The last conscription in the UK was more than eight decades ago during World War 2 and, like back then, certain call-up exemptions would occur if another global war happened
Given the possibility of ongoing Russian aggression sparking a major conflict across Europe, the thought of reintroducing conscription in the UK is on some peoples’ minds.
A Defence Select Committee said over the weekend that a war between the two countries would lead to a general mobilisation of troops, last seen more than 80 years ago during World War 2. Although there was a general call-up then, some people were exempt from action and similar scenarios would likely apply if another world war kicked off.
Profession, age and medical condition were all factors determining who was exempt from obligatory military service and who was not. People employed in key industries vital to keeping the country running would most likely be exempt from the draft.
During WW2, these professions included baking, farming, medicine, coal mining and engineering, reports the Express. While it’s likely the list of professions exempt would be adapted to the modern landscape, they indicate the types of roles considered important for keeping the country running.
Conscription in WW2 initially only applied to men aged between 20 and 21. However, it was quickly expanded to include all men between the ages of 18 and 41. The British government introduced the National Service Act in 1948 to cover conscription in peacetime.
As a result, men aged 17 and 21 had to do military service for 18 months and were also put on the reserve list for four years. The service time was increased to two years during the Korean War of 1950, but the reserve period was decreased by six months to compensate for the increased service time.
Certain medical conditions would also theoretically provide an exemption from being sent to the trenches. The British Armed Forces today does not allow anyone suffering from hearing or vision problems to enlist.
Neurological conditions, severe skin conditions, psychiatric and cardiovascular issues could also provide grounds for exemption. Those with bone or joint problems, such as chronic knee injuries, shoulder problems and a history of bone fractures, could also dodge the draft.
Theoretically, it could also be possible to refuse enlistment on the grounds of being a conscientious objector. There were around 16,000 in World War I and 60,000 in WW2. Those who objected had to appear before a tribunal to argue their case for refusing to join.
Mike Martin, an Afghanistan veteran and the MP for Tunbridge Wells, said: “There’s a significant chance that it [war with Russia] might happen so we must be prepared. Obviously, if we get involved in a general war with Russia, we’ll be conscripting the population – there’s no question about that,”
The Liberal Democrat added: “Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war]. The whole point about building the military up is 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.”
But Mr Martin, who served multiple tours in Helmand Province, said there was a chance that the UK could avoid a full-blown war with Russia. He added: “[It is] quite unlikely that we get to that situation of sort of generalised war.
“I think you can see a space in between here and there, where we are increasing the size of the military quite rapidly.” The UK armed forces has about 138,00 personnel with about 75,000 being enlisted in the British Army.
Former British Army officer and Tory MP for Bournemouth East Tobias Ellwood called on the Government to reintroduce compulsory national service in order to boost the UK’s military capability. He told the same publication: “Of course we need to bolster land, air, and sea but there needs to be greater resilience and readiness from a British perspective to deter.”