A new paid “gap year” style initiative will give young people hands-on experience of life in the UK Armed Forces from 2026, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, scheduled to launch in March 2026, will recruit an initial cohort of around 150 participants aged under 25. The year-long programme will provide experience across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, with Ministers aiming to expand numbers to more than 1,000 if demand is high.
Participants will undertake tailored training, basic military preparation, and practical experience designed to improve problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills. The scheme is intended to support those unsure of their future direction by providing attributes that are valuable in both civilian employment and a potential military career. Examples include spending time at sea with the Royal Navy or working alongside Army supply chain specialists and RAF engineers to build transferable skills in sectors such as logistics and engineering.
The initiative sits within a wider Government effort to build a “whole of society” approach to defence, a key priority in the UK’s Strategic Defence Review. The review referenced Australia’s long-running ADF Gap Year as an example of a successful model.
The launch also follows recent comments from the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, who has argued for a broader national effort in response to a more unpredictable global security environment.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:
This is a new era for Defence, and that means opening up new opportunities for young people to experience and learn from our Armed Forces.
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.
As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our Armed Forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK.
Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP said:
As a veteran, I know how invaluable the skills and experience gained by serving in the Armed Forces are not only in a military career, but in civilian 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, all while building resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that will serve them for life.
The Foundation Scheme will run as a pilot in its first year, with no obligation for participants to continue military service after completion. Expansion plans will be reviewed once the pilot concludes.
