The UK government is rolling out a new paid military “gap year” scheme as part of efforts to reverse declining armed forces recruitment and reconnect younger generations with national service.
Under the plan, the British Army will offer a 12-month programme targeted at people aged under 25, allowing participants to experience military life without committing to a full enlistment. The scheme, announced by defence officials, is expected to begin with several hundred recruits and expand to around 1,000 participants annually if successful.
The programme will include basic military training, physical conditioning, teamwork exercises, and exposure to operational and support roles within the armed forces. Participants will receive pay and benefits during the year, similar to regular recruits, but will have the option to leave at the end of the programme without further obligation.
UK defence leaders say the initiative is designed to lower the psychological and practical barriers that discourage young people from considering a military career. By offering a fixed-term, low-commitment entry point, the army hopes to attract students, school leavers, and young professionals who might otherwise overlook defence careers.
Recruitment across the UK armed forces has struggled in recent years, driven by competition from the private sector, changing attitudes among younger people, and concerns about long-term service commitments. The Ministry of Defence believes the gap year scheme could also improve retention, as participants who choose to stay on after the year will do so with a clearer understanding of military life.
The scheme mirrors similar short-term national service or military exposure programmes used in other countries to rebuild interest in defence careers. Officials say its success will be measured not only by enrolment numbers, but by how many participants transition into full-time service or reserve roles.
If effective, the initiative could be expanded beyond the army to other branches of the UK armed forces in the coming years.
