The specter of renewed large-scale conflict in Europe is prompting a difficult conversation in the United Kingdom: is the nation prepared to defend itself? A recent Ipsos survey revealed a stark reality – only 35% of Britons state they would be willing to fight for their country, with a concerning 48% declaring there are no circumstances under which they would do so, even in the event of a full-scale invasion. This hesitancy stands in sharp contrast to nations like Poland, where a significantly higher percentage of men – up to 56% – express a willingness to defend their homeland, a difference attributed to both geographical proximity to potential threats and a deeply ingrained culture of preparedness.
The question of national defense has become increasingly urgent as global tensions escalate. With former U.S. President Trump’s rhetoric raising the possibility of conflict with Iran, ongoing instability in Israel, the potential for escalation over Taiwan between the West and China, and Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, the UK faces a complex and volatile international landscape. Concerns are mounting regarding the size and readiness of the UK’s armed forces – the army, navy, and air force – with former and serving military chiefs, politicians, and government officials voicing their anxieties.
Across Europe, nations are responding to the shifting security environment by bolstering their defenses. Germany, France, and Scandinavian countries are expanding their troop numbers through increased national service requirements. The UK, however, has yet to take decisive action, leaving the question of conscription or alternative models of national defense firmly on the table.
While a return to traditional conscription may be a hard sell to the British public, alternative approaches are gaining traction. Defence columnist Peter Apps proposes a “citizen soldier” model, drawing inspiration from successful programs in countries like Finland, Israel, and Switzerland. This approach focuses on building a “whole-of-society” defense capability, moving away from the traditional reliance on a smaller, professional army.
The citizen soldier program differs significantly from the existing Army Reserve. It aims to lower barriers to entry, broaden participation, and prioritize national resilience. Rather than asking civilians to become soldiers, it asks them to remain prepared to defend their country, potentially through incentives like tax breaks or assistance with mortgages for those committing to part-time service. Such a program could also support vital homeland resilience efforts, currently described as under-resourced.
Historian Sir Hew Strachan, speaking to the Defence Committee, emphasized the need for the UK to move “beyond talking to doing” on national resilience. He criticized the failure to capitalize on the community spirit demonstrated during the pandemic, where local communities effectively responded to the crisis from the ground up. Strachan advocates for a return to some form of national service, arguing that the UK lacks a clear concept for generating mass forces or replacing its armed forces in a prolonged conflict. He also highlighted the sobering casualty rates observed in Ukraine, raising questions that Britain has yet to adequately address.
Critics argue that the UK’s professional army remains among the world’s best, and that quality will always trump quantity on the modern battlefield. However, the brutal realities of the war in Ukraine suggest otherwise. The experiences of demonstrate that mass participation, endurance, and national will are as crucial as advanced weaponry and elite training. A professional army without the reserves to sustain it is not a deterrent, but rather an invitation to aggression.
The spirit of resilience and national service that characterized the generation who fought in – a generation that answered the call without hesitation – remains a potential strength for the UK. Reawakening that spirit requires providing the opportunity and the invitation for citizens to contribute to their nation’s defense. The citizen soldier program represents a viable path towards achieving this goal.
The UK has faced similar challenges before. It came close to being unprepared at the outset of , but ultimately mobilized its population to defend its freedom. The lessons of history are clear: waiting until a crisis is upon us is a dangerous gamble. The time to prepare is now.
