An army veteran has hit out and Gen Z – many of who said they would refuse to be conscripted into the army. British military top bosses have suggested UK citizens may need to be conscripted if World War III kicks off – possibly sparked by Russia invading a NATO country.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, the outgoing British Army Chief of the General Staff, said the UK may need “train and equip” a “citizen army”.
But many members of younger generations – including Gen Z who are aged up to 27 and Millennials who are aged up to 43 – have merely shrugged their shoulders and laughed off the prospect. Some took to social media platform Twitter and posted memes depicting their dismissive attitude.
One user said: “You receive a text from the British Army saying you’re being called up to fight a war against Russia.
“What’s your response in a meme?” One replied: “Delete.”
Another said: “You know I don’t see that happening.” “F**k off,” said another.
Now an army veteran has slammed the attitude of Gen Zers, saying if it happens there’ll be no choice in the matter.
Andy Murphy-Brown, 52, was in the British Army for 16 years – both in the Royal Tank Regiment and as a physical training instructor. He served in Northern Ireland and Cypress.
He said: “It’s been a long time since there was conscription in this country. I have discussed it with comrades when I served and even after.
“They are not necessarily lazy – but with conscription it’s forced on them and this generation don’t like anything being forced on them. In this day and age the younger generation have got no principles, they don’t care.”
But Andy, who is step dad to two children and lives with his partner Lindsey Walker, 46, in Marton, Middlesbrough, where is is chaiman of the local community association, believes that despite the sneering attitude, that conscription would do the younger generation the world of good.
He said: “Personally I think conscription should be standard as it would take that [segment of the] generation off the streets doing nothing and discipline them. This is precisely what Gen Z need,” he said, adding: “It’s difficult getting them from their armchair.”
He said: “The generation now is on XBoxes and Playstations and much prefer to do whatever in their armchair.” He added: “They are going to be shouted at and have to do what someone is telling them to do.”
The debate around conscription comes after Defence Secretary Grant Shapps in a speech last week said the world is “moving from a post-war to pre-war world” and the UK must ensure its “entire defence ecosystem is ready” to defend its homeland.
But Downing Street ruled out any move towards a conscription model, saying that Army service would remain voluntary.
