The Army is preparing a “mass mobilisation” to test the readiness of reserves in case of war.
More than 25,000 civilian “weekend warriors” train on Saturdays and Sundays.
Military top brass want to find out how many would volunteer to fight in a war.
READ MORE: Heatwave to bring hottest weather of the year as yellow warning issued
Click for more of the latest news from the Daily Star.
It comes in the wake of ongoing Russian aggression in the Ukraine, says General Sir Patrick Sanders – who stood down as head of the Army on June 15 – but is not directly linked to the conflict.
Reservists will report to their local base or Reserve Forces Mobilisation Centre in Chilwell, Nottingham.
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
They total 26,240 – down 4.8% in the last year – and chiefs hope 10,000 will be able to support the regular Army. A source said: “This is the first major mobilisation exercise since the Iraq War, more than 20 years ago, and it is important to evaluate what the reserve can deliver.
“That is not to say we are going to war. If these people were called up the aim is that the majority would backfill regular Army soldiers so that those personnel can deploy.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The Army has been criticised for personnel cuts. It stands at 75,170, but figures in February showed only 57,890 were fully fit.
Many believe it could not retake the Falklands if Argentina claimed them.
Earlier this year, Gen Sir Patrick called on the Government to “mobilise the nation” ready for war with Vladimir Putin ’s Russia.
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.