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Ministry of Defence Struggles to Contact 95,000 Veterans

4/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Ministry of Defence has lost track of veterans it recalls in emergencies, according to former defence secretary George Robertson.
He said officials lack updated contact information for about 95,000 veterans in the strategic reserve.
The government faces criticism for slow action to rejuvenate the reserve.
The Royal United Services Institute highlighted issues with integrating recalled personnel.
The Ministry of Defence said improvements are underway.

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Story summary

The Ministry of Defence has lost track of veterans it recalls in emergencies, according to former defence secretary George Robertson.
He said officials lack updated contact information for about 95,000 veterans in the strategic reserve.
The government faces criticism for slow action to rejuvenate the reserve.
The Royal United Services Institute highlighted issues with integrating recalled personnel.
The Ministry of Defence said improvements are underway.