British Soldiers Told To Get Set For War Against Russia, Warn Loved Ones

According to the Army’s top “other ranks” soldier, troops must be prepared to fight Russia – and should notify loved ones of a potential conflict.

Warrant Officer Paul Carney warned that the UK military was “shaping itself to meet Russia’s threat and was ready to counter any aggression.”

It was time to prepare “families and loved ones” for possible deportation to the East.

He said the world had changed since Vladimir Putin’s February 23 invasion of Ukraine – six months ago on Tuesday – and that British troops “must be prepared for new realities.”

“I want us all to check we are physically fit for operations,” wrote WO1 Carney, the Army’s highest-ranking Warrant Officer, in Soldier magazine.

And it is also important we prepare loved ones and families, who often have the hardest role in our absence.

“My ask is that you have discussions about a potential deployment with them now. Find the numbers for the support networks and the relevant people who can help them, such as the unit welfare officer and padre.

“This is key as we could be out of contact for extended periods on tour. Making sure our loved ones have the support they need is vital for us too, as we’re not going to give 100% on tour if we are worried about home.”

General Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of the Army, said: “This is prudent advice from the Army’s top soldier. It does not mean the Army is about to deploy to Ukraine but it is the duty of any army in peacetime to prepare for war, in every aspect of life.

“However, with a war in Europe, an aggressive Russia, and concerned countries on Russia’s borders, it is only natural for British soldiers to be realistic about what might happen.”

His mention of being disconnected refers to Russia intercepting and listening in on mobile phones. And his warning echoes that of Army Chief General Sir Patrick Sanders, who said in June, “We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once more.”

The war has killed or injured 100,000 Ukrainian and Russian troops.

Britain has sent anti-tank weapons and rocket launchers to Ukraine, as well as assistance in training its forces, and Royal Marines are now stationed inside the British embassy in Kyiv.