sleep Out
Caring cadets and staff from the Rubery and Bromsgrove Troops of Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force swapped their cosy beds for a sleeping bag in order to raise funds for charity.
By taking part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, 42 of their cadets and five volunteers spent a night outdoors to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Industries whilst raising awareness for homeless veterans.
Blackwell Adventure kindly provided part of the Pikes Pool site free of charge to allow the cadets to camp out safely overnight.
A chilly night outdoors was worth the effort with their fundraising target now reaching £1282.50 to date, smashing their initial £200 target.
Watch our video to find out how the cadets found their experience – along with words of wisdom for anyone else considering the challenge next year!
Well done to everyone who took part. Their fundraising page can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/ruberytroopacf
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Army Cadets embark on Exercise Venturer Snow Cub
43 cadets and six instructors from Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force travelled to Spain over the February half-term for a week’s skiing in the Pyrenees.
Out of the group 30 cadets had never skied before, but by the end of their first day of tuition they were able to successfully make it down the nursery slope, learning to turn and control their speed. Meanwhile their experienced skiers were able to refresh their skills and improve their technique.
Read more about their trip.
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Army Cadets Indian Adventure
In January ten Army Cadets, including a Cadet from Staffordshire ACF, joined cadets from 25 countries on the third exchange trip between the British Army Cadets and India's National Cadet Corps.
The trip started with a three day trip of northern India's tourist trail with visits to some famous landmarks including the Taj Mahal.
Learn more about the trip in the ACF magazine on page 28.
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Marston's affirm support to Armed Forces with a cook-off
Marston’s celebrated its partnership with the Armed Forces as CEO Justin Platt, Officer, sealed the company’s support to veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and their families by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
Upon sealing the new partnership, chefs from the Royal Air Force and Army joined Marston’s executive chef Paul Jarvest in a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ style competition.
Read more about the event
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Businesswomen given insight into serving in the Armed Forces Reserves
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce hosted its latest Women in Business event at Mallory Court Hotel, in Leamington.
The event was sponsored by West Midland RFCA, and delegates heard from Anna Zebrowska, a Reservist from 605 Squadron RAuxAF, and Sub-Lieutenant Laura Harpham, a Reservist from HMS Forward, the Midlands Royal Naval Reserve unit.
It was held on International Women’s Day which this year had a theme of Inspire Inclusion, and the speakers highlighted the work being done by the Armed Forces to create inclusive environments which encourage female participation.
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Covenant signings are the icing on the cake at afternoon tea
In March our Employer Engagement team hosted an afternoon tea networking event in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce at Hotel du Vin.
Guests found out more about the Armed Forces Covenant, how employing members of the forces community can elevate your workforce, and why the skills and opportunities gained by Armed Forces personnel are an excellent match for civilian businesses.
Speakers included Lt Col Duncan Southall from Army Central HQ, Mr Richard Toy, CEO of Auctus Management Group Ltd and Sgt Phil Blea, a Reservist with 214 (Worcestershire) Battery, Royal Artillery in Worcester.
Mac Surfacing Limited and i2i Consultancy Ltd, signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge their support for the Armed Forces community.
Catch up with our short video from the event with Sergeant Blea, who spoke to us further about how his Reservist and civilian career complement each other, and why having a supportive employer makes a positive difference.
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Military match days across our West Midland RFCA region
Over the last few weeks we have helped support four military match days held at: Shrewsbury Town Football Club, West Bromwich Albion Football Club, Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club and Walsall Football Club.
The venues all welcomed unit stands from the Reserves and Cadets, whilst a helicopter visited one and West Bromwich Albion FC signed the Armed Forces Covenant during their match day.
Find out more about these military match days on our Facebook page.
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Colonel Cadets at HQ West Midlands (voluntary)
The incumbent must have a good working knowledge of the West Midlands, the ACFA/ CCFA, RFCA, regional and national cadet matters. They should have sufficient time to carry out the role which includes the ability to travel independently.
Deputy County Commandant at Shropshire ACF (voluntary)
Based at Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The post is currently vacant and the successful candidate will be appointed with immediate effect. The successful applicant will report to the County Commandant.
Estate Manager at West Midland RFCA
The West Midland RFCA Estate Manager plays a significant role in overseeing and supporting the management and assurance of Hard and Soft FM services in support of users of the Volunteer Estate, including Reserves and Cadets.
Read the full vacancy descriptions
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13th June 2024 - West Midland RFCA AGM
Following the AGM business we will host a keynote speaker followed by a panel discussion allowing guests to take part with questions to the panel.
If you would like to find out more about the event or register your interest in attending, please email: wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk.
This event will be held in Worcestershire.
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20th June 2024 - NMITE Military to Business Showcase
Over the last five years, NMITE has been working very closely with the military and veteran community in Hereford and further afield. Having developed lifelong learning programmes and providing support through our partners, we have been able to access new avenues of employment and skill enhancement.
This event will be held in Hereford.
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With over 25 Reserve centres available to hire across our six counties we are open and available for new bookings.
You can view our properties at www.alternativevenueswm.co.uk
To contact the Alternative Venues Team please email wm-av@rfca.mod.uk
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