Overview
- Ministers introduced armed forces legislation that would increase the maximum call‑up age for former service personnel in the strategic reserve from 55 to 65.
- The criteria for mobilising the strategic reserve would shift from requiring “national danger, great emergency or attack in the UK” to allowing call‑up for “warlike preparations,” with changes expected next year if approved.
- The Ministry of Defence says call‑ups would focus on small numbers for specialist, non‑combat roles such as cybersecurity.
- Those still serving would be covered automatically, while veterans who have already left could opt in; the proposal also extends the Royal Navy’s post‑service liability period from six to 18 years.
- Officials cite practical hurdles including outdated records for many of the roughly 95,000 potential reservists and low current liability rates, as defence leaders continue to warn of capability and funding gaps.