"A "gap year" scheme to give school and college leavers a taste of the Army, Royal Navy or RAF without a long term commitment, is to be launched by the government. The course is aimed at under-25s and is part of efforts to solve long-term recruitment and retention problems in the armed forces. Applications to be part of the first of 150 recruits open in the spring, with plans for that number to grow to 1,000 young people a year."
"Defence Secretary John Healey said the scheme would offer young people "incredible skills and training". However the Conservatives criticised the small number of recruits. Recruits to the "gap year" programme will not be deployed on active operations, and the content of the courses is still said to be in development. The Army scheme would see recruits receive 13 weeks of basic training as part of a two-year placement, while the Navy scheme would last a year and provide general training for sailors,"
A paid gap year programme will give under-25s short military experience in the Army, Royal Navy or RAF without long-term commitment. Applications for an initial 150 places open in spring, with a plan to expand to 1,000 participants annually; salary details have not been announced. Recruits will not be deployed on active operations and course content remains in development. The Army offer includes 13 weeks of basic training within a two-year placement; the Navy proposal offers a year of general training; the RAF plan is less developed. The MoD says participants will learn leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills to set them up "for life". Officials hope the scheme broadens recruitment and encourages some participants to pursue military careers. Conservatives criticised the small initial intake.
Read at www.bbc.com
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