US EditionNew Rules Make It Easier to Call up Reservists for War
- The UK government will announce new powers to mobilise tens of thousands of former service personnel as part of the Armed Forces Bill, which extends the Strategic Reserve call-up age to 65.
- Facing shortages in trained personnel and a smaller regular British Army of just over 66,000, ministers frame changes as a response to a febrile global atmosphere including Iran and Ukraine.
- The mobilisation threshold for the Strategic Reserve is lowered to 'warlike preparations', applying to former service personnel and accompanied by technical renewal powers in the bill.
- According to government figures, around 95,000 members of the Strategic Reserve could become eligible, and if MPs and peers approve, the changes would come into force next year.
- Critics of defence policy warn the delayed Defence Investment Plan for 2025 fuels Parliamentary debate amid under-resourcing, while supporters highlight reservists' Excel Centre conversion during Covid.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Dad’s Army? UK could call up 65 year old veterans
Governments across Europe are having a hard time finding people to willingly join up in the armed forces in readiness for a potential future conflict. The German government, after seeing little take-up from a voluntary conscription scheme, has even touted a possible compulsory conscription for young adults. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has gone one step further though, with the Ministry of… Source
Britain Extends Military Reserve Age Limit Amidst European Security Tensions
In response to rising security tensions in Europe, Britain plans to strengthen its military reserves by extending the maximum call-up age of former personnel to 65. This move aligns with similar efforts by European nations and is part of NATO's overarching strategy amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.
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