UK to offer military 'gap year' to boost recruitment

The UK is launching a military 'gap year' program for school and college leavers to experience Army, Royal Navy, and RAF life without a long-term commitment. The paid 12-month course aims to attract under-25s to address recruitment challenges, with applications opening in spring 2026 for the first cohort of 150 recruits. This initiative, inspired by the Australian Defence Force's successful gap year program, offers training in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, potentially broadening the pool of future military recruits in the UK.