A new recruitment scheme will see armed forces recruits fast tracked into specialist roles to tackle the growing cyber threat.

The new bespoke entry route is aimed at aspiring cyber professionals and those with existing digital skills and will see basic training reduced from 10 weeks to around one month. After this first month, recruits will undergo 3 months’ specialist training.

By the end of the year, 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.

The new recruits will receive salaries of over £40,000, one of the highest armed forces starting salaries. There are also opportunities for additional skills-based pay as they gain expertise and experience.  

The Ministry of Defence has protected UK networks from more than 90,000 sub-threshold attacks in the last two years.

Secretary of state for defence, John Healey MP, said: "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.

"After years of hollowing out, our government is making Britain secure at home and strong abroad, delivering on our Plan for Change and the hardworking British people."

Launching the scheme on a visit to Corsham, the Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, 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."