Gen Z Unlikely to Enlist for World War 3 Amid Recruitment Concerns
Macie Yeadon indicates that the prospect of war is not a typical consideration for her generation (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster/Getty)
According to Generation Z, volunteering for the Armed Forces in the event of a potential World War 3 is improbable, citing insufficient governmental support for young citizens. This sentiment was conveyed to Express.co.uk during discussions in Canary Wharf, London’s prominent financial district, against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Western nations, Russia, and other global powers. “I don’t believe the government adequately serves the younger generation,” stated a 22-year-old woman, requesting anonymity, near a promotional display for Skuna boats – Nordic vessels equipped with hot tubs, food, and beverage services.
Generation Z encompasses individuals born between 1997 and 2012. The young woman elaborated, “There are numerous societal issues and problems. I can’t comprehend sacrificing my life for a government that, in my opinion, wouldn’t reciprocate.” This comes as Members of Parliament and military veterans have urged the Armed Forces to re-evaluate their recruitment strategies. Recent research from late 2024 indicated that joining the military ranks as the third least attractive career choice for Gen-Z, only surpassing positions at McDonald’s and KFC.
READ MORE: Five Key Jobs Exempt from UK Conscription in WW3 [INSIGHT]
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Military leadership is being encouraged to reassess youth recruitment methods (Image: Getty)
The British Army’s current troop strength is at its lowest since the Napoleonic era, with personnel numbers below 73,000.
When questioned about following international events, the young woman responded, “The more I observe, the more frustration I feel.”
Consequently, she aims to “maintain a healthy equilibrium” while staying “informed.” She expressed, “I’m concerned about global affairs in general. Frankly, nothing seems to be progressing positively.”
Regarding the likelihood of near-future conflict, she commented, “A war feels overdue. My hope is that, given global leadership is primarily in the hands of affluent, powerful men within governments, and considering widespread public aversion to conflict, we can collectively unite to prevent it.”
Macie Yeadon, 25, an account manager residing near Winchester, suggested she “probably” would not volunteer.
Macie Yeadon indicated her likely reluctance to volunteer for service (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
“We have nieces, we have family, and I don’t believe I would be effective in that type of scenario.”
Asked if potential conflict worried her, she stated, “No, I follow current events, but I don’t anticipate a war erupting imminently.”
Questioned about the likelihood of others in her generation enlisting, she replied, “Probably not. It’s not a prospect we’ve typically had to contemplate or be concerned about.”
Concerning the UK’s army size, Macie commented, “I believe it’s problematic if war were to occur. However, currently, I don’t perceive widespread public concern.”
While acknowledging the possibility of future conflict due to “heightened global tensions,” she added that the present situation does feel “a bit heated.”
Macie was then asked about her perspective on potential conscription for both men and women if necessary. She responded, “I imagine it would predominantly involve men. However, I also anticipate many women would volunteer.”
“Thinking about my friends, perhaps not. But it’s simply not something we’ve given significant recent consideration in our lives.”
Macie’s brother, Callum, cited parental responsibilities as his reason for not volunteering (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Compulsory service for both genders would be “equitable,” in her view. “Women should be afforded the choice to participate if they desire.”
Macie’s brother, Callum, 30, also an account manager, stated he would not volunteer for combat roles due to having young children.
However, he indicated he would not oppose conscription if implemented.
He clarified that without parental obligations, he would “willingly” engage in combat if deemed necessary.
He specified his preference for the Royal Navy, having previously served in the reserves.
Regarding the possibility of war, he observed, “Global tensions have been persistent for a considerable period.”
“I identify more as a pacifist than someone inclined towards aggression,” remarked Matthew Kopec, 31, an IT consultant from Manchester.
He suggested that many millennials would “undoubtedly” share similar sentiments.
Liam Ball, 28, a salesman from east London, attributed this to declining “national pride.”
He cited “numerous complex factors” contributing to this decline.
Both, however, affirmed their willingness to enlist if an aggressor posed an immediate threat to national security, intending to protect their families.
Matthew Kopec and Liam Ball would only consider enlisting under imminent threat from an aggressor (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Armit, a doctor, expressed his willingness to serve as an army medic (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
When asked about the imminence of conflict, Liam jokingly said, “War might break out imminently if my lunch is delayed. So, cheers.”
Armit Sharma, 34, a physician from Nepal currently awaiting UK examination results after a year in the country, displayed greater enthusiasm.
He expressed his willingness to join the Gurkhas, a British Army brigade, as a medic in the event of war.
“I would definitely volunteer,” stated Armit, who works for Lime, overseeing electric bike operations in London. “I hope conflict doesn’t erupt, but if it does, I will certainly volunteer.”
Armit stated he would not be fearful, drawing upon his experience treating “numerous injured individuals” in hospitals in Nepal.
He speculated on potential conflict in “15 or 20 years,” but currently prioritizes his personal and professional life.
“Defending freedom is extremely vital,” asserted Anthony Majekodunmi, 30.
“However, there’s also the inherent issue of casualties. It’s a perpetual struggle between the desire to act and the ethical implications associated with warfare.”
Anthony further suggested that future conflicts might increasingly rely on drones and robots, lessening the reliance on human combatants.
Anthony questioned the future role of human soldiers in warfare, considering technological advancements (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
Ashley Flight indicated his willingness to serve in the RAF (Image: Jonathan Buckmaster)
“The likelihood of deploying human soldiers in war,” explained the trainee product manager, originally from Nigeria and now residing in Shepherd’s Bush, “may diminish as technology advances.”
Ashley Flight, 36, an executive marketing director from Devon and a London resident for 18 years, would be prepared to fight if the nation were imperiled, largely influenced by his family’s military history, including his grandfather’s service as a fighter pilot.
Ashley acknowledged giving considerable thought to the prospect of conflict. “I believe several years ago I was convinced it was imminent.”
However, he added, “Given the current global instability, it’s difficult to predict.”
“I think significant escalation, such as aerial attacks on our territory, would be the primary trigger for actual conflict,” he concluded.
“Currently, I am not excessively concerned about it.”