Initiative seeks to attract individuals with relevant aptitude, interest, or existing skills into cyber careers.
Basic training for aspiring cyber professionals and those with existing digital skills is to be reduced from 10 weeks to around one month.
According to an announcement from the Ministry of Defence, the reduction in time for training will see recruits complete bespoke training within a matter of weeks, and successful applicants will be in operational roles by the end of 2025.
After the basic training is completed, recruits will undergo three months’ specialist training at the Defence Cyber Academy in Shrivenham.
Relevant Aptitude
The new initiative seeks to attract individuals with relevant aptitude, interest, or existing skills into cyber careers, while still offering the unique benefits of a career in the armed forces.
By the end of 2025, new recruits will be embedded into operational roles, either securing defence’s networks and services at the digital headquarters in Corsham, or conducting cyber operations to counter those who would do the UK harm as part of the National Cyber Force.
Luke Pollard MP, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: “With more than 90,000 cyber-attacks on UK military networks over the last two years, it is 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.
“We are in a new era of threat, with cyberspace as a new front line. Our government will deliver for defence by boosting recruitment efforts, cementing our national security as the foundation of our Plan for Change.”
Written by
Dan Raywood
Senior Editor
SC Media UK
Dan Raywood is a B2B journalist with more than 20 years of experience, including covering cybersecurity for the past 16 years. He has extensively covered topics from Advanced Persistent Threats and nation-state hackers to major data breaches and regulatory changes.
He has spoken at events including 44CON, Infosecurity Europe, RANT Conference, BSides Scotland, Steelcon and ESET Security Days.
Outside work, Dan enjoys supporting Tottenham Hotspur, managing mischievous cats, and sampling craft beers.
