UK to launch military gap year scheme for young adults

The UK government is set to introduce a voluntary military gap year programme aimed at school and college leavers, offering training to prepare participants for potential deployment in conflict zones, The i Paper has revealed.

The scheme, which is due to launch in March 2026, will initially enrol 150 participants, with plans to expand to more than 1,000 annually.

The programme, targeting under-25s, is designed to boost Armed Forces recruitment, raise public awareness of geopolitical threats—particularly from Russia—and equip young people with practical and life skills. Participation will not require long-term enlistment, though those who choose to continue with the military can receive further training for operational deployment.

Under the current plan, the Army’s gap year scheme will last two years, beginning with a 13-week basic training course, after which participants will specialise in a particular area of the force. The Royal Navy will offer a one-year “profession agnostic employment scheme,” giving recruits basic training and broad expertise applicable to various naval careers. The Royal Air Force is still finalising details of its scheme.

The initiative forms part of a broader “whole of society” approach to defence, aiming to engage a generation that polls suggest is largely reluctant to serve in the military. Officials emphasise that participants will gain transferable skills, such as logistics, engineering, and team management, which could be applied in civilian careers if they choose not to continue in the armed forces.

Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood described the gap year programme as a “sober and positive step” in preparing the UK for a more challenging global security environment. “It will help educate society that we are now entering a very, very challenging era of insecurity,” he said, noting that the scheme could ultimately enhance national resilience while boosting public support for the military.

The UK model is inspired by similar programmes in Australia, France, and Denmark, which combine initial military training with specialised courses, operational exercises, and opportunities to gain practical skills. While the UK previously ran short-term officer schemes, the new gap year initiative is focused on school leavers seeking experience in military life rather than officer training.

Defence Secretary John Healey said the scheme marks a “new era for defence” and will offer young people an opportunity to experience the Armed Forces while contributing to national preparedness. He described it as part of efforts to reconnect society with the military and promote a culture of shared responsibility for the country’s defence.

By Aghakazim Guliyev