Britain Would Need 'Citizen Army' For War With Russia

Military chief warns against complacency as recruits dwindle

- KIM SENGUPTA JOE MIDDLETON

Britain must be prepared to form a "citizen army" of tens of thousands in the event of war with countries such as Russia, the head of the army has warned in an ominous intervention.

General Sir Patrick Sanders said that his forces, including all reserves, would not be large enough to defend the country if there was a war, and it was now essential for Britain to lay the foundations for “national mobilisation”.

Speaking at a conference on armoured warfare in southwest London yesterday, Gen Sanders said that within three years Britain should be able to increase its army to 120,000, including regular soldiers, reserves and a “strategic reserve” group – which is understood to mean retired troops who have been recalled.

According to the latest Ministry of Defence statistics, army regulars and reservists currently total 102,520. “Our friends in Eastern and northern Europe, who feel the proximity of the Russian threat more acutely, are already acting prudently, laying the foundations for national mobilisation,” he said.

The chief of general staff is said to be opposed to conscription but held that civilians need to be involved in defending the country at times of conflict. “We need an army designed to expand rapidly to enable the first echelon, resource the second echelon, and train and equip the citizen army that must follow,” Gen Sanders said.