East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

Did you know that Cadet Volunteers can develop new skills, often at low or no cost?

Volunteers' Week Cadet Vocational College

❗ Construction of the region’s first Cadet ‘Super Centre’ begins in Northampton

Work has begun on a major new Joint Cadet Centre at Clare Street Army Reserve Centre, Northampton.

The new build will bring together seven Army Cadet and RAF Air Cadet Detachments under one roof, meaning that hundreds of Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers will benefit from modernised training facilities throughout the week, every week.

Due to the building’s size and the number of Detachments it will accommodate, the multi-million-pound facility has been described as a ‘Super Centre’ – the first of its kind in the East Midlands.

The Government’s ambition to grow the Cadet Forces by 30% ahead of 2030, as set out in the Strategic Defence Review, has been a driving factor in getting this transformative project off the ground.

When it is completed in 2026, the U-shaped modular build will feature two drill halls, storage and office space and a covered outdoor training space.

LNR Army Cadet Force South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets Portakabin Army Cadets UK Royal Air Force Air Cadets

First-ever National Cadets Week to celebrate Cadets and reconnect young people with the Armed Forces

Tens of thousands of young people across the country will have the opportunity to discover the Cadet Forces as the Government announces the first-ever National Cadets Week, taking place from 5-11 October 2026.

The new campaign will celebrate the UK’s Cadet community – one of the country’s best-kept secrets that changes so many lives – and the tens of thousands of young people and Adult Volunteers who make the Cadets a success.

Throughout the week, Cadet units will participate in outreach activities and open their doors to local communities to raise awareness and understanding.

With a strong focus on first aid training, the activities will showcase available opportunities, inspire new Cadets, attract new volunteers, and demonstrate how Cadet experiences help prepare young people for adult life.

National Cadets Week aims to deepen the bond between the Armed Forces and communities across the UK, a key element of the Strategic Defence Review’s whole-of-society approach to Defence.

Derbyshire Army Cadet Force (Mercian Regiment) Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force LNR Army Cadet Force Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets Trent Wing Air Cadets Eastern Area Sea Cadets

📝 On this day in 2021, the University of Northampton released a landmark report on the value of Cadets.

The report highlighted a significant return on investment in the Cadet Forces, noting that the Cadet experience provides potentially life-changing opportunities for career progression and vocational qualifications. This leads to improved career prospects for individuals who may not have traditional educational qualifications 🎓

📈 Five years later, the positive impact of being a Cadet or Adult Volunteer continues to be evident. Last year, the Government launched a new ‘30 by 30’ campaign to expand Cadet opportunities for a new generation.

Army Cadets UK Sea Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Cadets In Schools

📅 | One week to go!

Applications for the part-time (18.5 hours) post of Finance and HR Support Officer with East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association close in ONE WEEK!

The Finance and HR Support Officer plays an important role in ensuring the organisation’s effective financial management.

The post holder will oversee purchase and sales ledger processing, manage payment runs and payroll administration, maintain accurate records within SYMPHONY, and support cash flow monitoring and audit preparation.

🕛 | Application deadline: 29th May
📩 | Interested? https://ow.ly/J84o50V2QmE

Nottinghamshire Army Cadet Force triumphs in Exercise Ubique Hunter 🏆

Congratulations to the senior team from Notts ACF's C Battery for securing 1st place out of 14 teams from across the UK in this year's Royal Artillery Cadet competition.

The competition, which spanned two days, tested the Cadets' physical capabilities through activities such as section attacks, abseiling, combat first aid, and survival skills.

🗣️ One Cadet from Notts ACF shared their thoughts on the experience: “We had a lot of amazing opportunities.

"We got to do abseiling and meet the King’s Royal Gurkha Artillery, which was an amazing opportunity."

📅 On this day in 2025, Bourne Detachment’s new Cadet Centre opened in Lincolnshire.

Our Estates Team replaced the former 1970s modular building with a new, purpose-built building that serves as the home to around 50 Cadets.

The modernised training facilities were officially opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis.

Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force Army Cadets UK The Regimental Band of Lincolnshire ACF