UK conscription rules in full with five groups least likely to serve first
The topic of national conscription has always been a contentious one, but given the current global tensions, it's an issue that can't be ignored. Starting from March, Brits aged under 25 will have the opportunity to participate in a new gap year military programme.This initiative is designed to bolster army recruitment and develop crucial life skills amid the looming threats from Russia. This programme will give young civilians a taste of military life, or alternatively, provide them with valuable skills if they decide not to join.It's understood there's no obligation to sign up full-time; however, those who do opt to remain in the Armed Forces will undergo further training for operational deployment.READ MORE: Conscription ages for women in UK if WW3 starts as Putin's pal lists Europe targetsREAD MORE: Conscription: All you need to know for UK call-up if WW3 startsIn past global conflicts, British citizens were called upon to abandon their everyday lives and take up arms in defence of their nation. While such a scenario may seem like a relic from history books, the possibility of widespread conflict feels alarmingly real.So, in the shadow of a potential World War III, would your profession make you too indispensable for conscription?While the modern form of conscription remains uncertain, history provides crucial lessons. During the Second World War, essential workers vital to keeping the country running were spared from conscription, including bakers, farmers, doctors, nurses, and engineers.Throughout that era, Britons who held moral objections to combat, referred to as 'conscientious objectors', faced tribunals and, rather than fighting on the front lines, served in non-combat capacities that still aided the war effort.In the Second World War, men aged between 20 and 22 were first summoned for conscription in 1939, up to six months before fighting actually began. The UK Parliament website explains: "During the spring of 1939, the deteriorating international situation forced the British government under Neville Chamberlain to consider preparations for a possible war against Nazi Germany."Plans for limited conscription applying to single men aged between 20 and 22 were given parliamentary approval in the Military Training Act in May 1939. This required men to undertake six months' military training, and some 240,000 registered for service."However, when war was announced, the age range was rapidly expanded to include all men aged 18 to 41. It notes: "On the day Britain declared war on Germany, 3 September 1939, Parliament immediately passed a more wide-reaching measure."The National Service (Armed Forces) Act imposed conscription on all males aged between 18 and 41 who were required to register for service. Those medically unfit were exempted, as were others in key industries and jobs such as baking, farming, medicine, and engineering."By the end of 1941, women and "all childless widows" aged between 20 and 30 were drafted, while men up to the age of 51 were also called up for military duty. Even those between 52 and 60 were required to participate in "some form of military service".The reason given was: "The main reason was that there were not enough men volunteering for police and civilian defence work, or women for the auxiliary units of the armed forces."Discussing what modern-day conscription might entail, Afghanistan veteran and Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin previously issued a warning to the Express: "There's a significant chance that it [war with Russia] might happen, so we must be prepared."The Liberal Democrat gave a stark warning: "Obviously, if we get involved in a general war with Russia, we'll be conscripting the population - there's no question about that," whilst emphasising that military strength acts as a vital deterrent."Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war]. The whole point about building the military up is that it decreases the likelihood of this happening. I think that's an important caveat. I've fought in wars, I'm not a warmonger. But I recognise that you've got to [pursue] peace through strength."READ MORE: WW3 warning - five groups most likely to be called up if UK brings back conscription
