Most probably Brits to battle first in WW3 revealed as full conscription guidelines defined
As tensions with Russia escalate and military experts warn the UK may need to reintroduce conscription, here’s who would be most likely to serve first based on historical precedent and military requirements
With global tension rising many fear conscription might make a return in the UK (Stock)(Image: Getty Images)
As global tensions skyrocket, the one major question on the mind of many is “Are we heading to a Third World War?”. General Sir Patrick Sanders and other high-ranking military figures have been cautioning that Europe must brace for an intense confrontation with Putin’s forces, leading to the question: “Who would be on the front lines in the event of a third world war?”
Former MP and ex-British Army officer Dr Mike Martin has issued a stark warning the current army numbers are so critically low that reintroducing conscription may be the only answer. Despite conscription primarily being thought to effect young men in their 20 and 30s there are many other demographics the conscription could effect.
From young women to elderly men here are five groups who are most likely to be hit with a call to arms in the event World War Three kicks off.
Young healthy men
So, who would be most likely to face the draft? If a major conflict were to erupt, history indicates the first to be conscripted would be young, physically fit men, especially those aged between 18 and 25.
This demographic is typically prioritised as they can be trained quickly and are capable of serving throughout a protracted conflict, reports the Express.
The groundwork for this was laid in early 1939, when the British government initiated limited conscription for single men aged 21 and 22, a full 22 months before the outbreak of the Second World War. As soon as war was declared on a grand scale, these regulations were promptly extended to encompass all men between the ages of 18 and 41.
Single childless people
Historically, beyond age and physical fitness, family status has played a crucial role in deciding who is dispatched to the front lines. During the Second World War, the British government adopted a phased strategy for conscription, intentionally drafting single individuals and those without children first, with the aim of minimising disruption to families.
Women
In a shift from historical norms, women are increasingly likely to be conscripted in any future large-scale conflict. In the Second World War, women aged 20 to 30 were conscripted for roles related to the war effort, such as nursing, munitions, and auxiliary positions.
While the UK has never officially conscripted women for direct frontline combat, the distinction between auxiliary and combat roles has largely disappeared in the 21st century. A YouGov poll conducted in 2024 found that a significant 72% of Brits are in favour of women serving on the frontlines.
Ex-soldiers andreservists
Former soldiers and reservists are also likely candidates for conscription, given their existing training which would allow them to quickly adapt to the demands of active service.
The elderly
Should the war persist, even older individuals might be conscripted. By the end of the Second World War, people up to the age of 51 were drafted. Those aged between 52 and 60 were also required to contribute to civil defence, ensuring that no one could completely evade their duties.
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