There are major fears World War 3 is about to start in the Middle East as US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran have brought the region to the cusp of all-out conflict
The Government has recently raised the upper age limit for army reservists from 55 to 65, meaning more individuals could potentially be called up if the US-Israeli war in Iran spirals into World War 3. However, there are two valid grounds on which you can seek a temporary deferral.
This policy shift aims to bolster the nation’s “strategic reserve” made up of former military personnel still subject to potential service – the “ex-regular reserve” – alongside a broader “recall reserve” that can be activated during extreme emergencies. Army reservists would be among the first summoned during wartime mobilisation, as previously reported by Yorkshire Live.
Based on the Armed Forces’ ‘Rights and responsibilities for reservists and employers’ guidance, those on the reserves list would receive a ‘call out notice’ for mobilisation, typically giving 28 days’ notice, though this period can be shortened in pressing circumstances.
The guidance explains: “Reservists will be sent a ‘call-out notice’ if they’re needed for full-time service. This is known as ‘mobilisation’. You must answer your call-out notice – the letter will tell you what to do. In most cases, reservists get 28 days’ notice, but they could get less if they’re needed urgently.”
The rules do, nevertheless, outline two situations under which you may apply for a postponement or cancellation of your mobilisation, though any delay granted is limited to a maximum of 12 months.
It states: “You can apply to delay or cancel mobilisation [if]:”
- As a reservist, if you’re summoned at an inconvenient time (for instance, if you’re caring for someone or engaged in full-time education)
- As an employer, if it would seriously jeopardise your business (such as causing financial harm or hindering the production of goods or provision of services)
You apply for the option to:
- Postpone mobilisation for up to a year – you’ll receive a new date to report for duty
- Obtain an exemption for a year or more – you will not be called out again until it expires
- Cancel (revoke) mobilisation if you’ve already been mobilised.
To submit the application, it must be done within 7 days: “Reservists and employers must apply within 7 days of receiving the call-out notice, reports Yorkshire Live.
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