The Government has ruled out introducing compulsory military service, saying Britain will continue to rely on professional Armed Forces manned by volunteers while expanding shorter voluntary routes for young people.
The position was set out in a written parliamentary answer to Conservative peer Lord Naseby, who asked what work had been carried out to assess the feasibility of introducing some form of military service for young UK citizens.
Defence Minister Lord Coaker said: “This Government has no current plans for compulsory military service. Since 1963, it has been the policy of successive Governments that the best way of providing for the defence of our country is by maintaining professional Armed Forces which are manned by volunteers.”
Instead, Defence is putting greater focus on voluntary schemes intended to give younger people experience of military life without requiring the longer commitment associated with joining the Regular Armed Forces. That includes the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, described by the Government as a military “Gap Year”, which was introduced following the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
The scheme is aimed at people aged between 18 and 25 and offers a shorter period of paid military training and service.
Coaker said it was intended to appeal both to people who had never previously considered joining the Armed Forces and those interested in military service but uncertain about making a longer commitment.
Those completing the scheme can move into Regular or Reserve service through what the Government describes as a streamlined transition route, while participants who decide against a military career can return to civilian employment.
The Armed Forces are also continuing outreach work with schools, colleges, universities and community organisations around the UK. That includes careers activity, leadership and skills programmes and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics outreach designed to give younger people greater exposure to the military and the range of roles available within it.
Coaker said: “Through this combination of military experience, engagement, education, skills development and voluntary service opportunities, Defence is already helping more young people understand the role of the Armed Forces, experience Service life, develop valuable skills, and explore opportunities to contribute to national security and public service.”
For now! Such a statement should reside in the pending tray. At this point in our history, we have few options left in terms of defending these Isles, as the cost of money globally rises at an alarming rate and our prospective adversaries grow more militant by the day.
The Army is currently full with 600 more soldiers than its contracted for and it’s turning away thousands of recruits, there is no need for military service.
On the other hand we should triple the active reserve force just like every other NATO Army including the US. The size of the Army reserve is a national disgrace.