MoD Admits Losing Track of 95K Vet Reserves

0:00On April 19th, the Ministry of Defense emits it doesn't know where most of its 95,000 strategic reserve veterans are located, the ones. Who could get call back in a national emergency? Former NATO chief, Lord George Robertson, dropped his bombshell, saying officials haven't kept solid contact lists updated. They only sent annual check-in letters for the first six years after Vets leave full-time service, and it's on them to update details. After that, records fade out, a habit neglected since the Cold War ended. Robertson slammed the labor government for putting national security at risk by prioritizing welfare over defense spending. He called out the welfare budget now, five times bigger than defense. Warning Britain is under-prepared and under attack. Military numbers have shrunk from over 100,000 in 2010 to about 70,000 today with recruitment tough. To fix it, they're raising the recall age from 55 to 65 next year and expanding it to war-like operations via the Armed Forces Bill.

1:01Officials say they're acting on review recommendations, improving data and outreach to mobilize talent fast when needed, aiming to rebuild that. Reserve strength before trouble hits.