France Introduces Voluntary Military Service Program to Strengthen National Defense

President Emmanuel Macron of France has revealed plans for a new voluntary military service program targeting 18 and 19-year-olds, set to commence next year with a duration of 10 months. This initiative comes as France works to strengthen its armed forces in response to escalating global threats.

During his address at the Varces military base in the French Alps, Macron stated, "A new national service is scheduled to be implemented gradually, beginning from next summer." He clarified that participants will serve exclusively within France's mainland and overseas territories, not in international military operations.

The French government has emphasized that this program does not represent a return to mandatory conscription, which was abolished in France in 1996. The new initiative is entirely voluntary in nature.