Why Gen-Zers like me would think twice about fighting for our country

The comparison with European national service systems is often misleading, as countries that maintain conscription today tend to face a direct land threat, often sharing a border with Russia,” he explains. “That produces a different strategic logic to Britain, as the UK does not face an immediate land invasion threat in the same way.” As an island in Western Europe, Mundell says we’d have more time to prepare for an invasion, so we, he thinks, can afford to have fewer people ready for combat than others. He believes our resources may be better used elsewhere; anti-submarine warfare, deep strike, air superiority, nuclear deterrence and advanced strategic technologies. “The UK should arguably prioritise investment in these areas rather than shifting resources towards building a mass conscript army.”