Recruitment Engagement Programme
Keeping recruits on course from first interest to their first day.
Equip recruits with resources, information, and check-ins so every applicant stays motivated to the finish line.
How We Support Recruits
Choosing to serve is a life-changing decision, yet too many applicants fall away before they ever reach the parade square. Early-stage dropouts remain stubbornly high, often because families lack clear guidance and young people struggle to navigate paperwork, fitness benchmarks, and the emotional toll of waiting.
Squaddies bridges that gap by surrounding recruits and their supporters with information, step-by-step resources, and timely check-ins. The Smart Support Hub is currently in pilot testing. Initial resources and guidance will be added during 2026 as new modules go live. With the right guides on hand at each milestone, applicants stay confident, connected, and ready to see their commitment through.
Awareness & Early Guidance
Spark interest and answer early questions so prospects and their families feel informed before taking the next step.
- Community story sessions and myth-busting explainers will roll out through the Smart Support Hub as pilot modules launch in 2026.
- Conversation starters and family briefing sheets to help supporters guide first decisions.
Application Preparation
Remove paperwork barriers with one-to-one support and easy-to-follow guidance.
- Information that walks applicants through forms, evidence uploads, and key deadlines.
- Personalised document checklists and timeline planners will be available within the Smart Support Hub as new features go live in 2026.
Assessment Readiness
Build confidence with structured preparation for fitness and aptitude tests.
- The Smart Support Hub is currently in pilot testing. Initial resources and guidance will be added during 2026 as new modules go live.
- Fitness training plans from Get Fit to Fight to strengthen cardio, stamina, and resilience.
Resources include workout plans, recovery guides, and assessment guides.
Onboarding & Staying Motivated
Keep momentum strong between offer and first day with personalised encouragement.
- Motivational check-ins every fortnight from staff and peer supporters.
- Countdown briefings that cover kit, travel, family communication plans, and first-week expectations.
Stay-in-touch info, packing lists, and motivation guidance will be housed inside the Support Hub as the pilot expands through 2026.
As each asset goes live, this grid will update with download links so applicants and partner organisations can access the right support instantly.
Why It Matters
Recruitment shortfalls, long waits, and early drop-outs remain stubborn challenges for the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force alike. Applicants who raise their hand today still need clearer guidance, faster support, and a committed community if they’re to stay engaged all the way to basic training.
By the Numbers
20–40%
Annual shortfall
In recent years, the Army has missed recruitment targets by as much as two-fifths, leaving units overstretched.
Thousands missing
Gap in the ranks
Every year, several thousand fewer regulars and reservists join up than defence planners require.
300+ days
Average wait
Many applicants still face close to a year from submitting an application to stepping onto the training square.
1 in 10
Conversion rate
Only around one in ten applicants now makes it through the entire journey to training; most drop out along the way.
Reserve shortfall
Undermanned units
Reserve recruitment continues to lag behind targets, leaving capability gaps when the military needs flexibility most.
10% women
Diversity gap
Female recruitment remains around ten percent, still shy of the 15% ambition for a more representative force.
These figures highlight why our Recruitment Engagement Programme exists—to provide recruits with the resources, mentorship, and fitness tools they need to stay on track and succeed.
Supporting Every Service
Squaddies supports applicants across all branches of the UK Armed Forces — the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Air Force, and Reserve forces. Each has its own application pathway; links below.
How You Can Help: Get Involved
This programme works when family, funders, and partner organisations pull together to keep every applicant on track. By standing alongside Squaddies you equip recruits and their supporters with the tools, coaching, and encouragement they need from first enquiry to day one.
Choose one or more actions that align with your expertise so we can build the strongest possible network around future service personnel:
- Fund Smart Support Hub development so we can expand digital guidance, live chat, and analytics for recruits and mentors.
- Help recruits by providing regular check-ins, practical advice, and reassurance to families navigating the process.
- Partner with us to co-host outreach events, share insight, and scale the programme into new communities.
Ready to back these efforts and help recruits stay the course? Your contribution keeps the programme growing.