Young people will be able to spend a year in the Armed Forces under a new paid “gap year” scheme set to launch in 2026, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will offer around 150 places in its first intake, with recruitment opening in early 2026 and the programme expected to begin in March. Participants will serve across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, receiving training and experience designed to develop leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Ministers say there is an ambition to expand the scheme to more than 1,000 participants over time, subject to demand. Initially, it will operate as a pilot, allowing young people to experience military life without committing to a longer-term career in the services.
Skills for military and civilian life
The year-long programme is aimed at under-25s who may be uncertain about their next steps after school or further education. Alongside elements of basic training, participants may experience activities such as time at sea or working alongside specialist units, including logistics and engineering teams.
The MOD says the scheme is designed to build transferable skills that are relevant beyond the Armed Forces, improving employability and supporting national resilience. Those who complete the programme will be free to pursue a civilian career or apply to continue serving.
Part of a wider defence approach
The initiative forms part of the government’s “whole of society” approach to defence, highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review, which aims to strengthen public connection with the Armed Forces and broaden participation.
The scheme has been informed by the Australian Defence Force’s long-running gap year model, which has operated for more than a decade and was cited in the UK’s defence review as an example of good practice.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the programme would open up new opportunities for young people to learn from the Armed Forces and better understand their role. Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones said the experience would help participants develop skills and resilience valuable in both military and civilian careers.
The announcement follows calls from the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, for a broader national response to global uncertainty, including closer engagement between society and the Armed Forces.
