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How we champion cadets

We support more than 25,000 cadets and over 4,200 cadet force adult volunteers (CFAV) in South East England. As champions of the cadet movement, we promote the benefits of the cadet experience to young people鈥檚 lives.

Armed Forces Briefings

We were proud to host 5 Armed Forces Briefings across the South East in June 2025. The briefings provide updates on key developments within defence, offering the only tri-service briefings in the region. They also serve to strengthen and sustain vital relationships between defence and the wider community.

This year鈥檚 briefings included updates on the Strategic Defence Review, sharing key messages and insights into the future direction of defence policy and capability.

Combined Cadet Force Summer Camp

The annual Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Summer Camp brought cadets from across the South East to Longmoor Camp for a 3-week programme designed to push their limits and broaden their skills.

Despite the high temperatures disrupting some of the schedule, the event ran smoothly thanks to the dedication of WO1 Welsh and his Cadet Training Team and adult volunteers.

Promoting the reserve forces

We work closely with 40 reserve units across the 3 services based in South East England to support recruitment and promote the reserve role in delivering the UK鈥檚 defence capability.

Reservist spotlight: Private Tyler Burnell

I joined the reserves to help me get hands-on experience while going through the process of joining as a Regular Army Officer. My unit, chain of command and peers have been extremely supportive and helped me in many ways. For me, the best part about being a reservist is the sense of family! Even outside of scheduled training we often meet to go for runs or for social events.

While working full-time in a desk job, the reserves gives me the chance to be a part of something bigger and gives me that time outside. On training courses and weekends with the unit I have loved sleeping in the field, even in the rain! I can honestly say I now sleep better in my Basha than I do my own bed! Joining the infantry reserves has been the best decision I鈥檝e ever made; the memories and opportunities for development are next to none.

This year, we are going to Estonia for a training exercise which I am planning on attending after successful completion of the Combat Infantry Couse (CIC). The guys are so supportive with everything, from helping me become familiar with weapons handling to building strength with the role fitness test.

Engaging with employers and the local community

We work with local employers to encourage support of the UK armed forces community, and to recognise the valuable skill set members of the community bring to the workplace. Our enduring relationships with local communities continue to encourage support for reserves, cadets and the wider military family across the south-east.

South East Gold and Silver 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, while 33 organisation achieved the Silver Award for 2025.

This year鈥檚 winners demonstrate the power of values-led leadership, creating more inclusive, resilient, and dynamic organisations.

Anthony Young, CEO of Bridewell, said:

At Bridewell, we are deeply proud of our armed forces community and are committed to providing them an environment where they are supported and feel they can belong. Being awarded 鈥楪old鈥� 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鈥檚 mission, and we will continue to support them and advocate on their behalf wherever we can.

Providing the best places to work and train

We manage and maintain the 300 buildings that are home to local cadet and reserve units as well as home adaptations for injured service people living in the south-east area.

Official opening of the refurbished Bexhill Joint Cadet Centre

The newly-refurbished Bexhill-on-Sea Joint Cadet Centre was officially opened by Mr Andrew Blackman, His Majesty鈥檚 Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex on Thursday 17 July.

Cadets will have the opportunity to learn important life skills at the centre through their cadet force training, while learning to become valuable members of society. 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.

Contact

• Phone: 01252 357606
• Email: se-info@rfca.mod.uk

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