MoD has lost track of veterans on recall list, says defence adviser
Summary
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has lost track of many military veterans who could be recalled during a national emergency. A government adviser said the MoD needs to update and improve contact with these veterans, as current records are incomplete, especially for those who left service over six years ago.Key Facts
- About 95,000 former soldiers and officers are in the UK’s strategic reserve, liable for recall during emergencies.
- The MoD keeps contact with veterans only for six years after they leave full-time service; after that, records are not well maintained.
- The strategic reserve includes veterans who have a lifelong obligation to be recalled if needed by law.
- The government plans to increase the maximum age for military recall from 55 to 65.
- The recall rules now cover "warlike operations," not just direct attacks on the UK.
- The active reserve currently has around 32,000 trained volunteers who serve part-time or full-time.
- Experts and defense advisers warn that the UK is underprepared for future threats and that the strategic reserve management needs urgent improvement.
- The UK government is working on legislation to enhance reserve forces and improve communication with veterans.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
