World3 min(s) read
Published 16:20 02 Apr 2026 GMT
Will women be conscripted if World War 3 breaks out? Protocol has been explained
The ongoing conflict between the US, Iran, and Israel has escalated, with drones and missiles being launched across the Middle East.
Flight delays and cancellations left many people stranded, with governments issuing warnings for several countries.
As uncertainty grows, many are now asking whether women would be required to serve if World War Three breaks out.
What The Law Says
As the Daily Record reported, right now, there is no conscription in the UK as the armed forces are fully voluntary.
Historically, conscription was used in World War I and World War II as men between the ages of 18 and 41 were expected to register for service, while women were later brought in for support roles.
However, times have changed today as women now serve as volunteers in the armed forces and can be deployed on the front lines in combat roles.
This means they would be far more likely to be included if conscription returned.
Public Opinion on Conscription Today
A recent poll from YouGov in 2024 revealed a shift in public opinion, as 72% of people in the UK believe women should be conscripted if the country were involved in a war.
Of this, 42% feel women should be conscripted on equal terms with men, while 30% believe there should be some restrictions, such as limiting women’s roles in frontline combat.
Despite this, the question of whether the government would follow through on such a policy remains uncertain.
US-Israel War On Iran Sparks Concern
The growing anxiety comes as the Iran conflict intensifies. On Wednesday (April 1), President Donald Trump issued a 20-minute address to the country, claiming that the war is close to ending.
"Tonight, I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion," he said. "As we celebrate this progress, we think especially of the 13 American warriors who have laid down their lives in this fight to prevent our children from ever having to face a nuclear Iran."
He also alleged that families of 13 fallen soldiers urged him to continue fighting Iran: "We salute them, and now we must honor them by completing the mission for which they gave their lives.
"And every single one of the people, their loved ones said 'Please, sir, please finish the job,' every one of them. And we are going to finish the job," he added. This was also echoed by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
However, that claim has been disputed by Charles Simmons, the father of Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, who was killed in Iraq after a refueling aircraft crashed.
Simmons told NBC News: "I can’t speak for the other families. When he spoke to me, that was not something we talked about."