Brits who refuse a call-up to the Army Reserves in the event of a World War 3 conscription could face social shame and even employment problems after the conflict, an expert has warned.
The UK Government extended the age bracket for men eligible for call-up to the Army Reserves earlier this year, a move some interpreted as a reaction to worldwide unrest. With Vladimir Putin and Russia warning that direct nuclear strikes are "reality" and "not a scare tactic", western leaders are on red alert, and experts now worry the UK will have to re-introduce compulsory service to bolster the nation's war effort.
Social and Employment Consequences
Professor Joshua Bilton, a war studies expert, warned Brits seeking to skip a potential draft could face serious backlash from their peers. He said: "It could certainly affect their social and cultural standing and might even have an impact on employment post-conflict."
He added: "But I think it depends on what segments of society we are talking about, as society is not monolithic, and while some will accept it and say good for you, others may shame them. It is far more nuanced than many acknowledge, as it depends greatly on how family and friends feel about a forthcoming war."
Most Would Not Fight on the Frontline
While the prospect of conscription sounds daunting, Bilton said he doubts men will be hauled onto the frontline if conscription makes a return. He told the Daily Star: "Most people will not end up in the armed forces; most people will go into industry or civil defence or other roles and sectors that support the war effort."
He noted: "If we look at both world wars, only about 25% of the male population of a certain age went into the armed forces, and even then it was often in non-combatant or support roles."
Bilton stated that in the event of a WW3 conscription call-up, it is unlikely the government would shame men who refuse to contribute to the war effort. However, he added this might not stop "more covert and implicit" methods being deployed by some groups to pressure men into joining, which could resemble the White Feather Campaign launched by women in WW1.
Reservists First, Conscription as a Last Resort
Retired army chief Lord Dannatt suggested a contingency plan is already in place, believing Britain would initially turn to army reservists, recalled former service personnel and younger adults before considering the wider population. He said: "I would expect to see the Army Reserve mobilised first, then Regular Reservists recalled to active service, and then His Majesty's Government would need to consider conscription, starting with 18-24-year-olds. Britain would not necessarily begin by compelling civilians with no military experience to join the armed forces."
He added that reservists and former service personnel would provide an initial pool of people with military training, although recalling them at scale would present substantial logistical challenges. Compulsory military service is not currently being contemplated, but this could change should tensions continue to escalate and ultimately boil over.
