The region’s young people also play their part.  The South West’s teenagers buck the stereotype of bored troublemakers.  Instead, thousands of 12-18 year olds spend evenings, weekends and some of their summer holidays learning field craft and survival skills, earning qualifications, competing in sailing competitions, flying gliders and practicing drill.

Wessex RFCA is one of 13 RFCAs covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  We give support across the South West to the Reserve Forces and the Ministry of Defence youth organisation, the Cadets.  

There are 3,100 Reservists, 2,800 Cadet Adult Staff and 16,300 young Cadets in the South West accommodated in 27 Reserve Centres and 250 Cadet Centres.  No matter where you are there is a centre located somewhere nearby.  

Our responsibility is to promote the Reserve Forces and the Cadets across the South West through engagement with Local Government and Authorities, Employers, Youth Organisations, Chambers of Commerce, the media, other influential groups and of course, Members of Parliament.  Our aim is to provide an understanding of the roles and needs of the Armed Forces in general and the Volunteer Reserves and Cadet Forces in particular and to illustrate the contribution that these Forces make to the nation and the wellbeing of its citizens.