To Be Introduced in the UK Starting March Next Year
Seeking Solutions to Personnel Shortages Through Experiential Recruitment
Experiential Program Combining Military and Vocational Training
Aiming to Increase Voluntary Participation Among Young P
Facing a shortage of military personnel, the United Kingdom is introducing a paid "military service experience program" for young people under the age of 25, lasting one year. Instead of reinstating conscription, the government aims to increase voluntary participation among the younger generation through an experiential program that combines salary and vocational training.
According to international media outlets such as CNN on the 27th (local time), the UK government announced plans to launch a pilot one-year basic military service program for young people starting in March next year. Participants will choose one branch among the Army, Navy, or Air Force and receive both basic military training and practical job education.
'Military Experience' Instead of University... A Career Exploration Service Model
This program primarily targets young people who have not immediately chosen to attend university or enter the workforce after graduating from high school. The intention is to allow them to experience military life while receiving a salary for a set period, then decide for themselves whether to pursue long-term service.
The UK government plans to design the curriculum so that participants can acquire skills applicable in the private sector, such as logistics, engineering, supply chain management, and IT systems operation, rather than limiting them to basic military training. The program is focused on developing "transferable workplace skills" such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.
Starting Salary of Around 50 Million Won... Initial Pilot With 150 Participants
While the salary and detailed training curriculum have not been finalized, the annual salary for regular recruits is reported to be about 26,000 pounds (approximately 50 million won). The government plans to start by recruiting around 150 participants to test the program, and, depending on the results, expand it to more than 1,000 participants in the long term.
John Healey, the UK Secretary of State for Defence, stated, "The goal is to provide a pathway for the younger generation to directly experience the skills and training offered by the military," adding that "this could mark a turning point in how we secure defense personnel."
Severe Personnel Shortage as the Background
This initiative stems from the severe personnel shortage faced by the British military. Since abolishing mandatory service in 1960, the UK has maintained a volunteer-based system, but for the past decade, it has failed to meet its annual recruitment targets. As of October this year, the size of the regular British armed forces stands at about 137,000, continuing a downward trend.
The House of Commons Defence Committee warned in a report last year that "if the current trend continues, it will be difficult to respond to high-intensity, full-scale warfare." In reality, for every eight personnel leaving the British military, only five new recruits are joining.
As a result, last year, the ruling party even considered reinstating mandatory service as an early general election pledge, reflecting the sense of crisis. However, given potential public backlash, analysts say that an "incentive-based service model" combining salary and career development has emerged as a more practical alternative than compulsory conscription.
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