The UK government has announced the launch of a new voluntary military service program called the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, also known as a “gap year” in the armed forces. This initiative aims to attract young people to experience military life without long-term commitments and is designed to address recruitment and retention issues in the British Armed Forces.
The program is designed for young people under the age of 25, mainly school and college graduates who have not yet decided on a career. Participants will receive paid service experience in the Army, Royal Navy, or Royal Air Force.
Program start: Applications will be accepted starting in spring 2026 (March-April).
First intake: Approximately 150 people.
Expansion plans: Up to 1,000 participants per year in the future, depending on interest.
Duration:
In the Royal Army: up to 2 years, including 13 weeks of basic training.
In the Royal Navy: 1 year with general training.
In the Royal Air Force: Details are still being worked out.
Conditions: Participants will not be sent on active combat operations. The program focuses on developing leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, logistics, and engineering skills—skills that are useful in civilian life.
Payment: Participants will receive a salary (approximately equivalent to that of a junior recruit—around £26,000 per year).
Commitments: There is no requirement to continue service after completing the program. However, those who wish to remain will be able to undergo additional training and participate in operations.
The British Armed Forces have long faced a recruitment crisis: the size of the regular army has fallen to its lowest level, and the outflow of personnel exceeds the inflow. The new program is part of a broader strategy called the “whole of society approach to defense,” announced as part of the 2025 Strategic Defense Review.
Defense Secretary John Healey said: “This scheme will give young people in the UK the opportunity to experience the unique skills and training offered by the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.” The aim is not only to replenish the ranks, but also to raise public awareness of the role of the armed forces in the face of growing threats, including Russian aggression.
Experts such as former Chief of the General Staff Lord Richard Dannatt note that the program will help “on the periphery” in combating threats, but more importantly, it will give young people discipline and skills. Critics emphasize that this will not replace full recruitment, but it could be a step toward broader reforms.
The new scheme complements existing initiatives to simplify recruitment, including a single digital application system and accelerated medical checks.