This young woman is already at uni - being a member of Northumbrian University Officers' Training Corps - but who knows what she might have done beforehand if the scheme had been running then? (Picture: MOD)

Tri-Service

Under 25? Have 12 months to spare? How about taking an Armed Forces gap year?

Would you join the military for a gap year? Well, from next year you can.

Its official name is the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme and it'll be open for recruitment from March.

There are 150 slots available - and you've got to be under 25.

No commitment

The scheme lasts around one year and at the end there's no commitment to join the Armed Forces full-time.

You will be paid, but you won't get deployed on active operations.

The Government says the scheme is inspired by something similar in Australia and it hopes to eventually expand the programme to 1,000 people.

The Army Internship Programme is open to people wanting to get a commission and lead (Picture: MOD)

Bridging the gap

The military already runs a number of similar schemes, such as the Army Internship Programme.

This is only available for those considering officer training, but despite having 30 places, there were fewer than 10 personnel on the course ending in 2025.

All three services also have paid apprenticeships which gets you a qualification, but they often last longer than a year and the age bracket is larger – you can apply for some of them in your 40s.

Defence analysts have been warning there is a lack of public awareness for the increasing threats we face, particularly from Russia.

This new gap year-style scheme aims to tackle that – and if all goes well, the scheme could be a boost for recruitment.

If not, you've got yourself some transferrable skills that will be useful in the job you do decide to go for.