London, December 28, 2025 (Agencies) – The UK government announced on Saturday a new paid “gap year” program offering young people the opportunity to experience life in the armed forces without a long-term commitment. The initiative, known as the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, is set to launch in March 2026.
Initially, the program will recruit around 150 participants to spend a year training and working across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Officials said the scheme could expand to over 1,000 young people, depending on interest. Participants will be paid and gain hands-on exposure to military life, including basic training and placements that may involve work at sea or alongside specialist units, though they will not be sent on active operations.
Defense Secretary John Healey described the scheme as “a new era for Defence,” highlighting its role in offering young people practical experience and transferable skills relevant both to military and civilian careers. The program will focus on logistics, engineering, supply-chain management, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
The scheme is aimed at school leavers and young adults under 25 who are exploring career options. While salary details have not been formally announced, basic military recruits typically start at around £26,000.
Officials said the program was inspired by Australia’s long-running ADF Gap Year scheme and similar initiatives in Europe, including recent programs in France and Germany designed to boost voluntary national service.
Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, head of the UK armed forces, said the initiative reflects a “whole-nation response to an increasingly volatile and uncertain world” and is part of a broader effort under this year’s Strategic Defence Review to engage society more widely in defense.
The UK government said the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme aims to provide young people with valuable skills, broaden their career horizons, and strengthen public understanding and support of the armed forces.