UK May Need Citizen Volunteer Army Amidst Threat of War with Russia, Military Analyst Suggests

The UK may need to establish a citizen volunteer army in anticipation of a potential war with Russia, according to military analyst Professor Michael Clarke. This comes after General Sir Patrick Sanders, head of the British Army, stated that UK citizens should be prepared and equipped to fight in a hypothetical conflict between NATO and Russia. While Sir Patrick’s comments have raised questions about conscription, Professor Clarke clarified that a citizen volunteer army is not the same as conscription.

In a speech at the International Armoured Vehicles conference in London, Sir Patrick emphasized the urgent need to increase the size of the army to approximately 120,000 personnel within three years, which would be a significant rise from the current 74,000. Professor Clarke stated in a Sky News Daily podcast that the UK would likely have to revert to a citizen volunteer army, similar to what the country has had in the past and may have again in the future.

Professor Clarke drew a “really important distinction” between conscription and a citizen volunteer army, highlighting that the aim is not to promote a war mentality. Instead, the goal is to demonstrate preparedness by fielding a capable army that can deter potential aggression from Russia. He emphasized that a credible deterrent is essential for effective defense. At present, the size of the UK military does not lend itself to credibility.

In history, the UK has rarely implemented conscription over its more than 360 years, making it contrary to the country’s military traditions. Admiral Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, hinted at the likelihood of citizen volunteers being involved in a potential conflict between NATO and Russia. He suggested that if the army continues to be viewed as too small, a mobilization of volunteers, similar to the approach taken at the beginning of the First World War, might be necessary. Admiral Lord West also advocated for increased defense spending, encouraging other European countries to demonstrate their commitment to security by allocating more resources.

Former UK defense secretary Michael Fallon supported General Sir Patrick’s warning about the size of the military and the importance of citizen training. He noted that some European countries, including France, are exploring partial conscription or forms of military service for young people. Falling recruitment numbers and a declining military size necessitate improvement in recruitment methods, or the military may have to consider alternative approaches in times of conflict.

Jim Townsend, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, also contributed to the discussion surrounding the potential conflict between NATO and Russia.