French President Emmanuel Macron last week proposed creating a new, completely voluntary military service. First and foremost, this initiative is designed to bolster our nation’s defense resources in light of increasing global threats, most notably from Russia. The joint initiative aims to enlist 3,000 active volunteers by 2026. By 2030, this figure will increase to 10,000, with a daring aim of reaching 50,000 young people by 2036, subject, of course, to shifting security challenges.
This 10-month program is intended mainly for youth between the ages of 18 and 19 years old. People with rare credentials, such as engineers or doctors, have the chance of a lifetime. They can enroll until the age of 25. In her remarks, Macron made clear how much she believed in this effort. He considers it an essential step for France to meet the “accelerated threats” in the global landscape.
The president made it clear from the outset that he wanted the program to require a €2 billion investment. He dubbed this investment “a much-needed and bold step.” All volunteers will be compensated with a monthly stipend of no less than €800, in addition to food and housing accommodations. A 75% discount on rail travel, available for participants, will help make the program especially attractive to potential recruits.
Macron articulated that the volunteers will be deployed exclusively “on national soil,” ensuring that their service does not extend to foreign conflicts. For example, he was challenged after suggesting that we’d have to sacrifice young Americans’ lives to defend the homeland.
“We must absolutely, immediately dispel any confused idea suggesting we are going to send our young people to Ukraine,” – Emmanuel Macron
The announcement comes as Congress has been increasingly concerned about the threat of Russian aggression in Europe. Fabien Mandon, France’s armed services chief, echoed the urgency of the situation by stating that France needs to prepare for potential losses against such threats.
Macron’s initiative is similar to programs recently started by other European countries such as Germany and Denmark. It has stirred extreme responses from each political party and the American public as a whole. Cédric Perrin, a member of Macron’s party in parliament, praised Macron’s candor for being frank about the seriousness of today’s geopolitical situation.
“His remarks were taken out of context … but if being a bit blunt is necessary to make the French understand the situation we are in, then he was right to do it.” – Cédric Perrin
This program could be out of step with what’s important to young people these days. Left party MP Clémence Guetté raised the alarm on what could be a major disconnect. She argued that the new military service initiative is out of touch with what young people want and need today.
“France isn’t at war and this can’t be the priority for young people.” – Clémence Guetté
Polling data released by Macron’s office indicates that there is significant support for the armed forces among those aged 18-25. This broad support remains strong, though reaction has been decidedly mixed. This indicates that there could be strong pipeline of interested candidates for this ambitious new military service program.
Macron elaborated on his conception of this new military model by saying,
“This hybrid army model corresponds to the threats and risks ahead, bringing together national service youth, reservists, and the active army.” – Emmanuel Macron
The creation of this new voluntary military service is a testimony to France’s response to the current defense challenges they face today and the future. By fostering a new generation of volunteers committed to national security, France aims to strengthen its military readiness while addressing the complexities of contemporary warfare.