The United Kingdom, facing a shortage of military personnel, is drawing attention by introducing a paid one-year military experience program for young people under the age of 25.
According to CNN and other sources, on December 27 (local time), the British government announced that it will launch the 'Armed Forces Foundation Scheme' starting in March next year. This program targets young people who have chosen to take a 'gap year'-a year to explore career paths or pursue personal development after graduating from high school without immediately entering university.
Participants will serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force for one year, receiving basic military training. They will not be deployed in actual operations. Instead, the British government explained that participants will learn skills applicable in civilian sectors, such as engineering and supply chain management, and receive customized training in problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. The government plans to start by recruiting about 150 people for the initial phase and then expand the program to include more than 1,000 participants.
CNN analyzed that the chronic shortage of military personnel in the United Kingdom is the reason behind the introduction of this program. The UK has operated a volunteer military system since 1960, but has failed to meet its annual recruitment targets over the past decade. John Healey, the British Secretary of State for Defence, emphasized, "We will provide young people with the opportunity to experience the skills and training offered by the military and usher in a new era of national defense."
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