Program for 18- and 19-Year-Olds Aims to Enhance National Mobilization and Defense
PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron announced today the introduction of a new voluntary military service program for young citizens, stating it is necessary to ready the nation for “future challenges and threats.” The program, which complements France’s existing professional contract-based service, is scheduled to begin next summer.
The service will be open to all citizens, men and women, aged 18 to 19. It will last 10 months, consisting of one month of initial weapons training followed by nine months of service within military units. Recruits will participate exclusively in domestic operations, including anti-terrorist patrols such as “Sentinelle,” and will eventually have options to serve in gendarmerie or firefighting units.
Macron stressed that while the country will not revive conscription, a “national mobilization for our own defense” is required. The program, which will be strictly military and overseen by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, is modeled after initiatives in countries like Norway.
Initially, around 3,000 “highly motivated” volunteers will be selected, with annual recruitment expected to climb to 50,000 by 2035. Volunteers are projected to receive a monthly stipend of around €800, in addition to free meals and lodging.
The program will require an additional €2 billion in funding and amendments to the 2026-2030 military planning law. Participants will join the “operational reserve” after completing the service, helping to grow the military reserve from 45,000 to 80,000 by 2030.