UK to Launch Paid Military 'Gap Year' Program for Youth Amid Rising Russia Tensions

What if your college break became a contribution to national defense—and a high-paying job? The UK government's taking a bold step to lure Gen Z into uniform by offering a paid military "gap year."

A New Path for Gen Z

The UK's Ministry of Defence is rolling out a "whole of society" approach to national defense. According to the i Paper and LBC, the scheme will target 18 to 25-year-olds, starting with 150 applicants in early 2026. If it's a hit, officials plan to expand the program to over 1,000 young people annually.

• Expected Pay: Approximately
• 26,000 pounds ($35,000)
• , matching basic recruit salaries.
• Training: Army recruits will undergo
• 13 weeks
• of basic training as part of a two-year placement.
• Role: Participants won't be deployed on active military operations.

The Shadow of Russian Aggression

This recruitment drive isn't happening in a vacuum. As tensions with Russia simmer, military leaders are sounding the alarm. Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton warned that while a direct attack is unlikely, hybrid threats—like Russian spy ships mapping undersea cables—are intensifying. The UK is joining neighbors like France and Germany in reviving national service-style schemes to boost military ranks.

To support this shift, the government previously announced that defense spending will climb to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.