The Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations or RFCA, gives advice and assistance to the Defence Council, to the Army, Navy and Air Force on matters that concern reserves and cadets.
Today I was invited to the RFCA for Wales 2024 Annual Briefing, at HMS Cambria, Cardiff; Wales only naval training centre.
It was both informative and a privilege to hear about the multi-faceted positive impacts our Armed Forces Reservist and Cadet forces in Wales, has upon individuals.
Research by Professor Simon Denny revealed exactly how being a Cadet improves an individual's personal development and life chances, whether educational or in the world of work. Cadet Leaders too, gain similar positive outcomes.
The Armed Forces Covenant has seen many employers actively supporting reservist and cadet personnel within their businesses. these businesses have gained outstanding organisational benefits as a result. Simon Ellis of Hugh James Solicitors clearly explained the positive outcomes of employing those with RFCA experience.
Today, all constricting ‘financial pressures’ are seen as acutely in the world of RFCA for Wales as elsewhere. If this is the case, there is the absolute necessity for greater synergy and support within schools and the education system in general, Welsh Government and Welsh Local Governments to work with Cadet Associations to vastly improve a young person's life chances, while taking advantage of the unique confidence instilling properties of the RFCA for Wales.
It was particularly remarkable to hear from three cadets from different services who gave testimony to how being a cadet had transformed their lives. These incredible young people, Sergeant Instructor Ehsan Iqbal (Gwent and Powys ACF), Petty Officer Jessica Flynn (Swansea Sea Cadet Corps) and Cadet Warrant Officer Ioan Osbourne (No 3 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets) were a credit to their uniforms and young people to be proud of.
Diolch yn Fawr iawn RFCA for an informative evening - adeptly led, as always by Andrea Byrne ITV.