If Britain reintroduced conscription amid fears of a large-scale conflict, 18 to 24-year-olds would likely be the first to be called up, according to a former British Army chief. The warning comes as global tensions continue to rise, with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting recently saying the country needs to be ready for war in 1,000 days.
Reservists First, Then Conscription
Lord Dannatt, who served as Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009, said reservists and former service personnel would be drafted in before any conscription of young adults. He previously told the Express: "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."
Britons being told to begin stockpiling essential items has added to fears of a potential conflict. The Government has stressed it has no plans to reintroduce conscription, with its focus instead on building a professional Armed Forces made up of those who choose to serve.
Second World War Model
Emeritus professor at the University of Buckingham, Anthony Glees, said full conscription would likely follow the model used during the Second World War. He explained: "This would mean that all males from 18-41 would have to do military or national service."
He noted that this was decided in September 1939 when the UK declared war on Germany but before serious fighting had started, the so-called 'Phoney War' period. Prior to the declaration of war in May 1939, all males aged 20-22 were required to do national service. In 1941, the age range was extended by ten years, so 18-51 and unmarried women were also required to do some kind of national service.
Public Attitudes and Service
Britain has only ever had two periods of conscription, between 1916 and 1920, and 1939 and 1960, both coinciding with the world wars and the following years. Some commentators believe this could change in the event of a large-scale war.
A new poll suggests the majority of young Britons would be unwilling to take up arms for their country if required. The British Social Attitudes survey found only 22% of 16 to 34-year-olds attached high importance to serving in the Armed Forces during a time of need, in stark contrast to those aged 55 and over, with 45% believing it is highly important. More than 4,600 Britons aged over 16 took part in the survey, published last week.
