Brits who avoid WW3 conscription call-up could face 'shame' and even employment issues

As global tensions reach boiling point, fears are never too far away that World War 3 could break out at any point. A major conflict is likely to bring conscription , the official term for when a country imposes mandatory military service on the public. The UK Government extended the age bracket for eligible call-ups to the Army Reserves earlier this year, and some Brits understood that to be a reaction to the current worldwide unrest.

With Vladimir Putin and Russia warning that direct nuclear strikes are "reality" and "not a scare tactic", western leaders are on red alert. Experts are now worried the UK will have to re-introduce compulsory service to help bolster the nation's war effort But Professor Joshua Bilton has warned Brits seeking to skip a potential draft could face serious backlash from their peers. He said: “It could certainly affect their social and cultural standing and might even have an impact on employment post-conflict.

To see more of the stories you love from The Mirror and to find them easily in Google then make us your preferred source. Free and easy-to-do, just click on the link here to find more from The Mirror at the top of your feed. "But I think it depends on what segments of society we are talking about, as society is not monolithic, and while some will accept it and say good for you, others may shame them. It is far more nuanced than many acknowledge, as it depends greatly on how family and friends feel about a forthcoming war."

While the prospect of conscription being rolled out to the UK population does sound daunting, Bilton has said he doubts men will be hauled onto the frontline if conscription makes a return. The war studies expert told the Daily Star : “Most people will not end up in the armed forces; most people will go into industry or civil defence or other roles and sectors that support the war effort. “If we look at both world wars, only about 25% of the male population of a certain age went into the armed forces, and even then it was often in non-combatant or support roles.”

Bilton has stated in the event of a WW3 conscription call-up it is unlikely the government would shame men who refuse to contribute to the war effort. However he added this might not stop “more covert and implicit” methods being deployed by some groups to pressure men into joining the war effort. The expert stated these methods could resemble the White Feather Campaign launched by women in WW1. Retired army chief Lord Dannatt says there would be a particular method of enlisting people to defend the country, suggesting a contingency plan is already in place.

He believes Britain would initially turn to army reservists, recalled former service personnel and younger adults, should the Government be forced to act due to a major conflict, before considering the wider population. Compulsory military service is not currently being contemplated, but this could change should tensions continue to escalate and ultimately boil over. He said: "I would expect to see the Army Reserve mobilised first, then Regular Reservists recalled to active service, and then His Majesty's Government would need to consider conscription, starting with 18-24-year-olds.

Britain would not necessarily begin by compelling civilians with no military experience to join the armed forces . "Reservists and former service personnel would provide an initial pool of people with military training, although recalling them at scale would present substantial logistical challenges."