UK’s navy can be ‘worldwide laughing inventory’ if ‘pampered’ Gen-Z conscripts joined

Britain’s armed forces would be a “worldwide laughing stock” if its ranks were filled with “pampered” Gen-Z conscripts, a decorated former tank commander has warned

A former tank commander has warned Britain’s armed forces could become a “worldwide laughing stock” if filled with “pampered” Gen-Z conscripts.

Retired Sergeant Matthew Baldwin stated that the “snowflake generation wouldn’t just struggle in the cold but quickly melt away”. He suggested that most would fail to adapt to military life, having spent their childhoods engrossed in TikTok and smartphones.

Baldwin dismissed the idea of general mobilisation as “far-fetched”, arguing it would take years of training to mould them into capable soldiers. He described those of fighting age 18-30 as being like “flowers grown in a greenhouse-protected, pampered, and sheltered from the storms”.

Having served in The Second Royal Tank Regiment, Baldwin completed multiple tours of action in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, and was Mentioned in Dispatches for his bravery.

He warned that if the UK introduced compulsory conscription to bolster its dwindling professional ranks, its army would become a “target for ridicule”, emboldening Britain’s foes and damaging its credibility as a credible military power.

In an article for The European magazine, he wrote: “The UK’s younger generation is far less prepared for the rigours of military life than any previous generation.”

He added: “It’s hard to imagine them willingly stepping into a world that strips away the luxuries they’ve come to depend on-especially when that world demands so much more than they’ve ever been asked to give. They’re like flowers grown in a greenhouse-protected, pampered, and sheltered from the storms.

“The idea of conscripts, who are more familiar with TikTok than tactics, trying to form a credible military force would make us a target for ridicule. Any potential adversary would see a weakened, unprepared force, and that perception alone could embolden them.”

Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to boost defence spending, citing uncertainty due to Trump’s refusal to guarantee security for Europe in the event of a Russian attack.

Minister Pat McFadden stated this month that decisions may be needed in the future to adapt to the “new reality” we find ourselves in. Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, Mike Martin, also suggested that Brits “will be conscripted” if the UK enters into war with Russia. If compulsory conscription was introduced, Baldwin believes men and women aged between 18 and 30 would be called up for service.

For mobilisation to be successful, there would need to be a compelling reason such as an imminent invasion for young people to willingly enlist and embrace the “The Dunkirk spirit” of camaraderie.

Baldwin, who led teams hunting UN-listed war criminals, warned: “Those who try to desert or conscientiously object could quickly become social pariahs, using social media to gain support for their stance.”

He added: “The combination of legal battles and widespread social media support would likely create a significant divide in society, intensifying public pressure and further straining the military’s ability to function effectively.”

“The problem is that this generation is accustomed to comfort. With constant access to smartphones, social media, and instant gratification, many young people have not experienced any physical discomfort, let alone that which military service demands.

“For many young people today, this would be a major shock. Millennials and Gen Z-ers, particularly those in urban areas, lack many of the resilience skills that would help them thrive in such a harsh environment.”