Big questions remain about who should be called up if the UK faces a major conflict, but what do you think?
The UK looks to strengthen its military readiness amid growing global instability (Image: Getty)
A big debate has opened up after the Government confirmed that the maximum recall age for former military personnel will rise from 55 to 65. The change is part of the new Armed Forces Bill and will allow older veterans to be mobilised in times of crisis, including “warlike preparations”, from spring 2027.
It comes as the UK looks to strengthen its military readiness amid growing global instability and increasing pressure on NATO allies to boost their own reserves. Under the plans, veterans who are already out of the forces will not be automatically recalled unless they choose to opt in. Even so, the announcement has raised big questions about who should be called up if the country faces a major conflict, including the possibility of World War 3. So what do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can’t see the poll below? Click here.
The Government says the change will help expand the UK’s “strategic reserve”, which includes former service personnel who still hold specialist skills gained during their careers.
Around 95,000 people are currently estimated to be liable for recall, although full figures are not published.
Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths said the reforms would ensure the UK can draw on “the widest possible pool of experienced personnel” if needed.
He described veterans as holding a “wealth of expertise” that could prove crucial during a national emergency.
Ministers also argue that many roles in modern conflict do not involve frontline fighting. Specialists in logistics, intelligence, engineering, medicine and aviation would all be essential in any large-scale operation.
But others say the plan exposes serious gaps in how the Ministry of Defence keeps track of former personnel.
Should over 60s in UK be called up to fight if WW3 happens? (Image: Getty)
As Express’ Conor Wilson, who served in the British Army, put it in a very timely opinion piece, there is a major issue with simply locating those who might be eligible.
He wrote that “the MoD has no idea who would qualify, where they now live or how to contact them” due to outdated record-keeping and a lack of follow-up after service members leave the forces.
Conor also warned that annual letters asking veterans to update their details are easily ignored, and there is no penalty for failing to respond.
He added that while older veterans could still add value in many roles, the UK cannot rely on a system that struggles to identify who is available when it matters most.
He also argued that unless the Government improves tracking and communication urgently, widening the recall age “will have very little impact on the UK’s ability to fight in the event of war”, calling the current situation “noise that needs to be backed up by action”.
Share your opinion in the poll above and in the comments.
Conor’s full opinion piece can be found here.
