Off to war? These five groups could be exempt from conscription if WW3 breaks out

It’s hard to escape the WW3 discourse wreaking havoc on Twitter and TikTok right now, in part due to the looming fears we will all be conscripted to fight in a war no one asked for. The difficulties of conscripting Gen Z aside – because, let’s be honest, we just aint doing it – we’d all be too busy filming a TikTok about our “draft fit” to actually report for duty.

Every couple of months, some random unknown backbencher evokes the National Service Act in the hopes of getting Gen Z off TikTok and into some camouflage. But amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Israel’s ethnic cleansing of Palestine, and now Israel and Iran exchanging bombs, fears surrounding a potential WW3 are rife more than ever. In turn, Gen Z have replied the only way they know: By starting a viral trend of get ready with me’s and outfit inspiration.

As we know, it wouldn’t be the first instalment in the World War franchise, and if history tells us anything, these groups could be exempt from military service.

Essential workers would not be conscripted for WW3

Credit: Pixbay/micklatter

First, it’s worth noting that we simply don’t know how conscription would work in the modern age. That last general mobilisation of troops came during WW2, over 80 years ago, so the same rules and regulations might not apply. Basically, we won’t know for sure until the dreaded moment happens and our benevolent overlords make a decision about drafting the general public.

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According to history, those deemed essential workers would not be conscripted to fight in WW3, such as farmers, engineers, medical professionals, bakers and coal miners. In the modern age, where the infrastructure of the UK is tied to the digital world, other jobs could be added to the list – but I’m not talking about you, influencers.

There’s an age requirement

@the_meme_queen

Just give her 2 more minutes #army #draft #drafted #ww3 #meandmybestieinww3 #worldwar3 #britishtok #rishisunak #britishcore #britishhumour #comedy #funny #uktok #ukcore #meme #memes #memecore #fyp #foryoupage#Meme #MemeCut

♬ original sound – The Meme Queen

Back in WW2, legislation was passed to change the age range from 18 to 41 to 18 to 51. Then, the National Service Act of 1948 saw all men between the ages of 17 and 21 roped into military service for 18 months, something which was stretched to a full two years during the Korean War in 1950.

Though the age requirement has changed over the years, it’s reasonable to assume people under the age of 18 won’t be called for conscription if WW3 breaks out.

Students can continue to study

Again, though it could change in the modern age, University students were previously exempt from the draft.

People with medical exemptions

@mikaelarellano

RATATATATATA #taylorswift #swiftie #ww3

♬ I Did Something Bad – Taylor Swift

The biggest group of people exempt from conscription are those with medical issues. The full list of disorders, diseases, and injuries is extensive, and again, it could change if conscription for WW3 turned into a reality.

Some of the conditions include:

• Hearing and vision problems
• Chronic knee injuries
• Shoulder problems
• Hypermobility syndrome
• Neurological conditions
• Cardiovascular issues
• Severe skin conditions
• Psychiatric issues
• Sickle Cell
• Food allergies
• Piles
• Back problems
• Diabetes

Aren’t we all low-key conscientious objectors?

@ethan_hillis

just a coping mechanism #wwiii #ww3

♬ Blow – Ke$ha

In wars since passed, conscientious objectors were forced to stand before a tribunal to detail their moral, religious, or philosophical reasons for not fighting in the war. It was very much a case-by-case basis, and even then, many conscientious objectors contributed to the war effort in non-combat roles.

It bears repeating that we’re not currently signing up for any wars, and the rules could change if that eventuality comes to be.

That being said, is now the right time to say I’m a 17-year-old nursing student with a dodgy knee, shellfish allergy, and deeply religious beliefs?

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Featured image credit: Canva/Elijah2636