Brits who attempt to dodge a potential WW3 conscription call-up could face serious backlash from their peers, according to history expert Professor Joshua Bilton. The conscription expert warned that avoiding a draft could affect an individual's social and cultural standing and might even have an impact on employment after a conflict ends.
Societal Reactions to Draft Dodgers
Speaking to the Daily Star, Professor Bilton said: "It could certainly affect their social and cultural standing and might even have an impact on employment post-conflict." He added that reactions would vary across society, noting: "But I think it depends on what segments of society 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."
While the prospect of conscription being rolled out to the UK population may sound daunting, Bilton has said he doubts men will be hauled onto the frontline if conscription makes a return.
Most Would Serve in Support Roles
The war studies expert stated: "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 pointed to historical precedent, noting: "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 has 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.
Historical Precedents and Covert Pressure
The expert stated these methods could resemble the White Feather Campaign launched by women in WW1, which publicly mocked men not wearing military uniform with a white feather, marking them as cowards. Bilton told the Star: "While some segments of society would certainly shame men, it has never been government policy to necessarily do it. It would be more covert and implicit, as we saw during the FWW when the recruitment campaigns used direct but subtler language. Plus, I'm sure many would look favourably on those who dodged the draft."
