The Ministry of Defence will launch a year-long military experience scheme in 2026, offering paid placements for 18 to 25 year olds across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Around 150 places will open in early 2026 as a pilot, with ministers aiming to expand the intake to more than 1,000 if demand supports it. Participants will receive a year of training and service without a commitment to continue beyond the programme.
According to the announcement, the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme is intended to give applicants a route into defence careers or to build transferable skills for civilian employment. It will include basic military training, time at sea for naval placements and trade-focused experience such as logistics, engineering or supply chain work.
The government says the initiative is part of a wider effort to rebuild connections between the public and the armed forces after years of declining engagement. It also aligns with the Strategic Defence Review’s call for a broader “whole of society” contribution to national resilience.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “This gap year scheme will give Britain’s young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. It’s part of our determination to reconnect society with our forces, and drive a whole of society approach to our nation’s defence.”
Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones said the programme is designed to deliver practical skills that are relevant beyond military life. “This scheme will provide a fantastic opportunity for school leavers and young adults to develop their potential, learn new skills, and contribute to our nation’s security,” she said.
The UK scheme is modelled on the Australian Defence Force’s ADF Gap Year, which has operated for more than a decade and was cited in the UK Strategic Defence Review. The MOD has not confirmed long-term funding levels or the evaluation criteria that will determine expansion beyond the first year.
Recruitment for the first cohort is expected to begin in the spring.
The Australian GAP years model results in roughly 50 per cent of recruits joining up afterwards.Not massive numbers but better then nothing
If we are turning away recruits in their droves due to nonsense medical issues then why do we need such a scheme.
its so HMG are seen as to be actually doing something without spending alot of money!In short,a gimmick!