The West Midland RFCA Podcast

In this special episode of the West Midland RFCA Podcast, we're marking Black History Month with two fascinating conversations exploring achievement, opportunity, representation and the power of perseverance across our Armed Forces community. First, we speak to Colonel Angela Notice , the newly appointed County Commandant of Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force. From...

What stories lie behind the Drill Halls and Reserve Centres on our streets? Tom Kwei is joined by Derrick Harwood, Greater London RFCA’s archivist and historian and a veteran of three decades in the Territorial Army, to explore the origins of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations. From militias and yeomanry to the formation of the Territorial Force and mobilisation in 1914, this episode is a...

What is Annual Camp really like for the Cadets and adult volunteers who take part? In this episode of The West Midland RFCA Podcast , Tom heads to Beckingham Training Camp to find out! Speaking directly to Cadets from across the region about the training, friendships, challenges and opportunities that make Annual Camp one of the highlights of the Cadet calendar. Recorded on location during a sun-s...

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve, have served, and their families should be treated fairly. At its heart are two key principles: that members of the Armed Forces community should face no disadvantage when accessing public or commercial services, and that special consideration should be given where appropriate, particularly to those who have been injured or berea...

Happy Armed Forces Day! To mark this special occasion, we have spoken to four veterans from across the West Midlands, each sharing their personal story of service and what Armed Forces Day means to them. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who serve, have served, and the families, communities and organisations who support them. Timestamps 0:45 – What is Armed F...

Our Volunteers Week special is a celebration of the incredible Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who give their time, energy and experience to support young people across the West Midlands. In this episode, we hear four inspiring conversations with CFAVs from across the region: a Head of A-Level Chemistry supporting the Combined Cadet Force in his school; a Royal Air Force Air Cadets officer who gained...

In this episode, we explore the world of the Cadet Forces and the role they play in helping young people build confidence, skills, friendships and a sense of service.  Recorded across a parade night at Stafford's brand-new Joint Cadet Centre and Warwickshire's Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Investiture Ceremony, the podcast features nine voices from across the Cadet community, including Cadets, C...

In this episode, we explore the work of West Midland RFCA and the role our organisation plays in supporting Reserves, Cadets, employers and communities across the region. Through interviews with our Head of Estates, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Engagement and one of our Defence Relationship Managers, the episode looks at the three core pillars at the heart of RFCA work across the United Kingdom...

Our first episode! And to launch the series we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by spotlighting five remarkable women from across the West Midlands. Recorded throughout the region, these conversations with a Cadet, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV), two Reservists and a Veteran explore the many ways women contribute to the Armed Forces Community. This episode is released to mark Interna...

Welcome to the official podcast of the West Midland Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association . Join RFCA Comms Officer, Tom Kwei, for a monthly deep-dive into our unique network, covering everything from the dedication of Cadets and Reservists to the vital support of Employers and Estates. Each episode is packed full of insightful conversations with the incredible people who drive our c...