Major UK conscription update as Brits aged up to 65 could be called up to Army Reserves

Major UK conscription update as Brits aged up to 65 could be called up to Army Reserves Conscription is when a government imposes mandatory military service on the public - the UK Government extended the age bracket for men eligible for call-up to the Army Reserves earlier this year. People up to 65-years-old could be called up to fight in any upcoming major war after the age bracket for the Army Reserves was extended from 55 earlier this year. This means people born between 1961 and 1971 could be called up. Conscription is when a government imposes mandatory military service on individuals. During World War 2, men between 20 and 22 years of age were conscripted in 1939. This conscription took place six months before the war actually broke out. During the Spring of 1939, the British Government under Neville Chamberlain had to consider preparations for a possible war against Nazi Germany, the UK Parliament website reads. "Plans for limited conscription for single men aged between 20 and 22 were given parliamentary approval under the Military Training Act in May 1939," it continues. "This required men to undertake six months' military training, and some 240,000 registered for service." After war was declared, the age range was broadened to men between 18 and 41 and by 1942, the age threshold had risen. Men as old as 60 were called upon to serve. By the close of 1941, women and all childless widows aged 20 and 30 were conscripted, while men aged up to 51 were summoned for military service. Even those aged between 52 and 60 were obliged to participate in "some form of military service." 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."