Up until the late 1950's both the Australian and Canadian armed forces were modelled on those of the UK. The UK, or more correctly the mainland of the British Isles, only introduced conscription in 1916 during the First World War and in the period 1939 to 1945 during World War Two. Due to the threat posed by Soviet Russia in the immediate aftermath of WW II conscription in the form of two years National Service was maintained until 1957. Apart from those periods the UK has always "fielded" a volunteer, or professional army.

The same could not be said of the Royal Navy who, up to and including the Napoleonic War, were allowed to impress men for service against their will in time of war.