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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are you worried about conscription… *trigger warning - discusses risks of war**

182 replies

Shushhh · 08/03/2026 22:20

I don’t know why, but I feel like a huge penny has dropped for me today, on the risks we all face in such uncertain times. I have thought about my nephews, who are 17 and 16. If WW3 happens, they would be at risk of conscription I would imagine, as they turn 18. This has petrified me. They are still babies to me (although I know they are older and wiser than I give them credit for). My husband is a soldier, so I am aware of the risks he faces. Of course I am worried for him too. But I’m just worried for us all. I am worried for our children. Where will they go? Will it be like old war times when they were evacuated? Will my brothers be conscripted? Will females also be put on the front lines? And ultimately, will we survive this.

I know this is scary, and I’m hoping my anxiety (previously diagnosed) is getting the better of me here. But it doesn’t feel like anxiety. It feels like real fear and a real threat.

AIBU?

OP posts:
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5
EarthlyNightshade · 09/03/2026 17:52

hcee19 · 09/03/2026 01:17

Equal opportunities, should apply to both male and female, cannot cherry pick. We are living in uncertain times, but there isn't anything we can really do about it..l think the media likes nothing better to stir up panic amongst us, talking about conscription...no one else is ..

When women start wars at the rate men do, then I would agree with conscription both (if conscripting anyone).
Until then, it has to be voluntary for women.

Itsmetheflamingo · 09/03/2026 18:01

Livelovebehappy · 09/03/2026 17:45

Have you read some posts on here? At least one person has asked the question as to if her child has Autism/adhd, would they be exempt. It’s really not beyond the realms of possibility that people would absolutely use that as an excuse. But if you have complete faith that we can muster up enough people to fight a war (outside of the army of course), you could be right. But I’m doubtful. And I didn’t just mention the young btw. You can be able bodied in your 30s and 40’s, and some in their 50’s.

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“Too many people will get out of it with 'issues'. Ie MH, Adhd, anxiety, stress, etc etc. Today's young aren't resilient.”

that’s what you said. Seems rather more sweeping to all young people than in response to one (older) person in 8 pages thinking their son will be exempt for autism.

NotThisAgain1987 · 09/03/2026 18:05

Octavia64 · 08/03/2026 22:21

No.

America is fighting this bloody war and they don’t have conscription.

even Russia which is fighting a land war in Europe doesn’t have conscription.

Russia has conscription.

Op women already on the front line. No your children won't be evacuated as wat is different now.

Imagine if folks had this level of concern for the kids who've been bombed for the last 3 years in Gaza or the kids being bombed by the state and Israel in Iran.

MannequinsArePeopleToo · 09/03/2026 18:16

NotTerfNorCis · 08/03/2026 22:40

I don't think we're anywhere near conscription yet, but Trump has no idea what he's doing - it's hard to imagine a more unsuitable leader for the world's most powerful nation - and the situation could get badly out of hand. Personally I suspect that America will find some reason why they've 'won' and withdraw pretty soon. Trump and the others have shown time and time again that they're comfortable lying and making up reality as they go along.

I agree with you re Trump. More than that though, I don't really believe he wanted the job of President as much as he just wanted to WIN and then monetise the position for himself. I also don't see the 'dementia' that people keep talking about. What I see is a bored, disinterested, worn out old man who likes to play to his crowd. Dangerous yes, but not demented.

HippityHoppityHay · 09/03/2026 18:20

OonaStubbs · 08/03/2026 22:52

I would think if they did bring back conscription, which is very unlikely, it'd be for both men and women.

I wouldn't be so sure for pragmatic reasons.
Men are more replaceable.
Women carry the future.

Livelovebehappy · 09/03/2026 18:50

Itsmetheflamingo · 09/03/2026 18:01

“Too many people will get out of it with 'issues'. Ie MH, Adhd, anxiety, stress, etc etc. Today's young aren't resilient.”

that’s what you said. Seems rather more sweeping to all young people than in response to one (older) person in 8 pages thinking their son will be exempt for autism.

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I didn’t say I didn’t reference the young. I did, but also referenced able bodied people. But the reality is, we won’t be sending any foot soldiers to fight a war in Iran. It’s not going to be needed.

Carla786 · 14/03/2026 07:39

Dappy777 · 09/03/2026 15:35

In 1940 this still felt like a country. The majority of people were descended from those who had lived here for centuries. People felt part of a 'tribe'. They lived in a country with a shared history and shared culture and shared identity. That has all gone. When immigration happens on a massive scale, and the majority of immigrants either know nothing about your country, or, frankly, hate it, you've got a problem.

Also, in 1940 the Left had not got control of the universities or the publishing industry. People hadn't been taught to despise their own history and culture. Their national heroes hadn't been ridiculed and demonized. My ancestors fought in both WW1 and WW2, but if war broke out tomorrow I wouldn't lift a finger. MY enemies are the sneering, Oxbridge-educated Left, not Putin or China or Iran. You think I'm going to risk my life to defend Owen Jones' new Britain? No chance! As two-tier Keir said, this is now an "island of strangers". Who wants to die for a island of strangers?

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I agree with what you say re effects of mass immigration, but do you really not consider Putin & Xi & the Ayatollah your enemies? They may not be pleasant, but Owen Jones et Al aren't wielding nuclear bombs or plotting dictatorial domination. I don't think we're going to be invaded, be if Xi or Putin or Ayatollah did, would you just surrender on the basis they're 'not the enemy'?

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