France is re-establishing a limited form of military service, more than 25 years after its conscription system was phased out. This initiative is being implemented amid concerns related to international security.
Introduction of Voluntary Military Service
The plan involves young men and women volunteering for a paid 10-month military training program. President Emmanuel Macron announced the plan at an infantry base near Grenoble, stating, "The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it." He further added, "We need to mobilise, mobilising the nation to defend itself, to be ready and remain respected."
The new "national service" will be introduced gradually, beginning next summer. It will primarily target individuals aged 18 to 19, who will receive a monthly stipend of at least €800 (£700).
Key Details and Expansion
- Initial Phase: Numbers will commence with 3,000 volunteers in the first year.
- Projected Growth: This figure is projected to increase to 50,000 by 2035.
- Current Force: France's current armed forces comprise approximately 200,000 military personnel and 47,000 reservists.
- New Structure: The new scheme aims to establish a three-tier military structure, incorporating professional soldiers, reservists, and volunteers.
Rationale and European Context
President Macron commented on the global situation, stating that "In this uncertain world where might triumphs over right, war is in the present tense." He described the initiative as "an act of trust in our youth," anticipating that the armed forces would benefit from motivated young French citizens.
This change aligns France with several other European countries that have initiated military service programs, with varying structures, in response to perceived geopolitical shifts. Examples include:
- Voluntary Service: Belgium and the Netherlands have introduced voluntary military service, and Germany is developing a similar proposal. Belgium's defence ministry recently invited 17-year-olds to volunteer for approximately €2,000 (£1,750) per month.
- Compulsory Schemes: Lithuania and Latvia operate compulsory schemes where cadets are selected via lottery.
- Merit-Based Selection: Sweden, a recent NATO member, has implemented a nine- to 15-month military service with selection based on merit.
- Continuous Service: Finland and Greece have maintained military service without interruption.
- Upcoming Vote: Switzerland will hold a vote to potentially replace mandatory service for men with compulsory civic duty for all.
- No Current Plans: Countries like the UK and Spain have not indicated plans to reintroduce military service.
Military Leadership Perspectives and Public Opinion
French military chiefs generally support the measure, expecting it to create a pool of trained personnel capable of supporting professional soldiers and undertaking non-frontline duties. There is also an expectation that some volunteers may pursue full military careers.
Thomas Gassilloud, president of the National Assembly's defence committee, remarked that the new military service contributes to the "hybridisation of the armed forces," suggesting a rebalance from an entirely professional military.
General Fabien Mandon, the newly appointed chief-of-staff, stated that French military planning includes the assumption of a confrontation with Russia within the next three to four years. He previously suggested that the nation needed to prepare for the possibility of "losing children" in conflict; these comments were criticized by political factions and deemed unconstructive by the government. President Macron subsequently clarified that there were no plans to deploy young recruits to fight in Ukraine.
Polls indicate significant public support for voluntary military service. An Elabe survey showed 73% of respondents supported the measure. While individuals aged 25-34 demonstrated the least support, a 60% majority still favored the initiative within this demographic.