Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales
Source: gov.uk (2025-10-23)

The Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales is the enabling voice for reserves and cadets in Wales.

The RFCA for Wales maintains the estate, provides support to the three Services and connects defence with society through the provision of an extensive ‘network of networks’ in Wales.

Latest news

RFCA for Wales welcome 150 guests to annual briefing

RFCA for Wales annual briefing speakers 2025. Copyright: RFCA for Wales

The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales welcomed a packed house of 150 guests to its annual briefing.

The keynote speaker was Major General (Retd) Stephen Potter QVRM TD VR who set the context of UK Defence in the light of the Strategic Defence Review 2025 and the MoD’s Defence Reform programme.

Major General Potter, a former Director Reserves in Army HQ, leads the External Scrutiny Team which report annually to the Defence Secretary on the state of the UK’s Reserve Forces.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rfca-for-wales-welcome-150-guests-to-annual-briefing)

Twelve Welsh organisations strike Gold

ERS Gold Award winners. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

Twelve employers from across Wales were recognised for the outstanding support they give to the armed forces community at an Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) awards ceremony held at HMS CAMBRIA, Cardiff Bay on 25 September.

Guests were entertained by music from Cerys Rees regimental harpist of The Royal Welsh, and the Regimental Band of The Royal Welsh.

The compère for the evening was Sian Lloyd, with the welcome given by James Evans MS, chair of the Senedd’s Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twelve-welsh-organisations-strike-gold)

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Certificates of Merit awards

Welsh Lord-Lieutenant logo. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

The awards, hosted by RFCA for Wales, recognise outstanding service by reservists and cadet force adult volunteers, and are intended to supplement the New Year and Birthday Honours lists.

Lord-Lieutenants will give out these awards at 8 ceremonies across 2 years in each of the preserved counties of Wales.

Nominations are open for His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Certificate Of Merit awards 2026 and 2027 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-certificates-of-merit-awards).

2025 Silver ERS employers celebrated

ERS Silver Award winners 2025. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

Seventeen organisations from across Wales were presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award for 2025.

Representatives from the receiving organisations were awarded at a special event held on 17 July at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, where they were also honoured guests at the 21 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/2025-silver-ers-employers-celebrated)

Celebrations as 17 Ministry of Defence Silver ERS Award winners are announced in Wales

Employers in Wales that have actively demonstrated their support for the armed forces community through implementing practical policies in the workplace have been recognised with the prestigious Defence Silver ERS Award.

The 17 Welsh winners will be invited to receive their award as honoured guests at a Royal Gun Salute ceremony at the Pierhead Building, Cardiff Bay, on 17 July.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/celebrations-as-17-ministry-of-defence-silver-ers-award-winners-are-announced-in-wales)

Equine therapy at the heart of an award-winning, veteran-led community hub in the Rhondda Valley

Paul Bromwell standing with a horse. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

Around 20 years ago the charity Valley Veterans was founded by Falklands War veteran Paul Bromwell, initially as an informal support group for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Having served in the Welsh Guards during the Falklands Conflict 40 years ago, Paul was all too aware of the effects of returning to civilian life after leaving the Armed Forces. He himself suffered from PTSD as a result of his time in the South Atlantic and, on his return home to the Rhondda Valley, initially struggled to get the support he needed.

It was that struggle that led him to set up an informal support group for PTSD sufferers that has now grown into a vibrant veteran-led community hub with more than 140 active participants.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/equine-therapy-at-the-heart-of-an-award-winning-veteran-led-community-hub-in-the-rhondda-valley)

10 new Joint Cadet Centres delivered in Wales

Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers outside their new Joint Cadet Centre in Caldicot. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

Under the Secretary of State-directed Reserve Estates Optimisation Programme (REOP), a number of sites across Wales were identified for development as new shared Joint Cadet Centres. As a result, 10 new centres are being created either as refurbished sites or brand-new modular builds, e.g. Caldicot in the south.

The project is RFCA for Wales’ contribution to the government’s drive to improve the cadet and reserve estate across the UK. This comes after a national review of the reserve and cadet estate in 2020, which examined the reach, condition, suitability and value-for-money of every cadet and reserve building in the UK.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/10-new-joint-cadet-centres-delivered-in-wales)

Ten people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd in Wrexham ceremony

Clwyd Lord-Lieutenant with Certificate of Merit recipients and the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

The efforts of 10 people from across Clwyd have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 5 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE FRAgS in the ceremony at Hightown Barracks, Wrexham on Thursday 6 March.

The recipients were Regimental Sergeant Major Ieuan Jones, Lieutenant Liam Mooney, 2nd Lieutenant James Malins, Staff Sergeant John Magrath and Company Sergeant Major Tony Hall – all of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ten-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-clwyd-in-wrexham-ceremony)

Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed

Dyfed Lord-Lieutenant standing with Certificate of Merit recipients and the Lord-Lieutenant Cadets of Dyfed. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

The efforts of 12 people, including 7 young cadets, from across Dyfed have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 5 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Miss Sara Edwards, in the ceremony at Picton Barracks, Carmarthen, on Thursday 20 February.

The 5 were Lieutenant Aled Davies of Milford Haven Sea Cadets, Lieutenant Steven Grant of Fishguard Sea Cadets, Warrant Officer Jane Sanders of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, Civilian Instructor Lisa Bevan of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Flight Sergeant Richard Fisher also of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twelve-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-dyfed)

Sixteen people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant of Gwent

Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Awards. RFCA for Wales Copyright.

The efforts of 16 people, including 3 young cadets from across Gwent have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 3 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE CStJ at the awards ceremony at Chapman VC House, Cwmbran, on Thursday 30 January.

The recipients were Staff Sergeant Paul Carter of 100 Field Squadron, The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) and Second Lieutenant Katie Marfell and Sergeant Major Instructor Tyrone Gravell both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sixteen-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-gwent)

Eleven people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan

A group of Certificate of Merit winners, Lord-Lieutenant cadets and the Coronation medal recipient. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

The awards ceremony took place at John Chard VC House, Swansea, on Thursday 16 January.

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 6 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Mrs Louise Fleet JP. They were: Chief Petty Officer Leon Murnieks of HMS Cambria; Captain Brian Thorne of Swansea Sea Cadets; Deborah Boyce, Civilian Instructor of Neath and District Sea Cadets; and Gareth Phibben, Sharon Vigors and Warrant Officer Mark Brittle of No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eleven-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-west-glamorgan)

New report celebrates the positive impact of the cadet forces in Wales

Group of military cadets in uniform for the front cover of the 'Getting an Edge' report. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

The report, titled ‘Getting an Edge: The Impact and Value of the Cadet Forces in Wales’ was carried out by Professor Simon Denny, Professor Richard Hazenberg and Dr Claire Peterson-Young of the University of Northampton.

Commissioned by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales, the study found that participation in the cadet forces led to increased social mobility, improved educational outcomes and enhanced employability.

Read the full story (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-report-celebrates-the-positive-impact-of-the-cadet-forces-in-wales)

Champion Cadets

We support more than 4,400 cadets and over 1,200 cadet force adult volunteers in Wales. As champions of the cadet movement we promote the benefits of the cadet experience to young people’s lives.

John Challenger, Sea Cadet - awarded the British Empire Medal (https://youtu.be/NPqxuOrZSfA)

Copyright: Open Government License

Have you ever thought of becoming a cadet in one of Wales’ cadet units? John Challenger, 17, explains why he thought it was so important to help keep the 2,300 sea cadets spread across North Wales and the North West together during the pandemic.

John said:

I believe that many young people have struggled with mental health, feeling unable to balance school work, cadets and keeping in touch with family and friends. However, the sea cadets has been working hard to reduce these difficulties for staff and cadets by building up networks of support that stretch throughout the country and aim to help us all through this challenging time.

Read John’s story: John Challenger talks about the importance of doing his bit to help other cadets (https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/john-challenger-talks-about-the-importance-of-doing-his-bit-to-help-other-cadets).

Find out more about becoming a cadet (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-cadet-forces-and-mods-youth-work).

Promote the Reserve forces

We work closely with the Reserve units (Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force) based in Wales to support recruitment and promote their role in delivering the UK’s Defence capability.

How reservist Tracy Llewellyn combines being a military musician, mum and farmer (https://youtu.be/uSwsEZmFOSY)

Copyright: MOD Crown Copyright

Trombone player Corporal Tracy Llewellyn of the Royal Welsh Band says she couldn’t wish for a better part-time job which she combines with working on the family farm near Abergavenny.

After joining her local Powys Cadet Force Band at the age of 13, Tracy went onto to serve in the regular Army for 12 years as part of the Corps of Army Music before leaving to start her family.

Tracy said:

For me it means that I can do all the three things that mean the most to me, which is working on the farm, being a mum and being a military musician.

Read Tracy’s full story: Reservist Tracy Llewellyn combines being a military musician, mum and farmer (https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/reservist-tracy-llewellyn-combines-being-a-military-musician-mum-and-farmer).

Find out more about becoming a Reserve (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-reserves-a-quick-guide/armed-forces-reserves-a-quick-guide).

Engage with the local community and employers on behalf of defence

We work with local employers to encourage support of the Armed Forces community and recognise the valuable skill set members of the Armed Forces community bring to the workplace. Our enduring relationships with local communities continue to encourage support for reserves, cadets and the wider military family across Wales.

Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd was award the Gold MOD Employer Recognition Scheme Award (ERS) in 2020. Founded in 1968, they are one of the leading civil engineering and rail contractors working throughout Wales. In this video, Richard Bruten (Major projects Director and Army Veteran) and Amanda Holmes (HR Advisor and Veteran) talk about the forces-friendly culture within the organisation and Griffiths ongoing advocacy of the armed forces community.

Watch the full video: Alun Griffiths Limited, forces-friendly culture (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p25_hKKvXYY&t=1s)

Read the Full transcript for the Alun Griffiths Ltd video (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6040a5b5e90e077dd08f15f1/Transcript.odt) (ODT, 8.14 KB)

Provide the best places to work and train

We manage and maintain the 400-plus buildings that are home to local cadet and reserve units as well as provide home adaptations for injured service people living in Wales.

HMS Cambria is the brand new £11 million state-of-the-art home to three Maritime Reserve units. MOD Crown Copyright

Described as ‘a crown jewel’ in the Defence Estate, HMS Cambria was delivered on time and on budget by RFCA for Wales in partnership with the Royal Navy and Associated British Ports (ABP). The hugely successful project has enabled HMS Cambria, Wales’ only RNR unit, to return to its original maritime home in Wales’ capital city of Cardiff.

Read the full story: Cardiff’s new £11 million HMS Cambria is ‘crown jewel’ (https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/hms-cambria-cardiffs-new-crown-jewel-in-the-defence-estate).

Archive news

2024
- RFCA for Wales welcomes 100 guests to annual briefing (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rfca-for-wales-welcomes-100-guests-to-annual-briefing)
- Ten Welsh organisations strike Gold (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ten-welsh-organisations-strike-gold)
- New Caldicot Joint Cadet Centre (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-caldicot-joint-cadet-centre)
- Silver ERS Winners 2024 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/19-of-wales-top-forces-friendly-employers-have-been-recognised-with-a-prestigious-award)
- 19 Ministry of Defence Silver ERS Award winners in Wales (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/19-ministry-of-defence-silver-ers-award-winners-in-wales)
- Cardiff Business Club signs Armed Forces Covenant (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cardiff-business-club-signs-armed-forces-covenant)
- 12 people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/12-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-gwynedd)
- 12 people recognised by his Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/14-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-gwent)
- Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twelve-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-clwyd)
- Ten people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ten-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-dyfed)
- Royal recognition for eight people (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-recognition-for-eight-people)
- Outstanding service and devotion to duty recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/outstanding-service-and-devotion-to-duty-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-mid-glamorgan)
- Fifteen people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fifteen-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-west-glamorgan)
- Four people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Powys (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/four-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-powys)
2023
- Hard Facilities Management services for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MOD Built Estate contracts (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hard-facilities-management-services-for-the-volunteer-estate-to-be-delivered-by-the-mod-built-estate-contracts)
- 10 Welsh organisations strike gold at Hensol Castle (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/10-welsh-organisations-strike-gold-at-hensol-castle)
- RFCA for Wales welcome more than 130 guests to annual briefing (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rfca-for-wales-welcome-more-than-130-guests-to-annual-briefing)
- Employers thanked for supporting reservists at a special awards evening in Cardiff (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/employers-thanked-for-supporting-reservists-at-a-special-awards-evening-in-cardiff)
- Young people honoured by Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/young-people-honoured-by-lord-lieutenant-of-gwynedd)
- Seven people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Glamorgan (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/seven-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-west-glamorgan)
- Ten people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ten-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-clwyd)
- Young people honoured by Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/young-people-honoured-by-lord-lieutenant-of-dyfed)
- Royal recognition for two young people (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-recognition-for-two-young-people)
- Fifteen people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenant of Gwent (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fifteen-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-gwent)
- Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/twelve-people-recognised-by-his-majestys-lord-lieutenant-of-mid-glamorgan)
- Teenagers honoured by Lord-Lieutenant of Powys: January 2023 (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/teenagers-honoured-by-lord-lieutenant-of-powys-january-2023)
See more news stories from the RFCA (https://www.gov.uk/search/news-and-communications?organisations[]=reserve-forces-and-cadets-associations&parent=reserve-forces-and-cadets-associations)

Contact information

RFCA for Wales, Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, CF14 3YE

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Follow us on:

Facebook: @rfcawales (https://www.facebook.com/rfcawales)

Twitter: @RFCAforWales (https://twitter.com/RFCAforWales)

LinkedIn: RFCAforWales (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rfca-for-wales)

Instagram: rfca.wales (https://www.instagram.com/rfca.wales/)

Youtube: RFCAforWales (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJrmCwK4KG42-E3-3M-Noqw)

Related information

Sign up to our newsletter (https://wales-rfca.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d8d437f9e78498840ead9422b&id=116b967a40)

Read our newsletter (https://mailchi.mp/78207b7358eb/rfca-for-wales-newsletter-octoberhydref-16529559)