France to introduce 10-month voluntary military service amid Russia threat.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to introduce a new 10-month voluntary military service aimed mainly at young people aged 18-19. This comes as concern grows in Europe about the ongoing threat from Russia. The service will begin by mid-2026, with the aim of bolstering France's armed forces and providing a large pool of potential reservists.
The initiative is part of Macron's broader efforts to modernize the French military and prepare it for potential future threats. Speaking at a military parade in the French Alps, Macron stated that France cannot remain idle in the face of "accelerating threats" on the global stage.
Under the new scheme, men and women aged 18-19 can volunteer to serve for 10 months. They will be paid a minimum of €800 per month, receive food and accommodation, and enjoy a 75% discount on rail travel. The service will focus solely on national soil, with no deployments abroad planned.
Macron's office has cited polling data suggesting high support among 18- to 25-year-olds for the armed forces and voluntary military service. However, not everyone is in favour of the new initiative. Cédric Perrin, president of the French senate's foreign affairs committee, defended Gen Fabien Mandon's comments, saying they were taken out of context.
Critics argue that France isn't at war with Russia and that this should be a priority for young people. Clémence Guetté, of the leftwing party La France Insoumise, described the new scheme as "absurd". Sébastien Chenu, an MP for Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party, welcomed the initiative.
The French government estimates the plan will cost €2 billion by 2030. Macron aims to increase the number of volunteers from 3,000 in 2026 to 50,000 by 2036. Once the program is completed, participants can integrate into civilian life or remain in the armed forces as reservists.
France joins a growing list of European nations introducing similar voluntary military service programs in response to Russia's aggression and shifting US priorities.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to introduce a new 10-month voluntary military service aimed mainly at young people aged 18-19. This comes as concern grows in Europe about the ongoing threat from Russia. The service will begin by mid-2026, with the aim of bolstering France's armed forces and providing a large pool of potential reservists.
The initiative is part of Macron's broader efforts to modernize the French military and prepare it for potential future threats. Speaking at a military parade in the French Alps, Macron stated that France cannot remain idle in the face of "accelerating threats" on the global stage.
Under the new scheme, men and women aged 18-19 can volunteer to serve for 10 months. They will be paid a minimum of €800 per month, receive food and accommodation, and enjoy a 75% discount on rail travel. The service will focus solely on national soil, with no deployments abroad planned.
Macron's office has cited polling data suggesting high support among 18- to 25-year-olds for the armed forces and voluntary military service. However, not everyone is in favour of the new initiative. Cédric Perrin, president of the French senate's foreign affairs committee, defended Gen Fabien Mandon's comments, saying they were taken out of context.
Critics argue that France isn't at war with Russia and that this should be a priority for young people. Clémence Guetté, of the leftwing party La France Insoumise, described the new scheme as "absurd". Sébastien Chenu, an MP for Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party, welcomed the initiative.
The French government estimates the plan will cost €2 billion by 2030. Macron aims to increase the number of volunteers from 3,000 in 2026 to 50,000 by 2036. Once the program is completed, participants can integrate into civilian life or remain in the armed forces as reservists.
France joins a growing list of European nations introducing similar voluntary military service programs in response to Russia's aggression and shifting US priorities.
... I mean, France cant just sit back while Russia is being all aggressive 
? But at the same time, 10 months is a pretty long time to be away from home, especially for young people who are just starting their careers 
. And €800/month isnt exactly enough money to live comfortably 
. Plus, isnt this gonna be some kinda draft system where they can choose not to serve? I hope so, cant imagine all those young ppl having to deal with that stress 
...
. And let's be real, a 75% discount on rail travel might not be as appealing when you're dealing with actual combat situations 
. We've gotta keep an eye on this one, France needs to think bigger than just 10 months of voluntary service 
. They're already dealing with so much pressure and uncertainty, and now they're being asked to put their lives on hold for 10 months? It sounds like a lot of responsibility, especially when it comes to something that might not even happen.
I mean, I remember my grandfather used to talk about the conscription days in 'Nam and how it affected his life. Now, they're trying to do something similar with young people...it's like déjà vu. 
And what about education and career development? These kids are just starting their lives, shouldn't they be focused on getting a degree or finding a job instead of serving in the military? 
I'm not saying it's all bad, but I do worry that this might set a precedent for more militarization. 
Can we really afford that? 
I think this is such an awesome idea! 10 months of military service can be super beneficial for young people, helping them develop skills like teamwork and problem-solving while also giving back to their country 
. And who knows, it might even inspire some future leaders or diplomats 
. I mean, sure, there are concerns about cost and context, but let's not forget that France is a global leader in so many ways 
. Plus, think of all the amazing experiences they'll have - from learning new skills to traveling across Europe (thanks to that 75% rail travel discount 
i cant believe france is gonna make ppl do military service for 10 months 
like whats next? mandatory service on reddit? lol just kidding sorta 
anyway idk about this but i feel like its kinda cool that france is taking steps to prepare for russia and stuff 
i mean we dont wanna see europe go up in flames 
so yeah id support it 
btw 50,000 volunteers by 2036 sounds like a lot of people gettin paid €800/month tho 
It's all about the youth, right? Young people can't even afford to travel without breaking the bank and now you want them to fork over €800 a month for basic food and accommodation? 
also €800 a month is kinda cool tho 
its not like they're going to be stuck in the military forever or anything, 10 months seems manageable. dont know about the whole national security thing though, is it really that bad with russia? 
& whats w/ the 75% rail travel discount? cant they jst give them free transportation or smthn? 
. Plus, who doesn't want to travel for 10 months and get paid for it? 
️ It's not like they're forcing anyone to do it... they're actually offering it as an option. And 75% discount on rail travel is pretty sweet too! 
, especially with all the tensions between them and Russia right now. I mean, 10 months is still pretty short, but its better than nothing, you know? Some people might say they're just trying to be prepared, which I get, but also some folks are saying it's a waste of time when there's no war going on 
It seems like Macron is more concerned about his legacy as a strong leader than actually addressing the root causes of global tensions.