UK youth to be offered military ‘gap year’ in bid to boost defence: Report

According to reports, a new “whole of society” approach to national defense that aims to increase recruitment among young people will offer teenagers in the United Kingdom paid “gap years” with the armed forces.

As Europe’s tensions rise, the UK’s Ministry of Defense reported on Friday that the government hopes the program will increase the number of military careers for British youth.

Beginning in early 2026, the program will be accessible to about 150 applicants between the ages of 18 and 25; however, according to British radio LBC, ministers hope to expand it to more than 1, 000 young people annually in response to demand.

Russia’s threat to its citizens is growing, and European nations have turned to national service for young people as a way to bolster their ranks. This year, France, Germany, and Belgium announced plans.

Although pay has not been confirmed, the UK’s LBC news organization reported that it is expected to match basic recruit salaries, which are typically around 26, 000 pounds or $35, 000. Recruits to the UK scheme are not expected to deploy to active military operations.

As part of a two-year placement, army recruits would complete 13 weeks of basic training. According to reports, the Royal Air Force (RAF) is still considering options while the navy scheme would last a year.

According to UK Defence Secretary John Healey, “This is a new era for defense, and that means opening up new opportunities for young people.”

The UK’s Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, the chief of the defense staff, earlier this month, made remarks that the program follows. According to the Press Association, the UK’s “sons and daughters” should be “ready to fight” and defend the nation in the face of Russian aggression.

Hybrid threats are becoming more common, according to Knighton, even though it’s unlikely that Russia would attack the UK directly.

He made reference to a recent incident involving a Russian spy ship that is suspected of mapping underwater cables near UK waters.

We are aware that Russian agents are attempting to sabotage and kill on our shores every day, according to Knighton, who noted that Russia’s military has developed into a “hard power [which is growing quickly]”.