UK launches paid military gap-year scheme to tackle recruitment crisis

LONDON: The UK government announced on Saturday a new military “gap-year” scheme aimed at boosting recruitment and reconnecting young people with the armed forces.

The pilot programme, set to launch in March 2026, will offer around 150 under-25s a year of paid experience and training in the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, without a commitment beyond the course. Officials said the scheme could eventually expand to over 1,000 places, depending on interest.

The initiative comes after the head of Britain’s armed forces, Richard Knighton, called earlier this month for the country’s “sons and daughters” to be ready to fight, citing growing threats including from Russia.

Defence chiefs have been struggling with recruitment, with recent figures showing the Army trained 38 per cent fewer recruits in 2022-2023 compared to 2019-2020. More recruits are also leaving training early than before the pandemic.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the scheme will give young people a taste of “the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF” and is part of a wider effort to reconnect society with the country’s armed forces.

The scheme is inspired by a similar programme in Australia, described by the government as an “exciting model to learn from.” Other European nations, including France, Germany, and Belgium, have also introduced national service programmes this year in response to threats from Russia.

Details such as salaries for participants and funding have not yet been disclosed. A government spokesperson said further information will be released “in due course.”