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The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme
The Armed Forces Foundation Scheme (AFFS) allows you to join the Army as a soldier for 18 months, fully paid. You’ll complete the full training, gain real experience in a unit and find out what Army life is really like before deciding what you want to do next.
From day one, you’ll be trained, paid and part of a team.
What is the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme?
The AFFS is a way to experience Army life as a soldier for 18 months. You'll learn new skills and understand what it’s like to serve, without having to commit to a long‑term career straight away.
It’s open for selected soldier roles in the:
Infantry (excluding Paratrooper / The Guards)
Royal Logistic Corps - Supply Chain Operative
Adjutant General's Corps - HR specialist
These roles are chosen so you can complete full training and spend time gaining real experience in a unit during the 18 months.
What do you get?
During your time in the scheme you'll get the benefits of serving in the Army.
Salary of £24,149.04
Pension
Healthcare
Free gyms
Subsidised food and accommodation
Opportunity for travel overseas
When will it start?
The first intake for the scheme will begin in September 2026. You can speak to a recruiter or apply now to start your journey and get ready for entry.
Who is the scheme for?
To apply, you’ll need to:
Be at least 18 years old at the start of basic training
Meet the medical, fitness and other requirements, just like everyone other soldier who joins
Meet the entry requirements for the role you apply for
The entry requirements can vary depending on the role, so it’s important to check what’s needed before you apply.
We’ll explain what’s required, guide you through the process and support you at every step.
What will happen during your 18 months?
- Phase 1COMPLETE YOUR TRAINING
You'll train for around 6 months. This will include:
Basic Training (Phase 1 training)
Complete the same Basic Training like any other soldier
You’ll build fitness, confidence and soldiering skills
Initial Trade Training (ITT)
You'll learn the skills needed for your role
This will be to the same standard as if you were joining as regular soldier.
- Phase 2SERVE IN A UNIT
Spend around 12 months in your unit
You’ll gain deployable skills
You’ll support the Army and contribute to your team
You can deploy if required
You’ll be fully trained, fully paid, and deployable while part of the team.
During my career I have travelled to new countries, been away skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing and many other sports and activities. I learnt to drive and have graduated university. It's because of the Army i had these opportunities.
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What happens at the end of the scheme?
At the end of the 18 months, you choose what’s next.
Stay in the Army (which we hope you will)
Extend your service to initial 12 years
Build a long‑term Army career
Opportunities for promotion and pay increase
Access to apprenticeships if you extend your service
Or leave the Army
Leave the Army with full training and experience
If you do leave you can reapply in future if you change your mind
There is also the option of joining the Army Reserve
How to apply
To apply, simply register for an account and fill out the online application form. This should only take a few minutes
Once you're in the process, you can speak to your recruiter for more information
The scheme runs alongside normal recruiting, with limited places available throughout the year
Find out more about being a Soldier
Explore what life as a Soldier is really like, from training to the opportunities ahead.
Start your application today
Take the first step towards your Army career by starting your application online.