Some former members of Britain’s armed forces could remain eligible for recall for an extra decade under the Armed Forces Bill. The government wants to raise the upper age limit from 55 to 65 so that, in a crisis, the military can draw on people who already know the job. The proposal applies to people with a military service record. Age alone would give the government no power to call up a civilian.

For veterans, one of the most important details is when they left service. Under the Ministry of Defense’s plan, people already in the Strategic Reserve would have to opt in for the new terms to apply. For those serving in the regular forces or volunteer reserves when the rules change, the new terms would generally apply on leaving, with an option to opt out.

The bill would also change when the government could act. Existing powers allow recall in circumstances such as a major emergency or an attack on the UK. The proposal would add “warlike preparations” as a reason for recall. That would let the armed forces bring experienced people back while preparing for a possible conflict.

What might that work involve? Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths, who heads Standing Joint Command, pointed to medicine, intelligence, communications and cyber defense. Someone who leaves the forces can spend years developing those same skills in a civilian career. A higher age limit would give the military more time to draw on that experience.

As of 5 November 2026, the bill was still before Parliament, with the Commons due to consider amendments made by the Lords. The Ministry of Defense has said it intends to test the expanded recall powers in 2027.