List of everyone who could avoid being conscripted to the army if WW3 broke out

I think it’s fair to say the words ‘World War III’ have been used a little too much lately for everyone’s liking.

Donald Trump accused Volodymyr Zelenskyy of ‘gambling’ with it during their heated exchange as he warned it could be ‘a war like no other’, while Russia’s war with Ukraine continues.

And while we might be used to the US president spouting all sorts, the thought of another World War is rather unnerving.

But it also leads to those somewhat selfish (but not really selfish) thoughts about how you wouldn’t want to fight if you had to.

So, very much noting the UK is not looking to go to war anytime soon, there’s a number of ways you could avoid being conscripted if it ever actually came up.

Conscription in the UK

Of course, we’ve not seen a general mobilisation of troops on such a scale since World War II, over 80 years ago.

And thankfully, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden has ruled out conscription here to ready the UK for a potential war, but it may be that ‘decisions are needed in the future that respond to a new reality.'

He said on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips: “We are not considering conscription, but of course we have announced a major increase in defence expenditure.

"We do have to recognise that the world has changed. The phrase 'step up' is used a lot. Europe does have to step up in terms of its own defence.

"President Trump isn't actually the first president to say that, but he said it more loudly and with more force than his predecessors - so, I think we have got to recognise that moment."

But there are people calling for conscription as Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs urged European countries to follow his lead and ‘absolutely’ introduce conscription.

I know what you're thinking: 'No thank you.' (Getty Stock)

Who could be exempt

So, let’s say everything suddenly changes and conscription is introduced, it would be just like the WW2 call up when exemptions were made.

Back then, things like health, age, gender and profession came into play with who could and couldn’t be called up to serve.

And it’s fair to say it’s likely a lot of those will be similar as those working in essential industries would be exempt. When we last had a situation like that, those key jobs included the likes of farmers, engineers, medical professionals, bakers and coal miners.

The National Service Act in 1939 was tweaked during the war, and ended up with men between the ages of 18 and 51 having to be called up (it was originally 18 to 41).

Exemptions in that also included those who were medically unfit to fight.

The UK seems unlikely to introduce it but that doesn't mean it's not unnerving. (Getty Stock)

There’s currently quite a number of conditions that prevent a person from joining the British Armed Forces, such as hearing and vision problems.

Plus, those with bone or joint problems like chronic knee injuries, shoulder problems and hypermobility syndrome are also exempt from serving.

People can also be stopped from enlisting if they have neurological conditions, cardiovascular issues, severe skin conditions or psychiatric problems.

British women weren’t allowed to fight last time we were at war but since 2018, they’ve been able to serve in all combat roles in the military. So, it’s pretty likely women could be drafted at the same rate as men if conscription is ever introduced.

But before you start panicking and applying for essential jobs, the Prime Minister has solidified that there is ‘no intention’ of introducing conscription.

“The British military has a proud tradition of being a voluntary force. There are no plans to change that,” a spokesperson said.