Macron Announces 10‑Month Voluntary Military Service for 18–19‑Year‑Olds to Boost France’s Defences

President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a new voluntary national military service for 18- and 19-year-olds that will begin next summer as part of a wider effort to strengthen France’s armed forces amid growing security concerns in Europe.

The program will initially recruit 3,000 young people next year and is planned to grow to 10,000 annually by 2030, with ambitions to reach 50,000 per year by 2035 depending on international developments. Participants will hold military status, receive pay and equipment, and will serve only within France’s mainland and overseas territories; they will not be deployed to overseas combat operations.

Structure of the Program

Recruits will undergo one month of basic training and then spend nine months assigned to military units where they will perform duties similar to those of active personnel. After completing the 10-month service, participants will transfer into the military reserve while continuing their education or civilian careers. Those who choose may pursue a professional career in the active military.

“A new national service is set to be gradually established, starting from next summer,” Macron said, adding that in today’s uncertain world the nation must not be unprepared or divided.

Conscription and Exceptional Measures

Macron reiterated that general conscription will not be reinstated (France ended compulsory service in 1996). He said parliament could, however, under "exceptional circumstances," authorize mandatory enlistment for individuals identified during a one-day defence course that all youth undergo.

Budget and Force Targets

The announcement accompanies a planned defence spending increase that includes an additional €6.5 billion over two years and a target of €64 billion in annual defence spending by 2027. The 2026–2030 defence budget allocates more than €2 billion for the national service. France’s armed forces currently count roughly 200,000 active personnel and over 40,000 reservists; officials aim to expand reservists to 100,000 by 2030.

Context and Reactions

The plan follows stark comments from France’s new army chief of staff, Gen. Fabien Mandon, who warned the country must be prepared for severe sacrifice if a confrontation with Russia occurs, citing Russia’s actions in Georgia (2008), Crimea (2014) and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Gen. Mandon said he believes Russia is preparing for potential confrontation with European countries by 2030.

Across Europe, several countries are also expanding recruitment or training programs: Germany is proposing a voluntary service (pending parliamentary approval), Belgium is piloting a small recruitment drive, and Poland is rolling out voluntary training with plans to train 100,000 volunteers per year from 2027 to bolster its reserves. Ten EU countries maintain compulsory service, while Norway (non-EU) has mandatory service for both men and women.

This national service aims to increase France’s readiness, broaden civic ties to defence, and expand the pool of reservists without returning to universal conscription.