General sir patrick sanders raises concerns over army size and potential War with Russia.

In a stark announcement today, General Sir Patrick Sanders, the head of the British Army, revealed that ordinary citizens may be called upon to fight in the event of war due to the current inadequacy of the armed forces. Speaking at the International Armoured Vehicles expo in Twickenham, Sir Patrick emphasized the need for a national mobilization if conflict arises, particularly with Russia.

The concerns over the size of the British military have been escalating, with Sir Patrick stressing the necessity for a “shift” in the public’s mindset to prepare for potential hostilities. This declaration comes shortly after a NATO chief, Admiral Rob Bauer, warned that civilians must be ready for an all-out war with Russia in the next two decades.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is facing scrutiny over military spending, especially considering the heightened risks of war. Despite increased geopolitical tensions and the UK’s participation in significant military exercises, the Defence Secretary refused to provide a specific timeline for meeting the Tory pledge to raise defence spending.

General Sir Patrick Sanders has previously expressed concerns about the growing threat from Russia, stating in 2022 that the UK is facing its “1937 moment.” Drawing parallels with historical events, he urged rapid action to prevent being drawn into conflict through a failure to contain territorial expansion.

This announcement follows warnings from former Chief of the General Staff, General Lord Dannatt, who highlighted the potential risks of history repeating itself if more investments are not made in the armed forces. Lord Dannatt specifically called for a review of pay and conditions, stressing the need for urgent improvements to attract and retain military personnel.

As geopolitical uncertainties continue to rise, the British Army faces a reduction in its regular troop size from 82,000 to 73,000 by 2025, according to government proposals. Despite assurances from Shapps, critics argue that the armed forces’ shrinking size poses a significant risk, and immediate action is imperative to maintain a credible deterrent against potential adversaries.

As the public grapples with the implications of these warnings, the broader debate on military spending, preparedness, and the potential involvement of ordinary citizens in times of war intensifies.