A strong and growing partnership between Wiltshire Army Cadet Force and defence employer Chemring Countermeasures is delivering tangible benefits for young people, demonstrating the real-world value of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Chemring Countermeasures, a Wiltshire-based supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence and allied forces, has provided a significant package of adventurous training equipment to support cadet development. The contribution includes specialist outdoor clothing, allowing cadets to safely take part in demanding activities such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions and Ten Tors training.
The equipment was formally presented during a cadet training weekend, underlining the direct and personal nature of the relationship between the organisation and the cadet unit. This is not simply a financial contribution, but a hands-on partnership that enhances opportunity, builds resilience, and supports the delivery of high-quality training.
This level of commitment reflects Chemring’s wider support to the Armed Forces community. The company was awarded the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award in 2024, the highest level of recognition for employers who demonstrate outstanding support for defence.
That recognition is clearly being translated into meaningful action at a local level. By investing in cadets, Chemring is helping to develop future talent, promote skills such as leadership and teamwork, and strengthen links between defence, industry and the community. The partnership also provides a powerful example of how the Armed Forces Covenant works in practice. It shows how employers can move beyond pledges and deliver measurable outcomes, directly benefiting young people while reinforcing the wider defence ecosystem.
For Cadets in Wiltshire ACF, the impact is immediate and practical. Access to high-quality, appropriate equipment removes barriers to participation, broadens training opportunities and ensures cadets can fully engage in the adventurous activities that are central to their development. For Chemring, it reinforces its role not just as a defence supplier, but as an active and responsible partner in supporting the next generation.
As relationships like this continue to grow, they highlight a clear and compelling message: when employers step forward to support cadets and the wider Armed Forces community, the benefits are shared by individuals, organisations and society as a whole. To find out more about how your business can support Cadets in your area, contact Defence Relationship Manager Emily Kadoch at wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk
