Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations 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, they are today organised as 13 regional associations, comprising voluntary civilian members and a small full-time secretariat.
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.
