As tensions rise between Russia and NATO, whispers of a looming global conflict echo through the corridors of power. Could the unthinkable be on the horizon?
The prospect of World War 3 is becoming more and more real. (Image: Getty)
As experts increasingly warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin is gearing up for a potential conflict with NATO, the prospect of World War 3 is becoming more and more real . The Kremlin has issued a series of chilling warnings to the West, prompting leaders to urge their populations to be prepared for the worst.
However, in the event of a third world war, who would actually be fighting it? Military experts have long cautioned that current army numbers are insufficient, with former MP and ex-British Army officer Dr Mike Martin warning that conscription would be needed, reports the London Economic.
“Would we need to conscript? Yeah, we would. Because ultimately, we’re not at a stage yet where you can replace people with drones,” he told the Big Issue earlier this year. “We’re a long way off from that. Drones are fine, as far as they go, but you still need people to occupy villages, hold ground, and all the rest of it. And that’s not going to change for quite some time.”
Although Labour leader Keir Starmer insisted that “nobody is talking about conscription” during an appearance on the News Agents podcast, it wasn’t that long ago that former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was proposing national service for all 18-year-olds.
General Sir Patrick Sanders issued a stark warning to the Government just last year, stating that Brits should prepare for conscription “within six years” if the threat of Putin’s Russia doesn’t subside.
So who is most likely to be “called up”?
1. Young, fit men are most likely to be drafted in World War 3
So, who is likely to get conscripted if World War 3 kicks off? Firstly, young and fit men are the most likely to be drafted to serve, particularly those aged 18 to 25. In 1939, those aged 21 and 22 were conscripted even before the war had begun. Rules then changed to include men aged 18 to 41.
2. Single people without kids are also prime candidates for conscription
Single people without children are also more likely to be drafted. In World War 2, people without kids were drafted first to avoid disrupting families.
3. Women are likely to face conscription, despite past exclusion from combat roles
Women are also likely to face conscription, despite previously never having been drafted for direct combat. In World War 2, women aged 20 to 30 were drafted for roles related to the war, such as nursing, munitions, and auxiliary positions. Whether women would be drafted for combat roles in a future conflict remains uncertain, but a recent YouGov poll found that 72% of Brits support women on the frontlines.
4. Former soldiers and reservists are valuable for quick deployment
Former soldiers and reservists are also likely to be drafted, as they already possess the necessary training to get up to speed quickly.
5. Older people could be drafted if the war drags on
If the war were to drag on, older people could also be drafted, with people aged up to 51 being conscripted by the end of World War 2. Those aged 52 to 60 also had to take on a role in civil defence, leaving no one able to escape their responsibilities entirely.
