Britain prepares to call back 95,000 veterans as Russia fears grow

95,000 veterans — and an Army of just 71,000

Britain is preparing for an extraordinary military exercise next year — one that could see 95,000 former servicemen and women tested for recall in a national emergency.

The exercise is designed to discover whether Britain's huge pool of former military personnel can actually be found, contacted, equipped and brought back into service if the country ever needs them.

And there is a rather uncomfortable reason for the exercise.

The British Army now has only around 71,000 full-time, fully trained troops ready for deployment.

The veterans Britain forgot about

Armed Forces minister Louise Sandher-Jones says the strategic reserve will be exercised on a scale “we haven’t seen for a long time.”

That means the Government wants to test the machinery required to call up former soldiers, sailors and airmen — and make sure they can actually be turned into an effective fighting force.

There is just one small problem.

The Government has previously admitted that Britain does not have an effective system for tracking and engaging many people who have recently left the military.

In other words, before you can mobilise the veterans, you have to know where they are.

“I just filed it away”

Sandher-Jones knows the problem from personal experience.

She said that when she left the Army and discovered she was part of the strategic reserve, she simply “filed it away and never thought about it again.”

That attitude is apparently no longer acceptable.

The Government now wants the reserve treated as a genuine military capability rather than a name sitting quietly on an old database.

The exercise will test the entire process — from calling people up to equipping and preparing them for service.

From emergency recall to war preparations

The legal position is already unusual.

Former regular and reserve officers retain recall liability for life, while the Ministry of Defence is required to maintain contact with former personnel during the first six years after they leave full-time service.

Currently, retired military personnel can be recalled in circumstances including national danger, a great emergency or an attack on Britain.

New legislation would go further, allowing them to be mobilised for “war-like preparations.”

And the age limit for mobilisation is being raised from 55 to 65.

Suddenly that old military service is looking rather less like history.

Britain is preparing for a very different Russia

The exercise comes amid growing concern inside Western governments about the possibility of a major confrontation with Russia later this decade.

British intelligence officials have warned about Russian sabotage and other activity directed at Western countries.

British factories involved in producing drones for Ukraine have also faced threats from Moscow.

The Government's message is not that war with Russia is inevitable.

It is that Britain needs to be prepared if the security situation deteriorates dramatically.

And that is a very different proposition from simply hoping it doesn't happen.

The Army is getting bigger — very slowly

There is one piece of good news for the Ministry of Defence.

Last week it announced that, for the first time since 2021, more people had joined the full-time armed forces over a 12-month period than had left.

But the improvement is hardly spectacular.

The Army increased by just 170 personnel.

That is not exactly a recruitment revolution.

Britain therefore finds itself trying to rebuild military capacity while simultaneously facing questions about defence spending and the size of its active forces.

The extraordinary numbers

Put the figures together and the situation looks rather striking.

Strategic reserve: around 95,000.

Full-time Army: around 71,000.

Active reservists: around 32,000.

Britain potentially has a very large military manpower pool.

The question is whether it can actually turn those numbers on a spreadsheet into people who can be contacted, equipped, organised and deployed.

That is precisely what next year's exercise is supposed to discover.

The question nobody wants to answer

There is something rather sobering about Britain having to practise calling back people who thought their military careers were finished.

Nobody is saying that 95,000 veterans are about to be marched back into uniform to fight Vladimir Putin.

But the fact that the Government thinks it is necessary to test the machinery for doing so tells us something about the security environment Britain now believes it faces.

For years, the strategic reserve appears to have been largely forgotten.

Now Westminster is suddenly remembering that 95,000 people are sitting in the background with military experience.

The big question is whether Britain will be able to find them when it really matters.

And perhaps the even bigger question is why it didn't make sure it could in the first place.

SOURCE

Putin is not that stupid to attack the UK and Germany ,as that then involves NATO,

except for USA ,as I think they have decided to be on their own...for now , he cannot

win a war with an inferior power ...Ukraine , so it's all talk and bluster , and I am sure

the Russian people don't want this either..

regards worgeordie

29 minutes ago, Social Media said:

Britain does not have an effective system for tracking and engaging many people who have recently left the military.

Just check all the homeless shelters and white guys sleeping rough.

We are seeing the psychosis of fear.

When human beings are in the grip of fear they cannot pause and think things through logically.

If they could they would realise that Putin would be insane to attack the UK, a nuclear power, or even Germany. This whole narrative is a nonsense.

Britain prepares to call back 95,000 plebs, cannon-fodder, and useless-eaters as irrational fears of Russia are fabricated in order to create a casus belli for war - and - make the filthy rich a ton more money by ramping up "war fever" to rationalized massive weapons spending from which they will personally benefit. In the meanwhile that same people arranging for the call-up of said "veterans" are busily arranging their own children to obtain second and third passports in countries where NATO invasion of Russia shouldn't touch.

The way the ex-military people are treated by the UK, do they really think they will sign up?

I’m told there’s no shortage of patriots ready and willing to defend their country.

33 minutes ago, Cameroni said:

We are seeing the psychosis of fear.

When human beings are in the grip of fear they cannot pause and think things through logically.

If they could they would realise that Putin would be insane to attack the UK, a nuclear power, or even Germany. This whole narrative is a nonsense.

Oh, so now you recognize the politics of fear!

13 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Oh, so now you recognize the politics of fear!

I do. The ironic thing is that it is precisely BECAUSE Putin cannot attack the UK or Germany, that he tries to induce fear, in order to stop them from supporting Ukraine. All Putin can do is "hybrid" attacks, basically terrorism that can be denied.

1 hour ago, worgeordie said:

Putin is not that stupid to attack the UK and Germany ,as that then involves NATO,

except for USA ,as I think they have decided to be on their own...for now , he cannot

win a war with an inferior power ...Ukraine , so it's all talk and bluster , and I am sure

the Russian people don't want this either..

regards worgeordie

From what I've heard, you'd be hard pressed to say who's more sick of their government getting them into senseless forever wars - Russia or the US.

Slow walking us into WW3...

OTOH, calling up 95,000 patriots may keep them out of the protest marches like those in Dover and Portsmouth. I don't think military personnel are allowed to protest. Probably smart to prevent the guys with those kinds of skills from standing in the government's way.

Not to mention that thing brewing with Argentina...

12 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

The way the ex-military people are treated by the UK, do they really think they will sign up?

It depends on the contract or the MSO (Eight-year Military Service Obligation (MSO)). In the US, enlisted men and women - although most never know it - actually sign up for 8 years. Yeah, yeah, yeah, their "enlistment" may only be for 2, 4, or 6 years, but when there enlistment is complete, they are STILL subject to being called back as "Inactive Reserves." So back during Desert Storm and Gulf War 2, many poor sots suddenly found out that their rating had become important to national security and suddenly, with little notice, they are back in uniform and are on their way to Iraq or Syria or Afghanistan in order to "give their lives for their country" which can be translated to - the Military Industrial Complex lobbying efforts worked and the President and Congress decided to head back to war so that the US (UK, EU) weapons manufacturers and "Defense" contractors and their stockholders can rake in piles of Benjamins on the coffins of US plebs, cannon-fodder, and useless-eaters, errr patriots. Which is exactly why I put in 8 full years before discharging my enlistment. Had I not, I would have no doubt been rounded up and sent to the first Iraq War (you know, we had to fight Saddam because he was throwning Kuwaiti babies out of incubators blah blah blah) and then perhaps Iraq War 2.0 (Saddam flew two airplanes into the World Trade Center towers and had "Weapons Of Mass Destruction" blah blah blah).

The UK has something similar which I believe is called Recall Liability where they can recall enlisted service member who discharges pretty much at the whim of the government.

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

The exercise comes amid growing concern inside Western governments about the possibility of a major confrontation with Russia later this decade.

Western governments have been projecting that they plan to be at war with Russia and/or China between 2027 to 2030. Really - Western cultures are war-mongers who engage in forever wars because - War equals Revenues & Profits & The Spoils of War. Western governments simply can not get enough war.

So yeah - the UK will call up all of their veterans first - because they can. I don't think most Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha want to go die for their countries rabid foreign affairs "forever war goals" so the veterans are the low hanging fruit. Once the West, ie, NATO establishes a casus belli to begin their wars, then you'll probably see the equivalent to press gangs rounding up military aged men to go and die for their "Racket."

Remember! War's A Racket: https://www.heritage-history.com/site/hclass/secret_societies/ebooks/pdf/butler_racket.pdf

You won't see Baron Trump on the front. The elites who want these wars protect their own children and grandchilden, but are happy to send your kids to go fight and die for their profitable war

Funny how that works - 'eh plebiscites?

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

New legislation would go further, allowing them to be mobilised for “war-like preparations.”

And the age limit for mobilisation is being raised from 55 to 65.

Ha ha ha ha ha. That's hysterical. Pretty soon they'll be press-ganging 75 year olds. World War is around the corner kids. Maybe you'll be safe from recall at 70 - maybe not. Ha ha ha ha ha!!!

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Just check all the homeless shelters and white guys sleeping rough.

Just check the migrant hotels where all the "asylum seekers" reside. Of course, they'll all be given waivers and pardoned from military service. It will be white Britons up to the age of 65 (70, 75) they'll be interested in culling. Women too when it comes down to it. All the military aged migrants.

"Their English language skill aren't good enough for them to serve - waiver granted!"

59 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I’m told there’s no shortage of patriots ready and willing to defend their country.

Have you put even a day into the military my man? I'm guessing not. If "Putin Invades" by shooting missiles at UK weapons manufacturing - are you going to volunteer to go to the front and die for your country?

11 minutes ago, connda said:

Just check the migrant hotels where all the "asylum seekers" reside. Of course, they'll all be given waivers and pardoned from military service. It will be white Britons up to the age of 65 (70, 75) they'll be interested in culling. Women too when it comes down to it. All the military aged migrants.

"Their English language skill aren't good enough for them to serve - waiver granted!"

Yeah, because most countries would put foreign asylum seekers (or foreigners of any kind) straight in to their armed forces. Brilliant! If only you were running things the UK would soon have an Empire again. Genius.

Let the cultural enriching boat invaders sign up.

They're all fighting age men and seem to have a penchant for violence. They like invading countries. Most are doctors and engineers as well (allegedly), very handy during armed conflict.

It would free up some hotel rooms as well. Win Win.

11 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Yeah, because most countries would put foreign asylum seekers (or foreigners of any kind) straight in to their armed forces. Brilliant! If only you were running things the UK would soon have an Empire again. Genius.

Silly you. Of course I wouldn't put them into the Armed Forces. They'll be needed to remain in the UK as police and bureaucrats as well as populating the UK considering all of the white guys and gals are going to be sent to the front to "die for their country." They don't reproduce anyway. Useless eaters unless they are out their hunting down Ivan and Xiaong to make the world safer for Western liberal democracy.

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Let the cultural enriching boat invaders sign up.

They're all fighting age men and seem to have a penchant for violence. They like invading countries. Most are doctors and engineers as well (allegedly), very handy during armed conflict.

It would free up some hotel rooms as well. Win Win.

They're not British.

Why don't the "Patriots" sign up? They are all fighting age men (and they clearly like fighting quite a lot), seems like most of them don't have much else to do, they care deeply, so so deeply, about the country, and they are brave brave patriots - I mean it takes real courage to cosplay in faux terrorist outfits, block British people from going on holiday, to throw things at police, to shag a flag. I can't quite fathom why they haven't all signed up. I mean they are patriots!!

Just exclude this fella, he might be busy for a while.

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I’m told there’s no shortage of patriots ready and willing to defend their country.

Chuck a million plus illegal invaders at the front first, you're in the parachute regiment now Mohamed' your Universal credit has been frozen🤔

2 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

They're not British.

They're British enough to get benefits from British taxpayers in Britain.

2 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Why don't the "Patriots" sign up?

Why go to war for a country that treats them like second class citizens and uses their taxes to pay for their own Demographic replacement? Seems like a bad idea to me.

Better off policing the border.

Why defend a country that betrays you time after time.

To 65 ? Pattaya will be a bit quieter.

You need to have a reason to fight for something. Possibly put your life on the line for it.

A lot of those ex military might no longer be prepared to fight for a country many say they no longer recognise. One that has seemed to have forgotten many and their problems once out of the service.

How can the government expect anyone to "gather around the flag", when they spend most of their time sending agents to tear them down, and telling people not to fly them.

Perhaps this army of ex soldiers can get in some (re) training by defending the strait of Dover from the rubber dinghy invaders before taking on the 'paper tiger gas station of a country that has no washing machines,ball bearings or flushing toilets' ???

I spent 22 years in the army plus another 9 years in the TA after that so I suppose I qualify as a veteran.

Trouble is as much as I would be willing and I know a lot of ex-servicemen would I'm now 85 and get out of breath just climbing a flight of stairs.

So if they are counting on people like me god help us better to bring back conscription.

Edit: Just read that as I'm over 65 I wouldn't qualify. I've a good mind to report them for ageism.

Edited yesterday at 09:01 AM1 day by Bannoi

vets are all over weight with health problems ,bad livers bad hearts and diabetes ,with bad eye sites

6 minutes ago, 3NUMBAS said:

vets are all over weight with health problems ,bad livers bad hearts and diabetes ,with bad eye sites

But they can spot a wet nose and waggy tail at a 100m🤔

24 minutes ago, phetphet said:

You need to have a reason to fight for something. Possibly put your life on the line for it.

A lot of those ex military might no longer be prepared to fight for a country many say they no longer recognise. One that has seemed to have forgotten many and their problems once out of the service.

How can the government expect anyone to "gather around the flag", when they spend most of their time sending agents to tear them down, and telling people not to fly them.

How can the government expect anyone to "gather around the flag"...when that same government will send the cops to your home and threaten you with a 2500 quid fine for flying that exact flag.

"Rally around the flag boys for God, King, and Nation......but don't fly that flag or else it's a 2500 pound fine for making illegal aliens feel uncomfortable."
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/brits-warned-could-fined-2500-35582394



This 👆🏾IS the absolute absurdity of it all. And on top of it, if you claim to be a UK patriot, your government will probably insinuate that you are a far-right wing domestic terrorist for making that claim.

Who in their right minds wants to fight and die for a country who literally hates you and its own flag as well?

29 minutes ago, Bannoi said:

better to bring back conscription.

Yep you can bet that is what they are planning.. but in a sneaky

way ..they will entice/coerce the young unemployed youth

(and anyone else) into paid military "training schemes" or do unpaid work at Tesco,Sainsbury or Amazon to retain their social benefits.

The poor 'suckers' who opt for 'military training' will be first up in line to wage war against "the evil Hitler Putin"

3 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

I’m told there’s no shortage of patriots ready and willing to defend their country.

In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.”
-Mark Twain