Central & East Region are delighted to announce two key changes to the Region as part of the RAFAC ASTRA change programme:
From 1 Sep 22, as part of the RAFAC CCF(RAF) Integration programme, CCF(RAF) units from within the Training, Evaluation & Support Team (TEST) East Area came under the command of Central & East Region. This integration incorporates the majority of the current Regional Central and East boundaries and supports 38 Units, which have approximately 1,800 cadets and 100 uniformed CFAV. Their units are a diverse mix of independent and state schools, with the oldest dating back to the earliest years of military cadets, and the newest unit is currently in the process of standing up. More information on the history of the CCF can be found here.
From 1 Oct 22, Essex Wing with its 27 Squadrons, circa 1,000 cadets and 300 CFAV have now fully joined the Region from LaSER as part of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (RFCA) boundary alignment programme. Essex Wing HQ continues to be headquartered in Chelmsford and the Wing is now aligned within the East Midlands RFCA boundary along with the Region’s Norfolk & Suffolk, Herts & Bucks and Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wings.
Commenting on the move, Regional Commandant Group Captain Dave Boreham said “It is great to see these ASTRA milestones come to fruition and both present a fantastic opportunity for the Region as we move towards ‘one cadet, one offer’. We welcome the CCF(RAF) Units and Essex Wing and look forward to continuing to support and develop further the tremendous work that has been done by their leadership teams to date in delivering the cadet experience.”
Squadron Leader Paul Reeve, Officer Commanding TEST East said “As OC TEST, I’m delighted to be joining the Region. All the unseen work in the background for the integration of the CCF(RAF) Sections into the C&E RAFAC Region has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to continuing to build working relationships across the RAFAC and developing symbiotic links which can benefit everyone. At the delivery end, units should see very little change in terms of their support and, of course, the aim is to improve things.”
Wing Commander Nicky Weston, Officer Commanding Essex Wing said “Essex Wing moved from Central & East Region to LaSER in the early/mid 1990’s (changing our name from East Essex Wing at the same time) so for some of us it will feel like returning home. We are very excited by the move, as many of us have friends across C&E from time spent at various camps and courses – this will provide us with more opportunity to strengthen those relationships, and to forge new ones across the Region.”
Further changes to the region will come as part of the ASTRA programme and are expected to be complete by 31st March 2023 at the latest.