Reserve Forces and Cadets Association

Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCAs) are bodies in the United Kingdom which give advice and assistance to the Defence Council, and to the army, navy and air force, on matters that concern reserves and cadets. Established in 1908 (known then as the Territorial, Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve Association), they are today organised as 13 regional associations, comprising voluntary civilian members and a small full-time secretariat.[1]

Role

Reserves and Cadets are based in the local community in the way that regular forces are not. They need the support of an organisation and people who are familiar with and prominent in their area. RFCA members provide this recognised point of contact throughout the community.

Reserves and Cadets do not move around like their regular counterparts. It is important that relationships within the community are established and maintained over a period of time. RFCA members are long term community representatives.

RFCAs are not part of the chain of command but are required to give advice and assistance to the Defence Council and the military of all three services at any level. RFCA members are experienced professional people interested in Defence matters.

The Cadets are a national voluntary youth movement, based on a military ethos, though not part of the Armed Forces. RFCAs in conjunction with the Cadet Associations and Services HQs provide essential local support.

The interests of Reserve Forces and Cadets are served by an organisation dedicated to their support and well-being. The RFCAs provide a key link between the Services and the communities, employers work places and institutions from which the Reserve Forces and the Cadet Movement volunteer. Through the RFCAs the goodwill, understanding and support of the population - all essential to the military volunteer concept - can be nurtured and Defence promoted in general. RFCAs, by harnessing civilian expertise and skills, reinforce the support and administration of Reserves and Cadets.

Organisation

Thirteen autonomous RFCAs exist nationwide, consisting of over 1,800 volunteer members, with a wide cross section of expertise in financial and legal affairs, estate management, marketing and PR, employer support, youth matters and local government. All are advocates of Defence and represent their local communities. They provide a civilian network of support across the nation.

Each RFCA is allocated a budget solely to provide support to Reserve Forces and Cadets. Priorities are agreed with the respective Service Headquarters and managed by the RFCA concerned. Through the expertise of their members, RFCAs are able to bring added value to the Defence effort.

Each RFCA employs a small Secretariat of full-time Crown Servants to serve its members and maintain the link between the civilian community and the Services.

Council of RFCAs

The individual RFCAs have jointly set up the Council of RFCAs, where each RFCA is represented by its Chairman. The object of the Council is to assist the Associations in promoting the efficiency and well-being of the Reserve Forces and the service cadet organisations of the United Kingdom. The Council's tasks include:

Collect, compile and disseminate information relevant to the Reserve Forces and the service cadet organisations to all the constituent Associations.
Examine, consult upon and report about any matters submitted to it by the Ministry of defence or other relevant bodies.
Represent to the Ministry of Defence, or other relevant bodies, the collective opinion of the Council on any matter relating to the statutory duties of the constituent Associations.
Take any such action as may be decided by the Council for the attainment of its object.
Take action on any relevant matter at the request of one or more associations, or the Ministry of Defence.

Scope

Army Reserve

Recruiting and publicity for units of the AR.
Provision and maintenance of accommodation for AR Independent units and the furnishing, lighting and cleaning of such accommodation.
Liaison with employers, trades unions and local authorities and relations with the public.
Administration and maintenance of training areas and ranges vested in them.
Welfare.

Maritime Reserve

Provision and maintenance of on-shore accommodation for the RNR and RMR as required.

Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Provision and maintenance of accommodation for RAuxAF units as required and the furnishing, lighting and cleaning of such accommodation.
Recruiting, publicity, welfare and liaison as appropriate.

Combined Cadet Force

All accommodation matters.

Community Cadet Forces

Sea Cadet Corps

Liaison responsibilities and assistance, where possible, with the provision of accommodation.

Army Cadet Force

The organisation of the ACF, subject to any directions which the Defence Council may give.
Recommendations for the appointment of Honorary Colonels and Cadet Commandants (ACF).
The grant of paid acting promotion in the ranks of Captain and Major within establishment.
The appointment of Adult Instructors and their promotion within establishment.
Provision, furnishing and maintenance of accommodation.
Provision of non-public equipment and stores.
Issue, storage, maintenance and accounting of public stores.
General supervision of the administration of private funds.
Recruiting, local publicity and promotion of good relations with the public.
Encouraging co-operation and good relations between the TA and the ACF.

Air Training Corps

Provision and maintenance of accommodation.

References

"About us - Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations". GOV.UK. Retrieved 28 November 2017.

External links

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[1] "About us - Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations". GOV.UK. Retrieved 28 November 2017.