Welcome to the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadets Association website!

East Anglia's Reserve Forces and Cadets Association supports the Volunteer Reserve Forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force within East Anglia. It provides a link between the military forces and the local community, raises awareness of the benefits and skills gained through part-time soldiering, and assists with recruiting. East Anglia's Reserve Forces and Cadets Association also provides accommodation and support for the Sea, Army and Air Cadets in the region.

Did you know that a third of the UK's Armed Forces are provided by the Volunteer Reserve Forces (VRF)? Some 50,000 men and women provide the reserves of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, the Territorial Army, and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. 'Volunteer' in the name means a part-time member of the active army, navy or air force.

Within East Anglia, there are 18 TA Centres, 1 Officers Training Corps, 4 Royal Auxiliary Air Force squadrons and 3 specialist units, including a small Royal Naval Reserve unit. In total there are 1740 Territorial Army volunteers, 270 Royal Auxiliary Air Force personnel and 50 Royal Naval reservists.

People joining the Volunteer Reserve Forces often want some contrast with their work or private life. They are looking for a challenge and a chance to acquire new skills and meet new friends. Joining a reserve forces unit gives you the unique opportunity to meet new people, participate in overseas challenges and learn new skills.

Most units train on one night a week, a minimum of six weekends in the year and a two week annual camp, sometimes held abroad. To find out more about life in the Reserve Forces, click here.

East Anglia is also home to some 800 Sea Cadets, 4,000 Army Cadets and 3,700 Air Cadets, plus all the adult instructors who make these worthwhile youth activities possible.  Another 4,500 cadets belong to their school Combined Cadet Forces.
The aim of the cadet movement is to promote good citizenship among young people. They are offered challenging activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme. To find out more about life in the cadets whether as a cadet or an adult helper, click here.

The Reserve Forces are extremely grateful for the support of employers. Practical information about the mobilisation of reservists is offered.  A number of regional events are held each year to both inform and to thank our regional employers.  To find out more, click here.