Armed Forces Bill to see veterans recalled up to age 65 - Northern Ireland reactions range from 'ridiculous' to 'amazing'
Plans to recall military veterans up to the age of 65 have drawn reactions ranging from “ridiculous” to “amazing” in Northern Ireland.
The Armed Forces Bill will raise the recall age from 55 to 65 and make mobilisation easier in a crisis from next spring.
UK Commander Standing Joint Command, Lt General Paul Griffiths, said the plan aligns with that of NATO allies and "reflects lessons from Ukraine’s innovative use of Reserves and whole of society response to Russian aggression".
There is particular demand for expertise in cyber, medicine, intelligence and communications - he said - but did not clarify if combat roles were excluded.
However Mark Campbell, who served the Royal Artillery and seven years in the Full Time UDR, said it was "a ridiculous idea".
He added: "I'm 66 now and a lot of veterans my age suffer from PTSD as well as knee and back problems from our service.
"I would hope this is for non-combat roles as I can't see many over 55s running about the battlefield in full gear."
But Robert McCartney, chairman of veterans support charity Beyond the Battlefield in Newtownards, was enthused.
"I think this would be amazing," said the former Royal Irish soldier.
"The experience veterans bring to the table and the amount of capable instructors they would supply for warfare and vehicles and equipment, would enable ground troops to be professionally trained much more quickly. The old school would also restore the discipline so required by today's forces."
Northern Ireland Commissioner for Veterans David Johnsone said the government "deserves credit" for the move in light of challenges in Europe.
"The new legislation makes it clear that veterans who wish to be called up, should the government deem it necessary, will have to opt in, so it is not mandatory," he said.
"As Commissioner I believe that every veteran will make their own decision based on their own individual circumstances but I am sure many will feel a sense of duty and will answer the call if the nation needs them."
UUP MLA and former Royal Irish Major Doug Beattie retired from the reserve forces last year aged 60.
He says it is already normal to employ military personel up to 60 - and even older in some specialisms.
"To raise the age of the strategic reserve from 60 to 65 will not see an increase of age in individuals in dismounted close combat roles," he said.
Instead it will see older veterans taking on office, logistic or training specialisms in order to free up younger soldiers for other duties. He said 55 is currently viewed as the cut off age for many combat roles.
David Crabbe, President of veterans group Decorum NI, said the move will have little impact on his members - as so many are over 65.
"Any that are younger would have to voluntarily opt in - so it really only affects those who are currently serving or thinking of joining up," he said.
The move reflects increasing reliance on Reserves given the ‘standing army’ is now less than 75,000.
He added that many retired veterans in NI continue to service in reserve battalions.
"Northern Ireland has a proud record of having a very high percentage of mobilised Reserves compared to the rest of the UK," he added.