UK to Offer Paid Military Gap Year for Young People
The program is framed as part of a broader ‘whole of society’ approach to defense.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (C) and Defence Secretary John Healey (center R) pose for a selfie with British armed forces personnel in front of a UK Typhoon fighter jet at Tusas airbase in Ankara, during a visit to Turkey on Oct. 27, 2025. Stefan Rousseau/PA
The UK will offer young people paid gap years in the armed forces from 2026 under a new government initiative designed to broaden public involvement in national defense, the UK Ministry of Defence said on Dec. 27.
The pilot program, known as the Foundation Scheme, will initially be open to about 150 participants and is aimed at people under 25.
Evgenia Filimianova
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Evgenia Filimianova is a UK-based journalist covering a wide range of international stories, with a particular interest in foreign policy, economy, and UK politics.
