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Britons should prepare for conscription if Russia hits Nato, warns ex-Army chief (inews.co.uk)

submitted 6 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Given russia has taken 2 years to fail to win a war it expected to win overnight. And it conscription draws from a population 3 x the size of the Ukraine. Most would be less then impressed with the effectiveness of forced labour fighting in a nation they do not care about. Vs people defending their own home.

And that has been the point the UK military leaders have argued in the past. Conscription is only effective when folks need to defend their family. Not fight for political/ politicians gain.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago)

I think this was about defensive use?

The British people must be prepared for military conscription and making other sacrifices to defend the UK if Russia attacks, a former senior army commander has warned.

He said the country needs to snap out of thinking war is always an “away game”.

“You’re not mobilising because you’re going to invade somebody else’s country. You’re mobilising because someone is threatening yours – and your family and your livelihood.

“If we were to go to war with a power like Russia, we would have to secure the homeland, guarding things. We would have to play a bigger part in deterrence – and fighting on continental Europe.

Ukraine probably wouldn't exist today without conscription. Their manpower reserves is one of the huge assets they have.

You can have professional troops for overseas service and conscripts for defense. And you'd have more ability to send those professionals abroad when you have capable soldiers at home. I think that's what they're talking about in the article anyway.