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RFCA NI Welcome to the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI).

The Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI) is an independent, community-based organisation with the responsibility of advising and assisting the Defence Council on issues concerning the 2,000 reservists and more than 3,500 cadets in the region. With its headquarters in Belfast, RFCA NI helps to promote and support the Reserve Forces and Cadets across the region, and by harnessing the extensive knowledge and experience of its membership, works to build relationships and increase understanding between military and civilian communities. RFCA NI has a wide remit and day-to-day responsibilities can range from providing support to reservists’ employers, managing and maintaining our reserve and cadet sites in the region, recruiting adult cadet instructors and liaising with a wide range of local communities, MPs and councils.

🚑 First Aid Skills That Could Save a Life! 🩹The Army Cadets held the 38 Brigade First Aid Competition this weekend, and ...
19/10/2026

🚑 First Aid Skills That Could Save a Life! 🩹

The Army Cadets held the 38 Brigade First Aid Competition this weekend, and we’re celebrating the importance of First Aid training across the Army Cadet Force.

First Aid is about so much more than learning practical skills. It builds confidence, develops teamwork, encourages quick thinking under pressure and equips cadets with the knowledge to respond when someone needs help. These are valuable life skills that extend far beyond the parade ground and could one day make a real difference when it matters most.

👏 Congratulations to every team who took part in the competition! Your commitment, teamwork and determination are a credit to you and your units. A massive thank you to all the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who train the cadets and led the activities on Sunday.

🏆 A special congratulations to our winning teams who will now progress to the National Competition. We wish you the very best of luck as you take on the next challenge, representing Northern Ireland Army Cadets and 38 (Irish) Brigade!

Could you help shape the future of life in the UK armed forces? This is a unique opportunity to champion service personn...
15/10/2026

Could you help shape the future of life in the UK armed forces?

This is a unique opportunity to champion service personnel and their families, ensuring their voices are heard, their concerns are taken seriously and lessons are learned to drive meaningful improvements across Defence. (London based role).

Find out more, here: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/9585?null=

⚓ READY FOR A NEW CHALLENGE? JOIN HMS HIBERNIA! 🇬🇧Looking for a new challenge, new skills and the chance to be part of s...
14/10/2026

⚓ READY FOR A NEW CHALLENGE? JOIN HMS HIBERNIA! 🇬🇧

Looking for a new challenge, new skills and the chance to be part of something bigger?

HMS Hibernia, Northern Ireland’s Royal Navy Reserve unit, offers the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, confidence and valuable skills while serving your community and the Royal Navy.

⚓ Learn new skills
⚓ Meet new people
⚓ Challenge yourself
⚓ Be part of the Royal Navy family

Whether you’re looking to develop personally, boost your career or take on a new adventure, there’s a place for you!

Your next adventure starts here. Find out more about joining HMS Hibernia today!

Register Here: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/apply/register-your-interest-rfp2

12/10/2026

🇬🇧 A huge thank you to Northern Ireland’s cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers!

As we reflect on National Cadets Week, the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Northern Ireland would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who got behind this national initiative and helped make it such a success.

From showcasing the fantastic opportunities available through the Cadet Forces to celebrating the skills, confidence, teamwork and leadership developed by young people across Northern Ireland, your enthusiasm, commitment and support helped shine a spotlight on the incredible impact of the Cadet Forces.

To every cadet who took part and every volunteer who gave their time, energy and dedication — thank you. Your contribution makes a real difference, not only to the lives of young people but also to the communities in which they live.

👏 National Cadets Week was a celebration of you — your achievements, your commitment and the bright future of our Cadet Forces.

NI

HMS Queen Elizabeth makes historic visit to Belfast And as if National Cadets Week wasn't exciting enough, HMS Queen Eli...
10/10/2026

HMS Queen Elizabeth makes historic visit to Belfast

And as if National Cadets Week wasn't exciting enough, HMS Queen Elizabeth decided to visit Belfast too!

RFCA NI's Chief Executive and Defence Relationship Manager for Northern Ireland were delighted to join senior political and Defence representatives aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth during her historic visit to Belfast. This was the first visit by a Royal Navy aircraft carrier to the city since 1965.
The visit included a briefing from the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain Claire Thompson OBE RN, who made history as the first woman to command a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.

It was a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the scale and capability of the Royal Navy and the advanced technology behind modern Defence operations. It also highlighted the opportunities this presents for Northern Ireland's growing technology, engineering and manufacturing sectors.
Behind this extraordinary capability are highly skilled and dedicated men and women, including Regular personnel and Reservists, whose expertise, experience and commitment play a vital role in keeping us safe.

The visit also reflected the wider themes of the National Conversation on Defence, highlighting the importance of strong connections between Defence, industry, communities and wider society.

For RFCA NI, these connections are central to our work. From supporting Reserve Forces and Cadets to engaging with employers, promoting the Armed Forces Covenant and strengthening relationships across Northern Ireland, we all have a part to play in supporting Defence.

The Sea Cadets also got the opportunity to visit HMS Queen Elizabeth during her time in Belfast, on a somewhat brighter day, , we are sure they had a a fantastic experience.

What a wonderful opportunity to see the Royal Navy up close, meet some of the people who serve and perhaps inspire the next generation!

A huge thank you to Captain Thompson and the ship's company for their warm welcome and a fascinating insight into life aboard this remarkable aircraft carrier.

💚 World Mental Health Day | 10 OctoberToday, we recognise World Mental Health Day and the importance of looking after ou...
10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day | 10 October

Today, we recognise World Mental Health Day and the importance of looking after our mental health, supporting one another and creating environments where everyone feels able to speak openly about how they are feeling.

Across our Reserve Forces and Cadet communities in Northern Ireland, the connections we build, the friendships we form and the support we offer one another can make a real difference. Whether through teamwork, shared experiences or simply taking the time to listen, we all have a part to play in looking after each other.

💚 Check in with your friends, colleagues and those around you. Make time to listen, be kind, and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Mental health matters today and every day.

NI

🚁 I was a cadet, now I’m an Army Air Corps Pilot!What starts as an interest can become a remarkable career.This former c...
09/10/2026

🚁 I was a cadet, now I’m an Army Air Corps Pilot!

What starts as an interest can become a remarkable career.

This former cadet joined the Armed Forces and built a career in Army aviation. Today, he is a multi-type Pilot in the Army Air Corps, working at the forefront of military innovation with responsibility for Uncrewed Air Systems.

This journey shows how the curiosity, discipline, and ambition nurtured through cadets can inspire young people to aim high, explore new opportunities, and pursue careers they once only imagined.

From cadet to cockpit — proof that the sky is not the limit.

📱 I was a cadet, now I’m a… Digital Marketing and Communications Professional!Sometimes, the experiences that shape us w...
09/10/2026

📱 I was a cadet, now I’m a… Digital Marketing and Communications Professional!

Sometimes, the experiences that shape us when we’re young go on to shape our careers, too.

This story is mine! I’m a former cadet who has remained connected to the Cadet Forces throughout my adult life. Today, I work right here, in digital marketing and communications with the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland, helping to share the stories, achievements and opportunities that make such a difference to young people and their communities.

Having experienced the benefits of cadets first-hand, I love that I can help showcase their impact and inspire the next generation to get involved.

From being a cadet to telling the story of cadets — a journey that has come full circle!

NI

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0800 730 730

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