news
Share icon

Share

People with specific heights could avoid conscription if WW3 breaks out

Published 12:55 16 Jan 2026 GMT

Updated 12:55 16 Jan 2026 GMT

Lum Haliti
People with specific heights could avoid conscription if WW3 breaks out

Homenews

Get our Pub Quizzes and latest news straight to you by clicking here »

If you're short you might escape war

Some Brits might avoid military service altogether thanks to their height, or lack thereof, if World War Three does end up happening.

There are some people who would be exempt depending on one's job or health status, but one way out of conscription may be height, as the British Army has a minimum height requirement of 4'10 (147cm).

This means that you might escape conscription if you are a “short king”, in the event of a new world war.

According to the government, conscription will likely not happen in the near future while Chief of the Defence Staff has said he cannot see it returning in the short term, as there currently no plans for it to be introduced.

However, the rising tensions around the globe have brought the topic back again, as millions of Brits are nervous for their imminent futures.

Just this year alone, US President Donald Trump ordered the US military to carry out strikes on Venezuela, as it abducted Nicolas Maduro, the country’s president.

In the meantime, Trump has threatened to do things the “hard way” when it comes to Greenland.

These could be just some of the reasons why many Brits will likely still be anxious, considering the tumultuous start we have had in the new year.

On the other hand, 30% said they wouldn’t serve in the case of an “imminent invasion”.

Explore more on these topics: