In a stark warning, the head of the British army, Gen. Patrick Sanders, emphasized the importance of citizen armies in conflict situations, citing the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine as an example. Gen. Sanders urged U.K. civilians to be ready to fight in a hypothetical land war and highlighted the need to increase the size of the British military to effectively respond to emerging threats in a changing world.

Speaking in a speech on Wednesday, Gen. Sanders stated, "Taking preparatory steps to enable placing our societies on a war footing when needed are now not merely desirable but essential." He commended eastern and northern European countries for acting prudently and laying the foundations for national mobilization due to the proximity of the Russian threat.

Currently, the U.K. army consists of approximately 75,000 fully trained professional soldiers, with an additional 60,000 service members in the British navy and air force. Despite the U.K. government's commitment to increase military spending from 2% to 2.5% of the gross domestic product, Gen. Sanders argued that the army should grow to a standing force of around 120,000 soldiers by 2027, stating that even this number would not be enough.

Gen. Sanders further emphasized the significance of citizen armies, stating, "Ukraine brutally illustrates that regular armies start wars; citizen armies win them." However, the response from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office, 10 Downing Street, ruled out any military conscription in light of Gen. Sanders' remarks.

Concerns over growing international threats, particularly from Russia, have been voiced by other top defense officials in the U.K. In January, Defense Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the transition "from a post-war to pre-war world," where old enemies are reanimated and new foes are taking shape. Shapps stressed the need to deter danger and ensure national security.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and NATO allies have begun the Steadfast Defender 2024 exercises, the largest war games since the end of the Cold War. Approximately 90,000 troops from allied nations will participate in regional defense plans, reflecting the need for preparedness in an increasingly uncertain world.

The NATO military committee chief, Dutch Adm. Rob Bauer, emphasized the involvement of society as a whole in future conflicts, as demonstrated by the war in Ukraine. Adm. Bauer called on citizens to prepare basic supplies such as water, batteries for radios and flashlights, recognizing that not everything is plannable or guaranteed to be peaceful in the coming years.

As the British army chief warns civilians to be ready for a hypothetical land war, the discourse around preparedness and the need for a stronger military highlights the evolving security environment, urging nations to adapt and ensure the defense of their freedoms.