With over 90,000 cyber attacks targeting UK military networks in just two years, the Armed Forces have launched an ambitious fast-track recruitment program aimed at bolstering the nation’s cyber defence capabilities. This initiative significantly shortens traditional military training, condensing a 10-week process into just four months.
The new program, announced by the Ministry of Defence, is part of a broader effort to address the increasing threat posed by cyber attacks. The statistics on these attacks are stark, with over 90,000 incidents reported in the last two years, and previous years seeing even higher numbers, such as the six million attacks in 2023.
The streamlined approach, while raising questions about readiness, acknowledges that the battlefield has increasingly shifted from physical terrain to computer screens. The fast-track program includes a month of basic training followed by three months of specialist training at the Defence Cyber Academy in Shrivenham. Successful applicants will be embedded into operational roles by the end of 2025, either securing defence networks and services or conducting cyber operations as part of the National Cyber Force.
The initiative seeks to attract individuals with relevant aptitude or existing skills into cyber careers, offering a starting salary of over £40,000, one of the highest in the armed forces, and opportunities for additional skills-based pay as they gain expertise and experience. This move is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aimed at strengthening national security and addressing the global shortage of cyber talent.
As cyber attacks on military networks continue to surge, the UK government has launched an ambitious fast-track recruitment scheme to bolster its cyber-defence capabilities.
With over 90,000 attacks reported in the past two years alone, there’s an urgent need to strengthen the nation’s digital frontline.
The new programme dramatically reduces training time from 10 weeks to just one month of basic training, followed by three months at the Defence Cyber Academy in Shrivenham.
If you’re considering this career path, you’ll start with one of the highest armed forces salaries – over £40,000 – plus additional pay for specialised skills. Successful applicants will be embedded into operational roles by the end of 2025, either securing defence networks and services at the digital headquarters in Corsham or conducting cyber operations to counter those who’d do the UK harm as part of the National Cyber Force.
The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are leading the initial recruitment drive, with the British Army joining in 2026. After years of recruitment challenges, the armed forces have already introduced a 35% pay increase for new recruits.
This initiative is part of the UK’s broader strategy to address the changing nature of warfare, where cyber capabilities present complex hybrid threats.
According to Luke Pollard, Armed Forces Minister, he said: “With more than 90,000 cyberattacks on UK military networks over the last two years, it’s essential that we step up our cyber defence, fast-tracking the brightest and the best cyber specialists to help protect the UK and our allies.”
The government is also emphasising the critical role of cyber defence in national security, with John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, stating: “Fast tracking cyber warriors into our military will help ensure our Armed Forces are better equipped to face our adversaries in the 21st century and defend the country from the changing threats we face.”
As part of this initiative, the government is investing in regional skills projects across England and Northern Ireland to boost local cyber resilience, positioning the UK as a global leader in cyber security.
