Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) is a regional civilian body comprising voluntary members and a small full-time secretariat. Along with other RFCAs it has been established by statute to offer advice and support to the Defence Council on behalf of the Reserve Forces and Cadet movement.

In particular, The Northern Ireland RFCA is responsible for:

Local knowledge
Reservists and Cadets are part of the local community in the way that Regular forces are not. They therefore need the support of an organisation whose people are familiar with and prominent in that area. RFCA members provide this recognised point of contact throughout Northern Ireland - a local Defence footprint.

Independence
While not part of the chain of command, The Northern Ireland RFCA is required to give advice and assistance to the Defence Council and the military of all three Services at any level. RFCA members are experienced professional people interested in Defence matters.

Organisation
The RFCA in Northern Ireland is one of 13 autonomous Associations across the country, with a total of more than 1,800 civilian volunteer members able to call on a wide cross-section of expertise in financial and legal affairs, estate management, recruit marketing, employer support, youth matters and local governance. All are advocates of Defence and represent their local communities. They provide a civilian network of support across the nation.

Resources
The RFCA is allocated a budget solely to provide support to Reserves and Cadets. Priorities are agreed with the respective Service HQs and the budget is managed efficiently, with the expertise of RFCA members providing added value to the Defence effort.

Staff
The Northern Ireland RFCA employs a small secretariat of full-time Crown Servants to serve its members and maintain the link between the civilian community and the Services.