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 b

y 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.

02/06/2026

LORD LIEUTENANT CADET PROFILE - 1 of 12

Cadet Sergeant James Smallwoods has been an outstanding member of the Combined Cadet Force from the very beginning, demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm, professionalism, and leadership throughout his cadet journey.

James plays a vital role in strengthening the RAF Section, embracing responsibility with maturity and setting an excellent example through his commitment, conduct, and immaculate standards.

He has completed his Ground Crew course and Blue Space Studies, achieved his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and is currently working towards his Silver Award, while also representing the contingent in military skills, shooting competitions, and events at Bisley.

Passionate about mentoring younger cadets, James is widely respected for his ability to inspire, support, and encourage others.

Beyond the CCF, he actively volunteers within the local community through Remembrance events, the Poppy Appeal, and SSAFA fundraising activities.

He is studying for A-levels in Physics, Maths and History and looks forward to a career in Aerospace Engineering.

When asked what sort of impact he would like to have in the world, he said, “I’d like to be able to help those who are disadvantaged, by circumstances beyond their control.”

An exemplary young person and a great start to our Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet profiles!

01/06/2026

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to join this inaugural webinar to find out more about becoming a part of Northern Ireland's only Intelligence Corps....how?
Do you have 27 days a year to spare and five GCSE's ( grade C or above) including Maths and English? are you looking for something exciting, rewarding and different?
Join our webinar on Tuesday 9 June at 1900hrs for a quick introduction to the Intelligence Corps, plus a live Q & A where you can ask anything.

Then visit our Opening Night in Lisburn on Tuesday 30 June at 1900hrs to meet the team and discover what military intelligence is all about, and explore opportunities in both the Regular and Reserve forces.

Scan the QR code or link in the poster to register

26/05/2026

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LORD LIEUTENANT’S CADET

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the stories behind the dress uniforms and highlighting the young people who - as Northern Ireland’s Lord Lieutenant Cadets for 2026 – represent their cadet organisations and their communities across the province.

Being selected as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is a significant honour. It recognises commitment, leadership, dedication and a spirit of service within the cadet forces, and it calls for continued commitment and dedication from these young people as they fulfil these roles.

These cadets will support their Lord Lieutenant at official engagements and ceremonial events while acting as ambassadors for young people across Northern Ireland.

But beyond the ceremonies and uniforms, each cadet has their own story.

Follow us in the coming weeks as we showcase these amazing young people and what it means to them to be a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet!

ONE WEEK – ONE CADET – ONE STORY

23/05/2026

🚛💥 Want to see what the Army Reserve is all about? 💥🚛
Come along to the 152 North Irish Regiment RLC Reserves Open Day at Palace Barracks, Holywood on Saturday 6 June from 0900–1500 hrs
Get hands-on with military vehicles and equipment, meet Reservists from across the Regiment and see the specialist roles that make 152 RLC the Army’s only Fuel Support Regiment. �
🔥 What to expect: • Bulk Fuel Vehicles & equipment displays.
• Fuel handling and petroleum demos
• Field kitchen and live cooking
• Medical equipment and medic role insight
• Assault course demonstrations
• Leadership and map reading activities
• Meet the Regimental Band
• Photo opportunity with the Close Support Tanker.
Bring a buddy and see if you’ve got what it takes! 💪☘️
Scan the QR Code and send us your details.
📍 Palace Barracks, Holywood BT18 9RA
📅 Saturday 6 June
⏰ 0900–1500 hrs
📞 02890 420642
📧 [email protected]

RFCA NI The Army in Northern Ireland HQ 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade The Royal Logistic Corps

22/05/2026

FIRST EVER NATIONAL CADETS WEEK TO CELEBRATE CADETS AND RECONNECT YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE ARMED FORCES

Tens of thousands of young people across the UK 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 week will celebrate the UK’s cadet community – one of the country’s most effective youth organisations – and the tens of thousands of young people and adult volunteers who make the cadets a success.

Throughout the week, cadet units across the UK will open their doors to schools, families, and local communities. Cadets and volunteers will take part in outreach activities, delivering presentations to schools and places of work to raise awareness of the programme.

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

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

Under the Government's ‘30 by 30’ campaign launched in August 2025, the MOD is expanding cadet opportunities for a new generation of young people – boosting the cadet forces by 30% by 2030.

This will deliver over 40,000 more cadets across the UK, supporting the government’s commitment to break down the barriers holding back Britain’s young people.

The initiative will showcase the opportunities available through the MOD-sponsored cadet forces: the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Volunteer Cadet Corps and Combined Cadet Force.

A new Cadets Action Plan will be published during this week, setting out the government’s long-term vision to expand high-quality, accessible cadet provision and ensure more young people from all backgrounds can benefit. This will include modernising the cadet experience, providing an attractive offer to retain and recruit adult volunteers, and ensuring that cadets and volunteers have the right resources and support.

21/05/2026

An amazing day yesterday for His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets at Hillsborough Castle, where they attended their Lieutenants at the Secretary of State’s Garden Party, with Guests of Honour — Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Their Majesties are concluding a three-day visit to Northern Ireland, and our Cadets have played a significant role throughout, representing their units and organisations with professionalism, pride and distinction at a number of engagements across the Province.

A tremendous honour for all involved, and a memorable experience that reflects the dedication, commitment and high standards of our young people.

18/05/2026

Craxel UK Ltd has signed the Armed Forces Covenant during a recent RAF engagement visit to Northern Ireland at the Ulster Aviation Society.
The signing took place alongside the unveiling of the Harrier aircraft during the Chief of the Air Staff’s visit and highlighted the continued growth of the Armed Forces Covenant across Northern Ireland.

Craxel joins a growing number of organisations recognising the value that Reservists, veterans and the wider Armed Forces community bring to workplaces and communities.

Gary Connolly, Managing Director of Craxel UK Ltd, said:

“We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant as a reflection of our deep respect for the men and women who serve, and have served, in the Armed Forces. We recognise the unique skills and experiences they bring, and we are committed to creating an environment where they can thrive.”

15/05/2026

Don’t forget about this unique opportunity this Sunday!

Come and meet our Employer Engagement Team along with Reservists from 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC, 206 (Ulster) Battery RA and B (North Irish Horse) Squadron for an ARMY RESERVE ENGAGEMENT AND OPEN DAY on Sunday 17 May from 1000 to 1300 hours.

See the newly refurbished facilities and find out from the Reservists themselves, what it means to be a part of these three exciting units, based in Coleraine Army Reserve Centre!

Everyone is welcome (with photo ID)

12/05/2026

This weekend saw Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from 1st Bn Army Cadets, 2nd Bn Army Cadets and Northern Ireland Combined Cadets come together for a joint training weekend focused on the new Cadet CIS (Communications and Information Systems) syllabus.

The weekend provided CFAVs with the opportunity to update their knowledge, develop new skills and enhance their confidence in delivering modern CIS and Cyber training to cadets across the region. As technology continues to evolve, ensuring our volunteers are equipped to inspire and instruct the next generation is more important than ever.

CIS and Cyber subjects play a vital role in promoting STEM education within the Cadet Forces, giving cadets practical, relevant and future-focused skills that support both personal development and wider career aspirations. From communications systems to cyber awareness and digital resilience, these subjects help prepare young people for the increasingly technology-driven world around them.

This training also directly supports the Strategic Defence Review ambition of “30 by 30”, helping modernise and expand opportunities within the Cadet Forces while ensuring cadets have access to high-quality, contemporary training that reflects the needs of today and tomorrow.

A fantastic example of collaboration, professionalism and commitment across all organisations involved — investing in our volunteers to inspire our cadets.

08/05/2026

This week Defence Relationship Management Northern Ireland (DRM NI), supported by RFCA NI, hosted Business & Defence: Whole-of-Society in Action at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.

The event brought together employers, Defence personnel, Reservists, Cadets and partners from across Northern Ireland to explore the practical benefits of engagement with Defence.
Guests heard from speakers from both industry and Defence, with discussions covering leadership, transferable skills, workforce resilience and social value.

The event also highlighted the incredible contribution Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers make across Northern Ireland — and encouraged organisations to consider practical ways they can engage with and support Defence people.
The day finished with networking and an optional stadium tour, giving guests the chance to continue conversations in a more relaxed setting.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success.

Interested in volunteering as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, finding out how your organisation can support the Armed Forces Covenant, or learning more about employer engagement with Defence?
Visit: www.reservesandcadetsni.org.uk to find out more.

Address

Belfast

Telephone

0800 730 730

Website

http://www.reservesandcadetsni.org.uk/cadets_northernireland/

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