Plans to modernise the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs) were announced today following a year-long review by the Ministry of Defence.
Since their inception in 1908, the RFCAs have played a vital role in connecting defence with the nation through 3 core strands: management of the Reserve and Cadet Estate; helping businesses support their Reservist employees; and providing administrative and logistical support to Cadets.
The review notes how the RFCAs go above and beyond and ensure that their roles remain relevant and significant in contributing to defence objectives, as well as building links in the community. In particular, the Cadet Expansion Programme, which has increased the number of cadets, and the Employer Recognition Scheme, which rewards employers for their support of Reservist employees are due to the work of the RFCAs.
In light of the review’s recommendations, defence will now embark on a cross-government programme with the RFCAs to develop the best way to regularise the 13 RFCAs to drive efficiencies and provide enhanced consistency across the regions for our armed forces.
The RFCAs remain a vital partner to defence, and the proposed reforms will provide the foundation to not only strengthen this relationship, but also enhance their role in communities across the UK. This will ensure our Reserves are best able to meet future capability needs and the Cadet experience continues to deliver for our young people.
image © Crown Copyright
If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.
Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations RFCAs
Post written by: Matt Brown
RELATED ARTICLES
February 10, 2026
Land - New report highlights cyber vulnerabilities
New research published today indicates that 53% of national security organisations in the UK and US still rely on manual
![Constellia has announced that it has been awarded the NVFi (Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation (NVFi) [Award]) by the MOD to compliantly and transparently increase speed and value for money in digital and innovation procurement as part of the MOD’s procurement reform.](https://www.defenceonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/shutterstock_2496403005-287x164.jpg)
February 10, 2026
Land - BAE Systems launches flagship incubator programme
BAE Systems has officially launched “Launchpad,” a flagship technology incubator designed to commercialise dual-use innovations by spinning them into independent
