Strength in Support

Greater London Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (GL RFCA) has long been the focal point of activity and administration for Reserves and Cadets in London for all three Services. We came into existence at the same time as the Territorial Army in 1908, as did twelve other autonomous Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations (RFCAs) spread throughout the United Kingdom.

RFCAs were established by statute and are not part of the military chain of command but are required to give advice and assistance to the Defence Council and the three Services on Volunteer Reserve and Cadet matters.

Our role encompasses amongst other things:

• Recruiting support for the Reserves of all Services
• Support to the employers of Reservists
• Administration of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) and the provision of property and facilities management for the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps
• The upkeep of some 190 properties – Reserve Centres and Cadet units – within Greater London
• The hiring out of some 46 buildings from the Reserve Estate for corporate and private functions in order to generate additional funds to support our role
• Community Engagement – building awareness and positive attitudes towards the Armed Forces as a whole
• Working with the police, local authorities, educational establishments and the Army Cadet Force to help crime-vulnerable and socially disengaged young people

The 55 full time and 1 part-time staff of GL RFCA are Crown Servants headed up by ex-Regular officers; 23 work at HQ, while 32.5 (1 part-time) work in the 4 Cadet Sectors.  In addition, we employ 3 people funded directly by the money raised by our sub-letting commercial activities.  The 250 members of the Association are experienced professional people interested in Defence and are drawn from the Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force and Cadets as well as London Boroughs, Universities, Education Authorities and employers.  Click here to download a copy of GL RFCA's Scheme of Association.