View from the Bridge

After several years of debate and discussion about change for Reserve Forces and the Cadets, 2025 saw the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, which stated the Government’s intent to increase Reserve numbers by 20%, albeit caveated with ‘when funding allows’, and increase Cadet numbers by 30% by 2030. Both ambitions are of course very welcome but neither comes without significant challenges, although the MOD report they have been working closely with the single Services to cost these essential aims and firmly stake them into the Defence Investment Plan.

With a determination by MOD to also galvanise the Strategic Reserve (Ex Regulars with a legal obligation for call up) lets hope that efforts to achieve that does not dilute the vital need to keep evolving, enhancing and increasing the active Volunteer Reserve. MOD’s Defence Reserves Campaign Plan seeks to deliver across multiple areas to achieve their vision of a fully recruited, resourced and integrated Reserve delivering vital Defence outputs. We look forward to its full implementation.

Similarly on the cadet front, the Cadet Forces 2030 Strategy has very vocal Ministerial support to achieve the cadet growth numbers along with the incredible, and essential, adult volunteers who enable cadets to thrive. The National Youth Strategy, published in Dec 25, further reinforces the Government’s commitment to supporting Youth development – this can only help Defence’s ongoing efforts.

I hope you enjoy the articles in this print version of London Bridge magazine that showcase some of the many incredible activities of the Reserves and the Cadets this past year. They demonstrate how being part of either force is a vehicle for developing strong leadership, confidence, responsibility and feelings of belonging and self-respect.

In different ways both groups of amazing people are vital to the nation and I thank them all for the part they play in improving society. Across all 32 London Boroughs and wider, I am grateful to all the GL RFCA members, including the Deputy Lieutenants, who tirelessly promote and support Reserve and Cadet activity. I also thank the ever growing cohort of London employers, who have signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, to help and support Reservists and Cadet Adult Volunteers. The staff at GL RFCA are proud to do all we can to continue to support Reserve and Cadet Service.